Paola Lopez-Garibay’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Paola Lopez-Garibay and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Paola, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Being a new mother has filled my heart with a joy I never knew existed. Watching my little 2-year-old daughter grow. From conquering challenges in tumbling class to twirling with delight in ballet; has been nothing short of magical. Every milestone, from her first wobbly steps on a hiking trail to her shy yet determined efforts to make new friends, has unlocked a deeper level of love and pride. Through her curiosity, bravery, and endless giggles, she has taught me that happiness lives in the smallest moments. Motherhood has given me a whole new meaning of joy, one that grows brighter with every adventure we share.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Carbon Aesthetics is more than just a beauty and wellness studio,it’s a place to grow, elevate, and transform. Founded on the principles of empowerment and inspiration, we specialize in hair, makeup, lashes, and personal training, helping clients feel confident, beautiful, and strong in their own skin. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, our expertise spans runway, editorial, bridal, and professional styling, creating stunning transformations inside and out.

Beyond beauty, Carbon Aesthetics is driven by purpose. Inspired by my aunt’s battle with cancer, we’re developing
“Hope for Cancer”, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing this difficult journey. Because true beauty begins with strength, compassion, and hope and at Carbon Aesthetics, we’re committed to nurturing both. 💜✨

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Alex Lopez.
This man was a kind hearted, hard working, best Diamond setter in the Houston area.
He worked on pieces that belonged to UFC fighters, College Athletes, and well known Rappers. Anyone who met him immediately held the title of a friend. And I was the lucky one who was able to call him dad.

Just as my father, I run my business with the same principles- Joy, Respect, Passion and above all God. Make every interaction memorable, leave every person feeling loved, and creating friendships along the way.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering shapes you in ways success never can. It carves resilience into your spirit, teaches humility in the face of struggle, and reveals depths of strength you never knew existed. While success may elevate you, suffering transforms you, stripping away illusions and forging wisdom through hardship. It teaches patience in pain, courage in uncertainty, and gratitude in the smallest victories. Where success often rewards the surface, suffering refines the soul, leaving you with a profound understanding of life’s fragility and your own unshakable capacity to endure. The lessons of suffering are the ones that stay, molding you into someone who values not just the destination, but the weight and worth of the journey.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Respect is a cultural value worth protecting at all costs because it is the cornerstone of human dignity, harmony, and progress. Without respect, societies fracture; prejudice thrives, communication breaks down, and trust erodes. Respect fosters empathy, allowing us to honor differences, listen with humility, and coexist peacefully despite diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. It creates safe spaces for collaboration, learning, and growth, whether in families, workplaces, or nations.

When respect is upheld, conflicts are resolved with dialogue rather than violence, leaders serve with accountability, and individuals feel valued. It is the bridge between generations, cultures, and ideologies preventing dehumanization and nurturing mutual understanding. To abandon respect is to risk division and injustice; to protect it is to safeguard humanity’s collective future. A world without respect is a world without peace.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Every opportunity I get to empower, enhance, and inspire someone is a day well lived. Whether through a word of encouragement, a shared skill, or simply leading by example, lifting others up fuels my purpose. Seeing someone gain confidence, unlock their potential, or find hope in their journey reminds me that true fulfillment comes from service. Life isn’t just about personal success, it’s about the ripple effect of kindness, knowledge, and belief passed forward. Because when we light the way for others, we don’t just brighten their path; we illuminate our own soul.✨

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