We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arlette Cotrina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arlette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

When I started TéTé, I had no family or friends nearby to practice on, so I turned to social media. Using a single photo from my nano brow training, I offered free sessions to strangers. After gaining confidence, I started charging $50 for models. My first paying client came from those posts—a stranger who trusted me with her brows. I was nervous but prepared, and when I saw her smile after the session, I knew I was on the right path. Earning that first dollar felt like the start of something bigger, and it gave me the motivation to keep growing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Arlette, and I’m the owner of TéTé, a permanent makeup business specializing in nano brows, powder brows, combo brows, and lip blushing. My journey into this industry began when I realized how much I enjoyed creating art that could truly make people feel more confident and beautiful. After moving to the U.S., I trained intensively in permanent makeup, earning certifications from skilled artists and practicing to perfect my craft.

At TéTé, I focus on creating natural, tailored results for each client, whether it’s enhancing their brows or adding soft color to their lips. I solve the problem of daily makeup routines, offering semi-permanent solutions that save time and boost self-confidence. What sets me apart is my attention to detail, my ability to create results that suit each client’s unique features, and my deep care for their comfort throughout the process.

I’m most proud of the transformations I’ve been able to create—whether it’s giving someone brows after years without or helping a client achieve the effortless, polished look they’ve always wanted. I want my clients to know that my work is about enhancing their natural beauty in a way that feels authentic and long-lasting. TéTé is not just about services; it’s about giving people the confidence to embrace their own beauty every day.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I moved to the U.S., I worked for a year and a half, saving every dollar I could with the dream of starting my own business. I was focused and disciplined, making sacrifices to ensure I had the funds to invest in the essentials—training, equipment, and supplies. I didn’t have access to loans or outside funding, so I relied entirely on my ability to save and manage my budget carefully. Knowing that every penny I saved was bringing me closer to my goal made the effort worth it. By the time I was ready to launch TéTé, I had built a foundation that came from hard work and determination, and it made my business journey all the more meaningful.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started TéTé, I didn’t have the luxury of steady funding or connections in the beauty industry. One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my savings with the costs of training, supplies, and building a portfolio. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, especially being in a new country without a safety net.

One specific moment tested my resilience when I faced rejection after rejection while trying to find models for my work. I knew I needed to show my skills to grow, but convincing strangers to trust me was a battle. I didn’t let the setbacks stop me. Instead, I refined my approach, improved my social media presence, and kept reaching out. Slowly but surely, people started saying yes. That persistence allowed me to build my portfolio and gain the confidence to charge for my services.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning, adapting, and continuing to move forward, no matter how tough the journey feels.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Browsbytete.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browsbytete_?igsh=MTB2cm9uZjN2c29uag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSzQTLiQ4/?mibextid=wwXIfr