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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy and why? There are so many things, big and little, that could go into this. I get joy out of being able to make other people smile and bring happiness into their life. The biggest things for myself that make me happy are my family, faith, passion for my career, and fitness. I am a single mom to an amazing ten year old son, but what mom doesn’t think their kid is the best?! Davis is the funniest little man I know and there is literally never a dull moment when he is around. From dance offs to soccer, he always keeps a smile on his face and has a sweet, gentle heart. Looking at Davis, I know if anything in this world, I am doing something right. He is my biggest little supporter and so proud of me and the business I have. There are days when he asks to come to work with me, just to spend time with me. Talk about melt my heart! Granted, I put him to work and have him mop and clean floors, while he is there. Fitness is my therapy and something I don’t think I could ever live without. I have worked out in a gym for as long as I can remember, but my passion for it grew around five years ago when I started competing. To be able to push yourself and hit a goal that you didn’t think you were capable of, is hands down amazing. I am fortunate enough to combine my love for fitness and my business together and it’s the best feeling. Spray tanning competitors makes me feel even more a part of the industry. I know what it took to get those competitors on stage and I also know the last thing they want to be is a walking Dorito. When a competitor steps on stage with our winning color on them, gives me so much satisfaction, that I can’t help jump up and down, as well! Being a business owner is beyond rewarding, yet beyond challenging at the same time. I own and operate a custom organic spray tan and teeth whitening salon, Beautifully Bronzed. We strive to give clients such an amazing experience to have them beaming when they leave. Like all business owners, we go through periods wondering what in the world we are doing, to I am on top of the world!! It is a rollercoaster and the best one I have been on. My faith lets me know that not all good things come easy and I’ll continue to work and pray to learn as much as I can to grow my business. Many clients will come to us nervous of the outcome, not wanting to dress down, and that is totally normal and understandable. To see the look on their face when we are completely done is my reward! I always tell clients getting a spray tan is like an instant confident boost sprayed directly to the skin. I have clients that come in for their wedding day, baby shower, vacation, all amazing events. To be even a small part of their exciting time is such a good feeling. To give them something that makes them feel happy about them self is a gift to me. Some clients come in after a breakup, divorce, or who have been very ill and are not to be in the sun, period. I once had a client tell me, while in tears, this was the healthiest she has looked in so long and I brought a sense of normal back into her life. That is something I will never forget. My role is not only to give you the best custom spray tan, but to have you smiling with confidence!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
With my background in esthetics and a passion for skincare, I pride myself on the knowledge I have learned and obtained along the way. This is instilled in each and every employee Beautifully Bronzed brings in to ensure quality service, information on how to obtain the best spray tan, and prep to come back. There is a science behind spraying that is much more than just applying a color on the skin. At Beautifully Bronzed, we want you to walk out feeling your absolute best. With that being said, we have turned clients down for contraindications that can alter the result of the process. For instance, if a client comes in with a sunburn, we absolutely can not spray tan you. The solution causes an acidic reaction that can force your skin to peel, even if it is currently not peeling. I want you happy with the way you look and shedding skin is not on my list. While a little frustrated, I would rather be honest than spray a client knowing they will not have the best results. When you smile and are happy, we are that much more excited!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am lucky to have such an amazing support system and I will have to say my biggest cheerleader in life is my little sister, Emilee. Emilee is my voice of reason when I am down, my rock when I need it, and supporter of all my my ideas, crazy or not. When I get excited about something I am doing for work, be it a new service, product, idea, Emilee gets just as excited as I am. I don’t know many people that work as hard as she does, so while she’s my little sister, I have always looked up to her. She gives me strength even though we don’t live in the same city. I will thank her always for just being there for me….and for always letting me raid her closet when i can.

Website: www.beautifullybronzed.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbronzedorganic/
Linkedin: bbronzed
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbronzedorganic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbronzedorganic/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beautifully-bronzed-houston-11?osq=spray+tan
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDl7dUf344V9gJo5H6hytQ

Image Credits
Lois Campos @loiscamposfotography