We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I view risk taking as “the necessary route to accomplishment”. Anticipating, and creating a plan to sustain potential loss are what allow me to move forward without totally freaking out. There can be multiple risk factors along the road we choose to take. For example, I offer cyrofacials, cryotoning, and cryoslimming at my skincare studio. Not only is the device an investment,  if it tears up and I have to send it back for repairs, that means loss of income for my business. Anticipating that risk meant knowing the process for repair and what costs my business could incur. Researching and evaluating business owner liability policies is another area I spent time on. I wanted a policy that covered business loss of income due to damaged or stolen equipment.

Planning and evaluating your cash flow is another risk area I evaluated. It was important to me to find a bank and credit card company to help me stay cash flow positive as much as possible. For me that looked like finding a checking account with a high APY & cash back welcome offer. I also decided on a business credit card that has a 0% introductory interest offer (1st year), welcome offer, and cash back rewards. These benefits allow a new small business great flexibility when it comes to purchasing.

During times when risk doesn’t give you the choice, time, or resources to properly evaluate or mitigate it, I choose to use my instincts, hard work, and a heck of a lot of faith to go forward.


What should our readers know about your business?

b.a.sk Brows and Skin offers facials, permanent makeup, and body contouring options inside a private suite conveniently located in West University Place, Texas. Membership options are available for hydrofacials and cryofacials, brow lamination, and cryoslimming or cryotoning. Microblading or machine techniques such as: ombre and powder brows are currently offered for permanent makeup options. If you are not exactly sure what service to book, you can book a virtual consultation.

The name for my business is intentional. Many of my clients are male, which is one reason for choosing a gender neutral name. I also wanted people to see the business name and have an idea of what the business offers. Come “bask” in the glow of healthy skin and flawless brows!

Entrepreneurship is not a straightforward path no matter how many blueprints there are (It is fun though).  When I am feeling uninspired, I listen to a podcast (I love “All In with Allie”), go to lunch with a good friend, find the next “industry event” I want to attend (virtually or in person), and just force myself to “do the things” that will keep me moving forward. Private facebook groups for your industry and local networking groups are other great resources for small business owners!

 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Kata Robata. I don’t need to say anything more. Whether you love sushi or not, go there. Get the lobster mac and cheese, rising sun, or one of the chef’s choices! The Ready Room (this is my super secret spot, that’s no longer a secret). AMAZING cocktails, bartenders, and music (they have a house jazz band,Tribeca). James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skypsace in Rice University. It’s a two level pyramidal structure acoustically engineered to host musical performances. The structure is equipped with an LED light sequence that you can view daily at sunrise or sunset. Memorial Park is probably the most beautiful green space in the city. You can spend a lot of time exploring the different sections of it. Don’t forget to check out the Arboretum especially if you have doggies! I also love the music venues 713 Music Hall and Cynthia Woods Pavilion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, my father. His creative thinking, approach to problem solving, and attitude of “it’s no biggie” has certainly left an impression on my mindset. Brandi Garrett (https://www.sweetindulgencesbeauty.com/). Brandi and I were on the same region team with the company that brought me to Texas (2014). We instantly bonded through discussions about faith, family, travel, and visions of our businesses for the future. We both opened a studio/boutique year. She is definitely the sister I never had. Brandi is the founder and maker of Sweet Indulgences Beauty (specialty handmade skincare and bath products). My absolute favorite lotion is the neroli scented “Revolutionary Anti-Aging lotion”.
Kinitro Fitness (https://kinitrofitness.com/) For MANY years (since their original location off Bellaire Blvd) I have been a member at this specialty/performance gym). The founder, John Ding has cultivated a remarkable community there. Outside of hitting new PR’s, I found friendships, encouragement, and new approaches to fitness and mobility!

Lastly, I would like to shoutout Loyl’s Natural Pet Grocery and Groomery (https://www.loyls.com/)! My Havanese (Webster) has been a grooming, treat, and food client there for MANY years. Through those years, Cynthia has become a mentor to me through our “shop talks”. Occasionally Webster is the “store greeter” too!

Website: www.baskhouston.com

Instagram: baskhouston

Image Credits
Neydi Sanchez Brian Dorby

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