We recently connected with Desiree Flores and have shared our conversation below.

Desiree, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I started beauty school, I knew I wanted to open my own business, but finding the right name seemed daunting. I wanted it to be meaningful, catchy, and easy to remember. After discussing with my best friends, we settled on Bella Lash + Skin SA, honoring my late mother whose nickname was Bella, short for Belia. Initially focused on lash extensions and facials, the name felt okay but not quite right. Then, in a moment of inspiration in the shower, Haus of Bella Esthetics came to mind. “Haus” means house in German, a nod to my beloved “Oma” (grandma in German) who, though not blood-related, was a significant influence in my life. Haus of Bella embodies the two women I cherished most, who are no longer with us. Both my mother and Oma were my “home” growing up, and I strive to recreate that sense of comfort for my clients. Reading Google reviews from my clients often mentions how comfortable I make them feel. It’s my mission to provide exceptional service and results in a welcoming environment, just as my mom and Oma did for me.

Desiree, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Desiree Flores, a licensed esthetician, first-generation college graduate, and proud mother to a wonderful 9-year-old daughter.
Currently pursuing a master’s degree in marketing, I specialize in skincare as the founder of Haus of Bella Esthetics, a Latina-owned business. Renowned as an intimate bleaching expert, I offer various treatments for hyperpigmentation in sensitive areas. I am also the exclusive San Antonio partner for Qúl, a luxury full-spectrum CBD skincare line not available in stores. My journey into the beauty industry began with a passion for skincare, leading me to pursue beauty school in 2021.

Since opening in 2022, Haus of Bella Esthetics has provided tailored services including intimate bleaching, custom facials, and Brazilian waxing. I am committed to delivering top-quality products and a welcoming, client-centric experience that empowers clients with transformative results.

In August 2024, I took on an additional role as a coach and educator for Crotch Cosmetics, specializing in intimate bleaching. I am the only certified educator for Crotch Cosmetics in Texas, responsible for training and educating current and future beauty professionals on their luxury products. I take great pride in helping others grow their businesses.

Separate from my business, I co-administrate The Estheticians of San Antonio Facebook group with a fellow esthetician. In June, we successfully launched our inaugural annual event, Glow & Gather, offering exclusive education and networking opportunities for students and licensed estheticians. Supported by industry-leading companies, our event featured prominent speakers and sponsors.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I come from a life of struggles—divorced parents, poverty, and early uncertainty about my future. Despite getting good grades, I struggled with school and didn’t finish my bachelor’s degree until age 29. I separated from my daughter’s father when she was 2, navigating life with a strong support system but feeling lost. In 2019, amid buying my first home and a job promotion, my world turned upside down when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer. She passed away after 15 months, and during that time, I faced Covid, an abusive relationship, and her eventual loss. Spiraling into depression, I eventually found the strength to leave the abuse, and six months later, grieving but determined, I enrolled in beauty school while working full-time. Despite challenges and mom guilt, I graduated in mid-2022, turning my darkest days into a newfound passion. I opened my business soon after, driven by the desire to show my daughter that perseverance conquers all.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, has been instrumental for me. TikTok alone has brought in countless new clients because people want to connect with the face behind the business. I share videos discussing my services, with a focus on intimate bleaching, and highlight client success stories to boost engagement. My website complements these efforts. Additionally, word of mouth has been my second most effective client acquisition method. I’m grateful when clients recommend me to friends and coworkers, often sharing my business card or website.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hausofbellaesthetics.shop
• Instagram: Haus_of_bella_esthetics
• Facebook: Haus of Bella Esthetics
• Linkedin: Na
• Twitter: NA
• Yelp: Haus of Bella esthetics
• Other: TikTok – Haus of Bella esthetics

Image Credits

Main photo (dark hair) – kikanaphotography

All other photos, Rethlyn photography