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

Hi Chanel, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Whewww… how candid should I be on this!? lol. There are so many things. But I will say, overall, be careful who you allow to touch you. The beauty and esthetics space is such an intimate interaction and not everyone has your best interest. Even if they’re smiling in your face and seem welcoming.

Behind the scenes and in so many esthetic groups, our industry is filled with people who use that intimacy to pray/prey different things on you. There are so many estheticians and beauticians that call themselves “woo-woo esties” who literally pray spells over you and you’d never know. Some are open about it but several work in these franchises and can’t openly practice but still pray over you.

And so many businesses in this industry are involved in inappropriate acts and practices, including odd favors, s•• trafficking and so much more. So it’s important to stay on guard when you go to these places to stay safe, go somewhere trusted, and make sure wherever you’re going is not only sanitary but that if you feel a funky vibe “get up out of there!”.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Chica Bloom is more than just an esthetics business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my faith, and my passion for helping others feel confident and cared for in their own skin. What sets Chica Bloom apart is the heart behind it. I don’t just offer skincare treatments; I create a space where clients feel seen, valued, and nurtured. I want every person who walks through my door to know they’re not just another appointment—they matter.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. After losing my job in January, I felt like the ground beneath me was gone. But through prayer and trusting God, I found myself walking on water, like Peter, taking step after step in faith. God opened doors I never thought possible, like moving into a Salon Suite without any money and on the last leg of my savings, but not having to drop a dime because God set up favor in every crevice and corner, and all I had to do was (not just take a step in faith) but walk boldly in faith. And it’s paying off. It was a season of learning to let go of control and trust that God would provide, and He has, every single time.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, not just in building my business, but in building relationships with clients who trust me with their skincare and self-care needs. It’s deeply rewarding to know I’m making a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways. I’ve also learned that nothing worth having comes easy. There were nights of doubt, days of procrastination, and moments where I felt completely overwhelmed. But I kept going, and I learned that consistency, prayer, and staying focused on why I started is everything.

Chica Bloom isn’t just about skincare, it’s about blooming where you’re planted, even in the hard seasons. It’s about finding beauty in the process and trusting that God is working all things for good. I want the world to know that this isn’t just a business; it’s a ministry, a calling, and a testament to what happens when you trust, persevere, and lean into your purpose.

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?
If I were host my people for a week in H-tine, I def love to create unforgettable moments and experiences, full of fun, relaxation, and plenty of memories. I’m pretty go-with-the-flow, so the vibe would be easy and open to exploring whatever feels right in the moment. But one thing’s for sure: we’d start with something light, like Wicked Wings from Golden Chick (seriously, you’ve got to try them, I rave about them ALL THE TIME, and folks look at me crazy until they try them and they’re hooked!) and of course treat them to a relaxing facial at Chica Bloom to set the tone. 🤗

The week would be a mix of creative and some adventurous activities, maybe a diy class to make charcuterie boards, crafting candles, or something like aerial yoga or rock climbing. And of course, I’d treat them to a luxury mani-pedi with my girl Xenet at Blvck Nails, because self-care is a must and she’s the best. 💁🏽‍♀️

Then of course we have to get in more moments of relaxation, and Yaya’s Massage is my GO TO place for acupressure massage (I take everyone here – 1-hr full body massage for $35!!) and you walk out feeling better than any other massage place you could ever go to! I also love finding & exploring Houston’s hidden gems anything that feel like a little escape from the ordinary.

And of course, Sunday we’d be at my home church, Living Word Fellowship Church (on TC Jester), for worship service.

I’d want them to feel like they’re getting the full Houston experience, so after church maybe hitting somewhere like Daddy Duncan’s so they can indulge in some good ol Texas BBQ, or maybe something healthy like Ginger Mule, since we probably crashed out on all the good Houston food spots during the week.

But really just creating experiences around good food adventures, or just laughing through a roller-skating night. My goal would be to share everything I love while leaving room for spontaneity, so it’s not just a week of plans, but a week of connection, laughter, and unforgettable moments together and incorporating whatever they like to do and exploring something new together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A proper shoutout belongs to Mrs. Erica Allen-McKenzie, the heart and soul of Dermology College. This woman is nothing short of amazing, her 20+ years of experience in esthetics, CIDESCO and ITEC certifications, and so much more, and her pure passion for this industry changed my life. She’s not just a teacher; she’s a mentor, a cheerleader, and someone who truly cares about every student’s success.

Mrs. Erica built a school that feels like family, where the education goes far beyond the books. Because of her, I didn’t just get a license, I gained the confidence and skills to make my passion a reality. She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. If you’re looking for the best, this school IS Mrs. Erica, and she pours everything into making sure her students succeed. I’ll forever be grateful for her and the way she helped me turn my passion into a career.

Website: https://www.chicabloombeauty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicabloombeauty/profilecard/?igsh=bnFsZDcxN3NkNWlm

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelmontgomery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14SDnYBC3z/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/chica-bloom-houston

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nalarose?si=IADC_gsLJqoK7T4l

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicabloombeauty?_t=8s0A981vtJX&_r=1

Image Credits
Photographer: @jrmhfilms

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.