We recently connected with Liz Barbosa Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I got my first client through my first salon job, and I will forever be thankful to the salon owner for giving me the opportunity to work at her salon as a newly graduated cosmetology hairstylist. I started in July 2021, booking simple haircuts and all-over colors, just in time for the back-to-school rush. Many young girls found me on Instagram and trusted me with the layered haircuts that were becoming super popular. I was so excited because I felt confident doing these cuts, and they didn’t realize they were helping me practice and grow. I wasn’t even focused on the money; I was more invested in building my skills and confidence in a real salon without the supervision of my cosmetology teachers. I will always be grateful for this experience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my hairstylist journey in February 2020, which feels both like a long time ago and just yesterday, haha! I always had a passion for the beauty industry and knew I wanted to be part of it, though I wasn’t sure which specialty to pursue. Starting just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was devastated, thinking it would interfere with my plans, but instead, it pushed me to stay focused despite the chaos in the world. Thankfully, my industry’s strong emphasis on sanitation allowed us to keep working through it all.

I graduated a month early in June 2021 and started working right away, eager to gain as much knowledge as possible. I began by assisting until I got my license, then started taking on salon clients. I chose to specialize in color, particularly working with dark-haired clients, and I’ve been dedicated to that ever since. Three years later, I’ve become an independent hairstylist specializing in brunette and blonde balayage, while also creating content around hair, beauty, and lifestyle.

I never imagined achieving all that I have, especially as someone who migrated from Mexico and faced uncertainty about my future due to my immigration status. If there’s one thing my mother always instilled in me, it’s to set ambitious goals, work hard, and stay true to myself. She taught me that God and the Universe would take care of the rest. My career journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me valuable lessons and motivated me to keep moving forward.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I started posting consistently on Instagram and TikTok! I know people hear this all the time, but it’s true—this is an amazing and free way to advertise your business. My business page includes details on how clients can book with me, which city in Arizona I’m located in, and more. I always tell other hairstylists or business owners not to stress too much about the layout of their page. Instead, focus on getting clear pictures or videos using your phone with a tripod, which is so inexpensive on Amazon. I even have an Amazon storefront with all the ‘filming content must-haves’ to help you get those great pictures for your business’s social media. I also recommend using the right hashtags. For example, if you’re a hairstylist in Arizona, use hashtags like ‘#azhairstylist’ and ‘#azhair.’ This way, your content will be pushed to people in your area, and those looking for a hairstylist can see your work and book with you. I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten most of my clients through social media.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started getting comments and more views on videos where I was talking to my audience, and that inspired me to feel more comfortable speaking with them. As the oldest in my family, I never had little sisters around, so the girls who follow me feel like that connection I never had. I love talking to them because we all share a passion for hair, beauty, and lifestyle. I’ve been able to build a supportive community of girls, and it’s something I truly cherish.

I think the confidence to make videos talking to the camera comes from my job, where I already do so much talking. It feels natural because I’m just being myself, not pretending to be someone else. It’s so important to be true to yourself, and your audience can see that. Don’t let your thoughts convince you it’s ‘cringe or embarrassing.’ If you truly enjoy it, post those videos—you never know where it could take you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bellezabyliz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellezabyliz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPW-ogZ_zs_EDEtpTBqLYw
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bellezabyliz

  Request Hair Appointment: https://app.formberry.io/0fz7CGGb