Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jamie Diaz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jamie , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
This last year I have really dove into my spirituality and taking time to be still. I try to meditate everyday to refresh my energy, handle things that come up in mediation that I need to release and let go of as well as figuring out where my aligned actions should be. It helps me navigate what is truly important to get me to the next step towards where I want to be.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I always knew exactly what I wanted to do, but it took a lot of hardships and set backs before I got to where I am today. I went to beauty school straight out of high school. I attended MUD, aka Make up Designory in Burbank, ca where I learned makeup and hairstyling for movie sets. I quickly realized I wanted to have more structure and control with the hours I worked and leave room for other creative ventures which led me to working in a salon in Old Town Pasadena, ca. I balanced being a front desk manager, a freelance makeup artist for special events, and an in house esthetician specializing in brows. I also began my lash artist journey there and 10 years later, I guess I can say I fell in love with being a Lash Artist. I worked numerous retail jobs like Sephora, forever 21 & Fredericks that I felt always kept me fresh in the beauty and fashion world. I continued my education at a consistent rate over the years, including mentorship programs for business which helped my growth at an alarming rate. One of the biggest hardships I faced was when I opened my business in November 2019. Putting everything into it, within 5 months Covid shut down everything. Building a clientele during this time was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced. I’ve almost quit many times, but having a strong support system through family, friends and mentors has kept me going. My best advice is to look at your “WHY”. For me my business allows me freedom and control over my time and allows me to raise my 2 children, that is why I get up and keep going. I spend my days running my brick and mortar shop where we offer lash extensions and brow services as well as a fashion and lifestyle boutique. With our services we specialize in healthy natural lashes, quality products and long lasting results. My clients either relax and nap, or we chat, almost like a therapy session. My heart is always to uplift women and be a leading light in self development. I love that we can encourage and uplift each other. I love when they leave feeling like a true baddie!! What is a baddie? It’s the highest version of yourself! On the boutique side I like to bring fresh energy to my clients & customers through unique clothing pieces as well as self care products like candles and essential oils. I also highlight other woman owned small businesses within the boutique, carrying their items in shop. With the new space and so many creative ideas flowing I knew I needed help, so I recently brought on my first hire, a front desk assistant. She’s been so amazing and although its a huge leap and investment to hire, I knew it was an important next step.
Were currently are working on our 1 year storefront anniversary in Downtown Covina, Ca where we will have other small vendors join us in the celebration on March 9th from 2-8pm. We will be having a Charity drive collecting items for the homeless that day and donators will be entered in a raffle to win prizes from other small businesses and i’ll also be giving away a complimentary Lash set valued at $190. My goal is to build community and have a safe space for people to come and gather, socialize and uplift each other!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
#1 Obtaining precision and skill (for my lash & brow services) doing it over and over again a million times that’s the only way to build your skill. Working on models, friends and family for free to build up skill and confidence.
#2 Mentors. learning anything and everything I could about business to at least not have to make ALL the mistakes. Paid programs I invested in, but also free podcasts, books, networking.
#3 Taking the time to learn my numbers and set realistic goals with branding and marketing my services.
Don’t be a “know it all” always be open and willing to learn. Always go back to your “why” because when times get hard, that will be what pushes you through.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am looking for woman owned businesses in the beauty, fashion or self development world. Specifically moms that juggle being a mom and running a business. Please send me a dm through instagram @babygirlsocial! id love to connect! I recently collaborated with a henna artist, we had snacks and drinks for customers, they were able to get henna done and/or brow shapings and we socialized and networked with other businesses in the community, we had a great time!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vagaro.com/babygirlsocial
- Instagram: @babygirlsocial
Image Credits
By Jamie Diaz and Babygirl Social Team
