We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Porras Javier . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.

Alright, Tiffany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Running a family business is hard work , lots of dedication, commitment and good communication are truly needed. Starting and running a good small business comes with big changes in our personal lives and or relationships, its hard maintaining a good work-life balance and it even becomes stressful with normal daily tasks and activities, trying to balance being a good parent, a good leader , a good team player all while not forgetting all the tasks required to run the business.

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.

I have been part of the beauty industry for about 15 years. I did my basic 101s in college thinking I was going to walk my path down the medical field because I thought it was the correct decision, id have job security and what i thought would the best option for me. It took me a few weeks in to Medical Assistant courses when I took a step back and realized that was not where I wanted to be as I was only completing assignments and attending frankly because I had to as i felt a tremendous pressure that my parents were paying for my education. On my way to class the end of the week I drove past a local cosmetology school and drove through the parking lot saw some movement through the windows and of course read all the info on the windows and building . The following week I was curious and called set up a tour after speaking to the woman who took my call. Once i toured thats where it all began and I knew where I wanted to be. i Went to Cosmetology school in Overland Park Ks (Marinello School of Beauty) and Kansas City MO. (Paris School of Cosmetology) took a few steps back and a few hoops through my journey including school closing and causing stress for me to complete my State boards until I finally completed all my requirements . Ive worked at well known shops/salons as Beauty Brands, MAC Cosmetics and Sephora which were amazing experiences however my love for all the “behind the scene’s” of a Quinceañera and Bridal party was much bigger. Growing up in a Mexican household a Quinceañera is a ginormous celebration and most girls typically look forward and dream of their special day as I myself did too! And from there not any less of course most gals dream of a beautiful wedding so of course I have a passion of doing hair & makeup for Brides, Quinceañeras and any event in between. Casual, evening Halloween and Special effects. Offering hair styling and makeup application takes a load off from clients on very important and busy days of their lives. As a Hair and Makeup Artist I listen to what my clients envision and try to bring that image to life. This takes hard work as you must keep up with trends and keep updating certifications but Being able to see these visualizations come to life is such a gratifying experience.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The source of new clients will undeniably be current clients . Referrals are big and very important in the beauty industry. Social media of course is great because it allows new clients or referrals to see ones work and make decisions from there .

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

I indeed went through many pauses in my career because well … just life in general , trying to be a good parent and wife and lets not forget regular household needs in our daily life all while trying to toggle my career/business. The most recent unfortunate event was in November of 2019. Our family had a house fire in which everything was completely lost and well among everything were all of my hair and makeup things. I thought I was completely done with my hair and makeup career as at that moment I couldn’t see me being able to repurchase all my kit because of course we needed to start from zero we had nothing because everything was either burned, water damaged or smoke damaged. I was quite sure in my mind that was it for me I rushed to find other available Hair and makeup artist to take over upcoming appointments I had at the time as of course we were right in the beginning of holidays and well I was busy. In the middle of everything and feeling defeated A Wonderful fellow Hair & Makeup Artist and now Salon owner Gisela Gaxiola reached out to offer support and help and she did not accept taking over upcoming appointments instead she offered me her makeup kit and tools and said you need to work to make back what you need to continue with your career and business. ( a few others offered to rent me their stuff or sell me supplies at a discounted rate and even offered to come along with me if I could pay them half of the profits) but she selflessly supplied me with everything I need to complete all my appointments and gain back funds for that particular necessity. Her support and motivational act were all I needed to reset and push forward because my hands and will were what I needed along with her tools to not give up and continue my journey it was hard and I was definitely overwhelmed thinking how will I ever repay this wonderful woman for providing me with the support I needed while trying to regain all my own tools and products but I pushed forward and with the support from my amazing clients here we are now past that unfortunate event and of course COVID still working hard and gaining new clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiffporrashmua
• Facebook: Tiffany Porras Hair & Makeup Artist
• Other: Email: [email protected]