We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Celena Martinez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Celena below.
Celena, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the stigma surrounding mental health. Growing up, there wasn’t much open discussion about these issues, and I felt ashamed and isolated. Overcoming this involved educating myself about mental health, challenging societal norms, and finding a supportive community. Another significant hurdle was finding the right resources. Access to quality mental health care can be challenging, and it took time to find a therapist who I felt comfortable with and who understood my unique needs. I had to be persistent and advocate for myself to get the support I required.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Endless Glow by Lola is a BIPOC-owned and trans-friendly salon dedicated to helping individuals of all genders embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their own skin. We offer a comprehensive range of services including high-quality skincare products, scalp treatments, yoni steams, teeth whitening, and tooth gems. As a licensed salon, we prioritize safety and ensure all our services are performed by qualified professionals. I have been teaching beauty professionals for 7 years and have been open for business for 10 years.
What I find most exciting about Endless Glow by Lola is the opportunity to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals to nurture their self-care and embrace their unique beauty. We believe that true beauty comes from within, and we strive to provide an environment that fosters self-love and confidence.
In the next year, we are focusing on expanding our training center to empower aspiring beauty professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
We also believe in the power of visual representation. In the past year, we’ve incorporated empowering photoshoots into our offerings, and we plan to continue this initiative. We are excited to collaborate with talented photographers like Kenneth Allen Photography to offer complimentary photoshoots to individuals in our community.
At Endless Glow by Lola, we are committed to giving back to the community. Our scholarship program focuses on supporting underprivileged youth and single mothers, providing financial assistance to help them achieve their educational and professional goals. We believe in empowering individuals to reach their full potential and create a brighter future.
We’re always striving to innovate and improve. Keep an eye out for exciting new product launches, expanded service offerings, and community events in the near future. We’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience and supporting them on their journey to self-love and confidence.
Additionally, Endless Glow by Lola has been honored as “Best of Minnesota” from 2020 to 2024, a testament to our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities were most impactful: Resilience, Discipline, and Integrity. • Resilience: Growing up, many of us from underprivileged backgrounds develop incredible resilience. We learn to overcome obstacles, adapt to challenges, and find ways to survive. This resilience is a powerful asset in entrepreneurship. Recognize that the skills that helped you survive can be translated into the skills you need to thrive in business.
• Discipline: Consistency is key. Discipline allows you to show up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. It helps you stay focused on your goals and build lasting habits. This translates to all areas of your life, from personal well-being to business operations.
• Integrity: In today’s digital age, it’s easy to create a polished online persona. However, true success comes from building a business with genuine substance. Prioritize client experience and build relationships based on trust and authenticity. Focus on providing real value and exceeding expectations, rather than just chasing profits.
Advice for those starting out:
• Embrace your resilience: Recognize and leverage the strengths you’ve developed overcoming challenges.
• Cultivate discipline: Set realistic goals, create routines, and hold yourself accountable.
• Prioritize integrity: Focus on building genuine relationships with clients and providing exceptional service.
• Avoid comparison: Focus on your own journey and your unique strengths.
• Seek authentic feedback: Actively listen to your clients and use their feedback to improve.
Remember, your journey is unique. Embrace your individuality and focus on building a business that reflects your values and passions.”
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My journey with Endless Glow by Lola has been marked by significant adversity. I’ve faced numerous health challenges, including living with lupus and other chronic illnesses. These conditions have presented constant obstacles, requiring immense resilience and adaptability. As a single mother, I’ve juggled the demands of raising two children while building my business from the ground up. This required tremendous dedication and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Compounding these challenges, I’ve faced significant barriers to accessing traditional funding sources. This lack of access has limited my ability to invest in growth, expand my services, and effectively compete in the market.
I was forced to leave my original location in Minneapolis due to a combination of factors, including civil unrest and a major construction project that significantly impacted my business. This unexpected disruption required me to relocate and start anew, incurring additional costs and challenges.
Furthermore, I’ve undergone a series of major surgeries within the past year, both personally and with my daughter. These unexpected medical expenses, combined with the significant investment in the salon build-out, have created a significant financial burden and made it challenging to meet my loan obligations.
Despite these setbacks, I’ve persevered through sheer determination and a strong belief in my vision. I’ve learned to adapt, prioritize, and seek support from my community. These experiences have not only strengthened my character but also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and understanding for my clients.” I’m seeking a business mentor and leaning into therapy as well. I believe both will be pivotal in furthering my adaptability and development skills. I’m always looking for someone to partner with and help grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.endlessglowbylola.com
- Instagram: Endless Glow by lola
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/endlessglowbylola
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/endless-glow-by-lola-new-brighton
- Other: https://www.minnesotasbest.com/listing/2024/tanning
Image Credits
Lasting Memories by her in silver Cherry blossoms is black gem photography Green dress is katina Elizabeth photography
