Meet Jasmin Cotton | Licensed Esthetician

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

Hi Jasmin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

When starting Serenity Lush Extensions my goal was to create a “safe space” for clients to come and feel comfortable within their own skin. I first started by coming up with a name for my business. I came up with Serenity first because at that time in my life I felt at peace and was in a serene space. Lush is defined “as a very rich and providing great sensory pleasure” leaving my clients feeling luxurious after their service. Extensions completed the name with the array of services that I offer in my Spa. Natural Beauty is a beautiful thing and if I can help change the lives of those that does not feel at their best when in their natural state then I’m satisfied. I am Serenity Lush Extension, it’s the extension of me and I’m here to stay and exude peace, love, and serenity. My slogan states it best, “Creating an Oasis and Enriching the Beauty Experience”-SLE 

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

This epiphany hit me Sept 2020 why not invest in yourself and create a lifelong brand of your own. I knew I loved lashes, so it went from there. I feel like when I put my lashes on, I’m Jasmin 2.0 and my confidence is boosted. So, I decided to sacrifice my nights and attend Ogle School Willowbrook part-time in February 2021 and began my journey in the beauty industry. The challenge came after finishing school in December 2021, having to prepare for state board exams. At the time I was so eager to be Licensed that I took my Written exam two weeks after finishing school and I was 2points away from passing. Still being determined to tackle this exam I took it again 3 weeks later and I didn’t pass again. At this point I was feeling very distraught regarding the outcome, but I wanted this so bad I wasn’t going to give up. On, March 7, 2022, I passed my Written exam and on March 23, 2022, I passed my Practical exam and I’m officially a Licensed Esthetician. My goal starting this journey was and still is to become one of the greatest Estheticians in this industry. As your esthetician I’m always looking to gain more knowledge with continuing education courses to serve you’ll. Serenity Lush is a self-made brand created to Enrich, Enhance, Encourage, & Enlighten the family that’s gained along this journey. We’re enriching their self-esteem, enhancing their beauty, encouraging natural skincare, and enlightening on the importance of healthy skin. This spa is the place you come to remove all your many hats and just be in tune with self and care for your natural beauty. Our spa caters to both male and female clients. We currently offer Corrective Facials, Waxing, Sugaring, Eyelash extensions, and Micro shading/Microblading services. Serenity Lush is a one-stop shop for your self-care needs. This journey of starting Serenity Lush Extensions was not the easiest task due to this coming out of my own pocket. Between buying equipment and products that is needed to run my business properly. I’m still learning the world of Entrepreneurship as I’m still working fulltime as well. Serenity Lush Extensions is my peace knowing that I get to help others feel more confident about being in their own skin and knowing that they are beautiful/handsome beyond their imperfections. My story is still being written and Serenity Lush will be known worldwide very soon. I’m currently working on something special for my Lush Babes. Simply of Essence skincare line is coming soon made by yours truly.

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. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?

First off, my friends love to eat and go to a place with a nice vibe and great music. On that Thursday we would go to Uptown Hookah Lounge on Richmond. Uptown has karaoke and happy hour specials throughout the night. Also, you can’t forget about the DJ that keeps the vibe going during and after karaoke. Then Friday we would go to Prospect Park on Fountain View where they have delicious food and a dope crowd to ensure you will have a great time starting your weekend. Saturday morning, we will go to Gangnam Spa Healing Paradise to relax and get rejuvenated for the remaining of the weekend. Then later that night we will head out to The Address for our last clubbing event. Finally, it’s Sunday Funday and you know we must go to Five Central for their amazing brunch. It’s called Five Central because they have five different spaces for your entertainment. Which includes a restaurant with superb food, the red room has a DJ/live band that plays R&B and of course hookahs, across from the red room is the lounge area to mix and mingle. Then upstairs you have the cigar lounge, and the last room is a dance floor to show your moves accompanied by the DJ with the array of music. A perfect way to end the vacation with great food and amazing company.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! 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 a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?

I am writing this message to say thank you to Jasmin Cotton. Thank you for staying strong when you felt like giving up on things, people, and releasing the fear of failure. Overthinking, rethinking, and second guessing that you were not ready or because you’re still building that you’re not ready to be recognized but you’re doing it. You’re involving your brain in making big decisions but still allowing your heart to be involved. You are persevering and creating beautiful things and because of that you’re now a successful business owner. From leaving Dallas, Tx to move to Houston, TX in 2017 to find myself and become the woman I am today. To working a full-time & part-time job and going to school. To currently still working Full-time and building a company from the ground up. Transitioning to Entrepreneurship is very new to you but the great people you surrounded yourself with are there for you to learn from and assist you on this journey. I love it here!! I want you to know how proud of you I am for believing in yourself and creating something special for the world to love just as much as you do. I look forward to seeing what they future holds for you and how you take the world by storm. I want to say thank you to my amazing tribe “they know who they are”, for always encouraging me and pushing me to keep going even when I may have fallen short. I appreciate every one of you, and I want to say Thank you!

Website: https://serenitylushextensions.com/

Instagram: serenitylush_extensions

Facebook: Serenity Lush Extensions

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/serenity-lush-extensions-houston

Other: https://hihello.me/p/84f6268f-7c37-4230-9b5f-a693742f71ef

Image Credits
@CHEFSCOOTA & @DIVINITY_GLAM_STUDIOS