Meet Esmeralda Cantu | Brow Artist & Esthetician

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

Hi Esmeralda, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Survival. It is do or die. The ironic part of it all is that I left the industry for about two years recently and just like I had started which was out of survival …I came back…to survive…and thrive.

I entered the beauty industry when I was in my early 20’s. At that time I was married to my now ex- husband. It was a turbulent time for me. I was pregnant with my second daughter and I had a gut feeling that I had to do something (like get my life together and choose a career) before the time came that we would split and my children and I would be left in the streets with no resources. My ex didn’t want me to work so I chose to study.
I remember talking with friend of mine at that time (and she was also pregnant ) and I confided in her and told her “man, I really need to find something that I can study and be done by the time the baby is born.” I was already 3 months pregnant, my friend suggested ” Well you can go to school for hair or nails.?” I responded with ” No, hair takes too long it’s a 2 year program plus I don’t like the idea of touching feet.” She said, ” Well what about aesthetics.? There is a really good school in Pasadena that you should check out.” Then I had a sudden flash back to when I was 17 years old and I remember working as a cashier at McDonald’s in Galveston and a nurse practitioner/ esthetician offered me a job as her personal assistant for her aesthetics practice. I was teen mom at that time. All I remember was the fancy term MICRODERMABRASION! lol ANYTHING sounded better than McDonald’s! So I took the job opportunity.

So I told my friend ” That actually isn’t a bad idea at all.” The very next day I called around and googled searched cosmetology schools that offered the Esthetics program. I ended up enrolling (at that time) Royal Beauty Careers in Pasadena ( where my friend had suggested). The program was perfect for me. I would be done with school just in time before the baby arrives.
Everything went well from there (meaning at school) despite my problems back at home with my then husband, I still manage to finish school. I remember ringing the bell when finished all of my clock hours. There I was by myself celebrating with my instructor. I was so proud of myself with my big round belly.
Shortly after I took the state board test and passed it with flying colors on my actual birthday. Boy, I just felt so lucky as if almost it was all meant to be.

As soon as I received my license I went straight to work for two chains one of which I ended up quitting and stuck with one of the biggest waxing chains in the country. This is where it all started.
As a fresh esthetician I was so intimidated but I was open to learning. I vowed to myself to take my career seriously and to give it my all. Because after all, I had already came this far and I felt ( at the time) that is all I had that backed me.
The owner required me an intense two- week training and probationary period to see if I made the cut. My first day I had to learn how to do a Brazilian wax. I was so afraid to even touch the client. I didn’t want to mess her up. I had so much stress on me. I remember telling my trainer that my lights were cut off and I HAD to make the cut. I just wanted to make it. Thats all. So I got in there and waxed the girl. I did it. After that I over came the fear of body waxing and was waxing like it was nothing. I became a pro shortly after.

Then came another bump in the road. Brows. Before I entered the beauty industry I had no idea how big
brows were. And now that I think about it…at that time the popularity of having perfect brows was just starting. ( This was back in 2014) One day the owner pulled me into her office because she was receiving complaints from clients that I was messing up their eyebrows horribly. Before she decided to fire me she gave the opportunity to retrain but with unpaid training for two weeks on just brows. Til’ this day I remember her very own words…”Take this as learning opportunity. Who knows? Maybe you become the best brow artist.” I took the opportunity and ran with it. Luckily, for me I had two very close colleagues that didn’t quit on me. They had me waxing eyebrows on their arms!! I was YouTubing, eating, sleeping, and just obsessing over eyebrows. I couldn’t stop! Kelly Baker Brows on YouTube was a huge stepping stone for me. I learned so much from her just watching her videos on YouTube.

Thus my drive of preventing failure and consistency was what contributed to my success.

That was the beginning of my career as a Brow Artist.

What should our readers know about your business?
B.A.B.E from B.A.B.E Esthetics & Body was turned into a acronym from Brow Art by Esmy. The reason I changed my business name was because not only am I a Brow Artist, I am a licensed Esthetician and I want prospective clients to know that even though brows is my favorite skill that I love to offer. I also have a passion for professional skin care and beauty. What I believe that sets me apart from others is my passion for my work. I love for my work to reflect on my clients. It is like when you cook and if you are having a bad day then the dish sucks. Well no matter how bad my day is, everything is left outside of my element and I do no allow it to disturb my peace because I don’t want it to affect my work.
The hardships that I have endured in my past taught me to appreciate my guests. Every single one of them. So customer service is crucial to me. From the moment I greet my guests to the emails and text messages that are exchanged with them. I like to make sure that their business is appreciated and they are welcomed every time they visit.
Was it easy you asked? No, it is never easy. Nothing comes easy but that is the beauty of it all. I had to literally lose it all and start all over again so that I can deliver this welcoming experience for clients. I had to take a break and find myself so that I can learn that good things come with patience. So with patience and endurance I can’t wait to welcome new guests!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a big foodie! I love food especially Mexican street food. Let’s not forget Mediterranean food! OMG I love Mediterranean food! You HAVE to try Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet! I seen that spot one day on the way to work and I was like what?! A Mediterranean buffet!! I was so excited. I just had to try it! Dimassi’s is located at 19443 Gulf Fwy Webster, TX. I felt like I was in another country without having to leave the city. Ok so for Mexican street food … El Trompo Loco in East Houston off of Wallisville Road..they have the BEST PAPA’S ASADAS EVER! Papa’s Asadas are Mexican baked potatoes. My mouth drools when I think about those potatoes. Those potatoes are the closest thing that tastes just like the potatoes I grew up eating in Reynosa, Tamps. Mexico when I would visit as a child. I just know that the Channelview area has some good Mexican street food. Let’s not forget Pasadena and North Houston, I have tried good spots there too.

For fun and when I have a chance I like to ride with my fiancé and with the Slow Soul Cruizers riding bikes all over downtown. I would definitely bring a visiting friend to ride with us. My inner child comes out when I ride. It is so liberating and not to mention riding is a good fit for people that come in from out of the city. Take it as free tour! When we ride we stop at local restaurants, bars, and pubs to eat and show support.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I firmly believe that behind every achievement there is someone or something that contributed or compelled one to succeed. In my perspective every event in my life led up to where I am at now. Therefore shout out to my non-supporters, who made it hard for me. Without your constant oppression and challenges I wouldn’t have pushed myself far and wide. Shout out and many thanks to my clients, friends, and family that helped me along the way. They all know who they are. The ones who seen me in my worst of times and in my best of times. Shout out to my mom who with tough love contributed to my strength and taught me not to give up on myself. Shout out to my three daughter’s because without them I wouldn’t have a reason to focus and carry on. I save the best for last because if it wasn’t for his constant love, unconditional support, and coaching I don’t think I would have bounced back as successfully and as fiercely as he would have prepared me for. Shout out to my twin flame Guero G the Artist. Thank you, baby.

Website: www.browartbyesmyg.com

Instagram: @babeestheticsbody

Twitter: @babe_esthetics

Facebook: BABE Esthetics & Body

Other: TikTok: BABE_Esthetics