We were lucky to catch up with Barbara Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I started my career as a professional makeup artist, then attended esthetics school to become a brow artist. Later, I trained through an online program to learn skincare formulation, which led me to launch an entire skincare line. Afterward, I went back to the drawing board and asked myself how I could truly maximize all that I do. That’s when I decided to open a makeup and brow artistry training school.

All these businesses fall under the umbrella of beauty, and I use them as a ministry tool to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether I’m teaching, doing someone’s brows, or selling skincare, each opportunity allows me to touch people’s hearts and let them know that there is a Savior who has a purpose and plan for every life.

In the midst of this journey, I felt compelled to write a book about my life story. My book serves as both a testimony and a tool to show how Jesus saved and transformed me. Through it, I aim to bring hope and encouragement to others, inspiring them to fully embrace and live out the unique calling God has placed on their lives.

This is what sets my company apart from other beauty businesses: In the beauty industry, it’s common for clients to vent while the professional simply listens. My approach goes deeper. My goal is to help find real solutions while asking God to help me see each person the way Jesus does. I want to be a vessel during every beauty experience—bringing not just service, but also hope, encouragement, and, above all, truth.

Barbara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my journey in the beauty industry as a professional makeup artist, driven by a love for enhancing natural beauty and helping women feel confident in their own skin. Over time, my passion for beauty and artistry grew, leading me to attend esthetics school, where I specialized in brow artistry. I didn’t stop there—I wanted to understand beauty from the inside out, which led me to train in skincare formulation through an advanced online program. That knowledge allowed me to create and launch my own skincare line, designed to address real skin concerns while promoting healthy, radiant skin.
Through all these experiences, I realized that beauty for me was more than makeup and skincare—it was about transformation. I went back to the drawing board, asking myself how I could truly maximize everything I’ve learned. That’s when I made the decision to open a makeup and brow artistry training school, empowering others to step into the beauty industry equipped with skill, confidence, and purpose.

What sets my company apart is that it’s not just about external beauty. In the beauty industry, it’s common for clients to vent while professionals simply listen. My approach goes much deeper. I ask God to help me see each person the way Jesus does, allowing me to be a vessel during every appointment or class—bringing not only solutions for their beauty needs but also hope, encouragement, and truth that speaks to the heart.

I use every aspect of my business—whether teaching, performing a service, or selling skincare—as a ministry to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Beauty becomes a bridge to speak life into someone’s situation, to remind them that there is a Savior who loves them and has a unique purpose for their life.

One of my proudest accomplishments is writing my book, which tells my life story and how Jesus completely transformed me. It’s both a testimony and a tool to inspire others to find healing, hope, and the courage to walk out their own God-given calling.

I want potential clients, followers, and students to know that my brand is built on more than just beauty—it’s built on faith, purpose, and transformation. When you encounter my services, products, or classes, you’re not just receiving makeup, brows, or skincare; you’re stepping into an experience designed to uplift, equip, and remind you of the greater beauty and calling that God has placed within you.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What’s really helped me build my reputation is how I choose to show up for people. It’s about consideration—how I respond, how I react, and making sure I treat everyone with respect. I’ve learned to humble myself even when a client is challenging because, at the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel. I focus on doing everything with excellence, staying committed to the process, keeping open communication, and leaving an everlasting impression. I believe in treating people well, going above and beyond, and always overdelivering—that’s what’s kept people coming back and built the kind of reputation I’m proud of.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During the pandemic, when beauty businesses were among the first to shut down, many people in the industry panicked. A lot of owners took PPP loans and went into debt—something that’s probably still affecting them today. I chose a different route. I prayed and asked God what I should do, and I felt led to take the live makeup classes I had been hosting and record them to sell online.

At first, it was tough—when I launched, there was no movement and sales were slow. But a year later, a door opened that changed everything. A nonprofit organization in Boston, which serves at-risk youth and young adults by offering them job training, reached out to me. They wanted to use my online artistry program for their students, and for the next four years, they continued to partner with me. Those were the largest checks I had ever received in my business history.

That experience taught me that pivoting can be one of the biggest blessings. As business owners, it’s easy to get stuck in our routines and the way we’ve always done things. But being open to new ideas and strategies can launch your business to levels you never imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barbararodriguez.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbararodriguez.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbararodriguez.co

Image Credits

Rhina Tiburcio
Amy Levesque