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

Hi Jaqui, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks in life is not always a bad thing, there is always that 50/50 chance of a good or bad outcome but I think taking risks is good for growth whether personal or in your career. Had I not taken the risk and going out on my own then I would not have my business today and it would probably still just be a lost dream or idea in my head. Making the decision to quit my job at the time and start from scratch on my own with very little money was a huge risk not only to my career and pocket but also to my self confidence in my work and experience. I had no idea how I was going to make it work all I knew was that I was tired of working for other people who did not care too much about their employees or their well-being, and leaving the comfort of a franchise and its huge clientele was scary but necessary in order for me to see where and how I could grow as a beauty professional. Risk taking has played a big role in my life all around and has helped me embrace the uncomfortable and awkward parts of life that I think are essential in me becoming a better person and business owner for my clients and my loved ones.

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.
For so many people lash extensions and permanent makeup is not considered artistic or creative but I disagree, I think any time that you create something for someone using your skills or talents is artistic and creative. Viewing my work as art really helps me continue to enjoy what I do to create something beautiful for my clients and I truly believe that is what sets me apart from others. Every one of my clients is unique and different from the next, it does not matter if they are a lash, wax or permanent makeup client I enjoy creating a fully customized and personal experience for them. I pride myself in giving personal and one of a kind results to my clients, I never use what are known as “lash maps” because as soon as my client enters my room I begin analyzing their lashes, brows, facial structure, style etc. Those are all factors that you have to consider when deciding a finished look for a client. Just like with lashes, in Microblading you want to follow and learn the clients hair growth pattern and curl of the brow or lash hair. Those are just a few tricks that I have picked up along the way by learning from other more experienced people and taking course or simply listening and watching others work, getting to where I am today was not easy and learning from others definitely played a big role in getting here. Being a single mother, not having a lot of funds and having to rebuild my clientele were my biggest challenges. The job I had at that time felt that the clients belonged to them and I did not want to have problems with a large corporation so I did not “take” and clients with me when I quit which is why I had to rebuild a clientele. Getting past those obstacles was very hard but my determination and need to succeed along with the help of my mom and sisters is really what helped me get through that. No matter how much training or education you have nor having the most expensive equipment or tools will help you get ahead if you do not have motivation or determination and that is a very important lesson I learned and my favorite to share with beginning beauty professionals that reach out to me for advice. The main thing I would like for people to know about The Beauty Nerd is that my name says it all, I have been in the beauty industry for ten years not only do I love the cosmetic part about it but i love learning about ingredients and newest technology to achieve the best results. I am full of knowledge that I have acquired throughout the years working under some amazing people and I gladly share it with my clients to not only help but also educate them and remind them that nobody needs any cosmetic enhancement to look better but they sure are fun to get done.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to La Fisheria for some delicious seafood and head to Rabbit’s Got the Gun afterwards for some good drinks. Donutlicious has the best donuts and maybe do some shopping around local small shops, there are so many places I love vising the list is endless It would take up this whole page.

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?
I dedicate this to my mom, my sisters and my wonderful son without their support, love and motivation I would not be able to be where i am today in life and my business.

Website: https://www.vagaro.com/thebeautynerd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyy_nerdd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyyNerdd/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beauty-nerd-houston