We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Rodriguez-Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
So, esthetics has been a passion that has taken my life to the next level. When I started I knew this is my purpose. From social work to esthetics I knew I could really help others feel better, find their skin identity. And love themselves. Then I had Children. My dream went on the back burner and my babies were number one. I worked a full time job and would take private clients on weekends ALL WHILE raising my babies and being a wife. There came a point where I felt that my quality in life was just not where I wanted. Work demanding me to crush sales, increase retention, my babies needed mommy time and I felt like I was not getting more than 4 hours with them between both jobs. One morning missed my alarm for work, which I never did before in my 4 years with this spa. The next day we shut down due to Covid and I must of slept 2 weeks from exhaustion!! I prayed a lot and spent time in my affirmation book and REALIZED…. I have to go full time on my own. I want to educate new ESTHETICIANS find their feet, and I want to really emphasize self love!! So here I am with one room in South Houston and a second room in April in Kemah.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am an esthetician that is strong in girl power and good vibes!! I once suffered from acne and felt that if I could clear my acne without accutane I could then help others and share how! I wanted to take a somewhat natural approach due to medical issues. I did not want accutane to have an impact on me once I decided to have babies. Best Decision because this has allowed me to continue to have a holistic approach to skin care!! Before I jump ahead in having my own salon, I have to add that I was mobile for 4 years and lost all my product and supplies due to HARVEY!! IT WAS HORRIBLE!! But I over came it!! Once I knew I that I could preform waxing, lashes, and facials in my sleep I decided to venture out into Microblading!! Fun fact, i will faint at the sight of blood!! LOL No joke! I’ve had two babies and the finger prick got me every time!! So the first time I took a model for microblading I was literally light headed and taking deep breaths!! But I told myself, “laura you just spent a lot of money on this course, Suck It Up! You will not fail!! And Here I AM!! In my treatment room I provide facials with crystals to balance my clients chakras and I love it sooo much that I decided to create an online course for New Esti’s wanting to give more in their treatment room!! I pride myself in saying my treatment room is all about girl talk!! I have had the sweetest and heartfelt moments in my treatment room, that is the best gift to me and THAT I feel sets me apart from an franchise in the field!! From first starting off with so much passion in esthetics, I can honestly say I still feel the fire inside to learn more, show others their own beauty, find their skin identity, and preform the best service I can EVERY TIME!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness, we would run wild on the streets!! Breakfast would be a coffee and cuban taco from El Rey!! Then walk around the museum district of Houston and see what shows are available at the museum! Lunch would be my favorite spot Argentina Cafe, I tell all new clients about it!! We would stroll in Rice Village to see what new shops are open, grab a juice and choclate!! Anvil Bar is my favorite for hand crafted drinks!! I would then have dinner at Chama Goucha the best Brazilian steak house in town. With a glass of their hand crafted drink my hand of course. End it with a coffee as we stroll down Highland Village and grab a cupcake from the Crave Vending machine!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shout out goes to my Husband and my mom for truly pushing me, supporting me, and never dimming my light! I could never deny that God has blessed me with the best support system. My circle of friends and family has always stepped in to babysit, be a model, or simply just be in my corner as an esthetician, mom, and now business owner.

Website: lashnapsandbeauty.com

Instagram: lashnaps_and_beauty

Facebook: @lashnapsandbeauty

Youtube: lashnaps_and_laura

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.