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

Hi Elizabeth, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to work for myself in a creative fashion and have a brand. I started doing nails in 2019 and fell in love with the creative process and versatility. I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue and that I needed to get my cosmetology license to begin. When I realized that I needed to go to school fulltime and leave my current job which demanded all my time and attention that this was going to take a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It took me one year to get comfortable with the idea to quit my job and go to school. I knew that all the household responsibilities would rely on my husband. We had a lot of conversations of what our next year would look like. I was grateful to have his support and the support of our family. I have 2 kids, so I needed a system to help me get through school. I quit my job in Jan. 2022, It felt like I was on unstable ground, but I was committed to following my dream. It was not an easy choice; it takes a lot of guts to even begin to want to put something you create out there let alone change your current situation. Comfort is a hard thing to shake when you know there is going to be a lot of moments of frustration and disappointment. It’s not easy but definitely worth it, anyone can do it but it takes a lot of discomfort and commitment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am in the beauty industry, I mainly focus on nails, lashes but do offer some waxing and soon facial services. I am dedicated to enhancing beauty in an expressive and healthy fashion. Quality and consistency is the most important part of everything and anything I do and aspire to do. I pride myself on working with integrity and artistic values. I am a firm believer in helping others in my beauty community and that there is room for everyone to coexist. Not every client will like the product that I put out and that is just fine! I am currently working on my own acrylic brand that I am so excited to put all my creative passion in to and express my vison.
I am only at the beginning of my journey, and there have been challenges to even get to the starting point. There are so many points of hesitation and disappointment but giving up is not an option and that is very clear. Being determined and having that perseverance and commitment to my goal is what keeps me going.
I am from the gulf coast of Texas and proud! My brand is Li’s Beauty Studio, and my dream is to have high quality products and services at practical prices. Everyone deserves to follow their dreams and achieve success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a local spot unique to Galveston, Tx you must stop by The Spot. It has drinks, eats, and is owned by a local Galvisonian. The stand is a must for drinks, with multiple bars. One of my favorite drink spots being Daiquiri Time Out. A great hang out spot is Axecade, they have axe throwing and arcade games. For seafood Katie’s Seafood House is great and my favorite brunch spot is The Sunflower Bakery.

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?
First and foremost, I want to thank my mother, she has had several businesses and even if she failed, she got back up and tried again. No matter what she always brough a strong work ethic, she was honest, went the extra mile, always did her best, and never gave up. I had the privilege to not only witness but work beside her. She owned and ran a beauty supply store, a cleaning business and vacation/ short term rental home. Nothing she ever did was ever 50% but always 110%. I’m grateful to have witnessed someone dream and achieve their goals. My shout out is to my cosmetology instructor Keila Loredo. She was a first-year college teacher and was adamant about helping her class get through the program. She encouraged her class and had a great attitude. There were stressful moments throughout the year, but she was consistently reassuring. She shared her passion for helping hers client boost their confidence with her work. She was teaching and working as a MUA and hair stylist and is in the Pasadena area. I was considering holding off on creating my brand and she asked me “why wait? You can just start now”. There is no reason to wait what I can start today. I am glad she gave me that push, because even if it was just doing my research I was starting!
I wouldn’t be where I am without God. I also want to thank my family for the support, my friends and the clients that gave me the chance to practice and work on them.

Website: https://lisbeautystudio.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lis.beauty.studio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisbeautystudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisbeautystudio5771

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisbeautystudio?_t=8ZTYx0039kw&_r=1

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.