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

Alright, Miriam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty industry, and the idea of being able to create something beautiful with my own hands felt incredible to me. When I first started doing nails, I almost gave up. Even something as simple as applying polish correctly wasn’t easy, and there were many moments when I questioned myself.

However, I had already left my previous career in hair, so I knew I couldn’t keep walking away every time something became difficult. That’s when I learned one of the most important lessons of my life: nothing worthwhile is easy. Success takes time, patience, consistency, and the willingness to keep going even when things feel challenging.

I spent eight years working in a salon where I gained valuable experience, but I never stopped investing in my education. Along the way, I trained in multiple areas of beauty, including nails, eyelash extensions, lash lifts, facial and body waxing, facials, and permanent makeup. I always believed that growth comes from continuous learning.

When I decided to start my own business, I was filled with fear. Like many entrepreneurs, I wondered if I was making the right decision. But I knew I wanted to create something different from the traditional salon experience. I wanted to offer clients more than just a service—I wanted to offer personalized care, education, and a space where they felt heard and valued.

Many clients come in with nail concerns, frustrations, or goals they have never been able to achieve elsewhere. I take the time to understand their needs and work with them to find solutions. I wanted to create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment where every client feels special, not like just another appointment on the schedule.

What excites me most is the relationships we’ve built over the years. While we provide beauty services, what we really create is trust, connection, and community. Many of our clients have become like family. Seeing their confidence grow and knowing they trust us with their care is what makes this journey so rewarding.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Miriam Balbuena, and I am the owner of MB Luxe Studio, a luxury nail and beauty studio built on the belief that every client deserves personalized care, exceptional results, and a space where they feel valued.

My journey into the beauty industry was anything but traditional. I became a mother at a very young age and made the difficult decision to leave school so I could provide for my daughter. Even though life took me in a different direction, education was always important to me. When I decided to pursue a career in cosmetology, I discovered that I first needed to complete my high school education. I returned to school, earned my GED, and then enrolled in cosmetology school.

It wasn’t easy. At the time, I was raising two children, working three jobs, and paying for school myself. There were many obstacles, but giving up was never an option. I graduated cosmetology school with honors and received a scholarship recognizing my punctuality and academic performance. That experience taught me that with determination, consistency, and hard work, almost anything is possible.

Beauty has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I loved styling dolls’ hair, braiding my friends’ hair at school, and creating detailed hairstyles for my sister and daughter. Although I initially pursued hair because it seemed like the easier path, I always felt drawn to nails. After working in hair for about a year, I transitioned into the nail industry, even though I had very little experience. Through patience, education, and dedication, I found my true passion.

Today, MB Luxe Studio specializes in natural-looking nail enhancements, structured gel services, and long-lasting results that prioritize the health of the natural nail. We don’t simply apply gel—we customize the structure and architecture of each nail to create a beautiful, durable, and natural-looking result. Many of our clients come to us frustrated with lifting, breakage, or damage, and our goal is to help them achieve healthy nails while enjoying a luxury experience.

What sets us apart is the level of care we provide. We are not a high-volume salon focused on rushing clients in and out. We believe every client deserves individualized attention, education, and a service tailored to their specific needs. We take the time to understand their concerns and work together to create solutions that fit their lifestyle.

What I am most proud of is the environment we have created. MB Luxe Studio is more than a beauty business—it’s a place where relationships are built. We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and respectful space for every person who walks through our doors. Safety means more than cleanliness and sanitation, although those are incredibly important to us. It also means creating an atmosphere where clients feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely cared for.

Above all, I want people to know that our work is driven by passion, integrity, and attention to detail. Every service is performed with intention, and we take pride in delivering results our clients love. The greatest compliment we receive is when a client trusts us not only with their nails, but with their confidence, their stories, and their continued loyalty over the years.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that putting myself first was selfish.

As a young mother, my entire focus was on providing for my children and taking care of everyone around me. For a long time, I believed that my own goals, education, and dreams should come last. I became so accustomed to sacrificing my own growth that investing time or money in myself often felt wrong.

That mindset was reinforced by circumstances and relationships that discouraged personal growth and education. Over time, I began to believe that my role was simply to survive rather than pursue my full potential.

Everything changed when I decided to return to school and pursue a career in cosmetology. Earning my GED, attending school while raising children and working multiple jobs, and eventually opening my own business taught me that investing in myself was not selfish—it was necessary.

I learned that when we grow, the people around us benefit as well. By pursuing my education and building a business, I wasn’t taking away from my children; I was creating opportunities for them and showing them what perseverance looks like.

Today, I carry that lesson into every aspect of my life and business. Continuous education, personal growth, and self-improvement are values I encourage not only for myself but also for my team and clients. The more we invest in ourselves, the more we are able to serve others from a place of confidence, knowledge, and purpose.

Looking back, unlearning that belief was one of the most important steps in becoming the woman, mother, and business owner I am today.

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

One of the greatest examples of resilience in my life goes beyond business. As a young mother, I found myself in a very unhealthy relationship where many of my goals and dreams were discouraged. Education was not something that was supported, and over time, I began to doubt my own potential.

Despite those circumstances, I never completely let go of the belief that I was capable of building a better future for myself and my children. Eventually, I made the decision to reclaim my independence and invest in my education. When I decided to pursue cosmetology, I learned that I first needed to complete my high school education. Rather than seeing that as another setback, I saw it as an opportunity to prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.

I returned to school, earned my GED, and later enrolled in cosmetology school. During that time, I was raising two children, working three jobs, and paying for my education myself. There were many moments when I felt exhausted and questioned whether I could keep going, but I refused to quit.

Graduating cosmetology school with honors and receiving a scholarship for my academic performance and punctuality was one of the proudest moments of my life. It wasn’t just a diploma—it represented years of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination.

That experience taught me that resilience is not about avoiding hardship. It’s about continuing to move forward despite fear, obstacles, and setbacks. Today, as a business owner, I carry that lesson with me every day. It reminds me that growth is possible, circumstances do not define us, and that with faith, hard work, and persistence, we are capable of achieving far more than we think.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mbluxestudio.com
• Instagram: mbluxe_studio