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

Hi Larissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2024, I was struggling a lot with my chronic illness and needed to find a new job. I needed to be able to control my schedule so I could balance work and school, but also something low impact for my body. Eventually, I came to the idea of doing lash extensions and once I decided I wanted to do that, I went full in.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I was in lash school, I decided I wanted to specialize in natural-looking sets and sets that would be personalized to an individual’s eye shape and facial features. I would look for a lash tech for myself and honestly still haven’t found someone who does lashes the way I like, which is what pushed me into developing my own personal style of lashes. I started my business by going to people’s houses and doing their lashes on their beds for $30. I slowly purchased more and more materials so that I could eventually have a nice setup in my apartment. I’m currently still home-based but am on the hunt for a studio because my clientele is growing quickly!

The journey definitely wasn’t easy for me, as I tried to balance starting up my business with university and other personal responsibilities. However, I’ve always been a very hardworking person, and I knew this business would work. I’m determined to always put in 100% effort.

Aside from income, a huge motivator is being a Latina small business owner. Being a woman of color in the business world comes with challenges that most people don’t see — from fewer resources to less representation. But that’s exactly why I show up every day: to prove that we belong here and to remind other women, that building something of your own is possible.

I hope to inspire and show women that they can build a business for themselves!

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.
Houston is such a diverse city, there’s something for everybody here and that’s why I love living here! Some essential things in Houston for me would be eating some tacos in the Northside, seeing an Astros game, visiting the Heights for shopping and nightlife, and going to the Museum of Natural Science. Another one of my favorite things to do here is visit a market; Houston has tons of cute, pop-up markets with all sorts of themes!

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 have four people who have been my support team through all of this.
My mom, grandparents, and boyfriend. They have all been my backbone as I built this business, and I couldn’t have done it without them. We all trusted in God to show us our paths and recognize that none of this would’ve been possible without Him.

Website: https://larissaslashlab.glossgenius.com

Instagram: @larissas_lash_lab

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larissas.lash.lab

Other: https://linktr.ee/larissas_lash_lab

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.