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

Hi Luella, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
This is a very interesting question and my answer is just as interesting to me. The most difficult decision I’ve made thus far is to choose myself and bet on me and my GOD given abilities. As a wife, mother, friend, aunt, cousin, sister, a woman period this felt like the most selfish thing in the world to me. Over time I had to realize that the best gift I could give to my family and those around me is a healthier more complete version of myself. I found myself operating out of emptiness and we all suffered for it. So, the decision to choose me before everyone else was the most difficult but best decision I have made to date. This decision birthed creativity therefore my true passion and calling were cultivated. My mind was free and clear to focus on my GOD given gifts. I realized what I love which is skin, skincare, skin enhancement and self-care. My spa name True To You Beauty Bar & Spa was birthed during my self-care routine, in getting my own facial I knew I wanted to become an Esthetician and encourage others to choose themselves and their self-care first.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
True To You Beauty Bar & Spa is Houston’s Premiere Luxury Spa concierge. Our Brand was established in September 2019 and is 100% black woman owned and operated. Our owner Luella Hackett is a Licensed Esthetician and absolutely loves skin and loves to enhance skin and to provide a luxurious relaxing experience. Our concierge service brings the spa directly to you in your home. We offer three tiers of Experiences; the True To You Relaxation Experience, the True To You Opulent Experience and the True To You Elect Experience. True To You Beauty Bar & Spa also offers our luxurious all natural handmade True To You Skincare line. We chose this name because we care about your skin’s health as well as the appearance. Blemish free skin is not always healthy and nourished skin. Have you ever seen someone’s confidence become really low because their skin is inflamed or not super clear? While no skin is perfect, we strive to enhance your skin. That’s our Why. We want you to Be True To yourself & and your skin. We want you to see your True reflection in the mirror from inside out. I know you’ve heard the expression, “when you look good, you feel good” before right.? Our products are nourishing and made with your skin’s best interest in mind. We are most excited about meeting our clients, releasing new products this fall, how our brand is growing and where our brand is going from here. We’ve gotten to where we are with the help and support of our clients, customers, business associates, research, persistence, and consistency. Starting and running my business is my passion and what I love. My journey is still new and has not been the easiest but has not driven me mad either. My overall experience as a businesswoman has been good to this point. When things felt really heavy or overwhelming, I reached and still reach out for help, advice and guidance from others. When something is “out of my lane” I am not afraid to outsource the task. The biggest lessons I’ve learned in business is to ask questions, ask for help, step away from tasks, take breaks, rest, research, hire out, write things down, get more organized, save money and time, invest in my brand, and go hard for my brand. I want the world to think of our Spa Concierge and Skincare line anytime they hear the phrase “True To You”. Our Story is that of persistence and determination. I started promoting True To You Beauty Bar & Spa while I was still an Esthetics student so that we would have some form of following when I became licensed. We started making True To You Skincare products in the kitchen during the pandemic and formally launched August 15, 2020. No matter how big your dream is pursue it! Take the steps and do the work and just start. I want girls and women to know that doing what you love is ok, being who you are is ok, staying true to your values and morals is ok. We encourage everyone to “Be True To You” and that means on whatever career or personal path you take and whoever you truly are.

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.
We’d have to go to the Breakfast Klub for breakfast, We’d hit snooze for Brunch, Esther’s Cajun Kitchen for Lunch, and Taste Bar & Kitchen for Dinner. We’d definitely hit 7 Spice, Cupcake Kitchen and Turkey Leg Hut. Let’s not forget the Waffle Bus, Pappadeaux, Peli Peli, Lucy’s Ethiopian, Loz Tacoz Lokoz and Taqueria La Rana taco Trucks. For Desserts we’d hit Snow Dreamz Houston, Fat Cat Creamery, Glazed Donuts. We’d go to Spotlight Karaoke, Painting with a twist, indoor sky diving, go bowling & take a duck boat tour of Galveston.

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 am a firm believer in GOD and avid reader of the Bible. My husband, my siblings, my children, my parents, my aunts and my friend Phillis, my church family and a few cousins are my biggest supporters. There are a few business besties from Instagram that motivate and help me as well. Camille P. of CamillePercyBranding, Danielle J. of PoshandPrettyBrows, Nika J. of Melanin_Queens, Tacheta of TDHMinistries, LaToya Nicole of CoachedbyToya, LaToya Hurley of Innovative_Marketing and Domonique of Wicked_Houston_Esthetician. The people listed here have helped me in ways that are immeasurable. Their confidence in me, my abilities and vision really motivate me to go harder.

Website: www.truetoyouskincare.com
Instagram: Truetoyoubeautybarspa
Linkedin: Luella Hackett
Twitter: LuellaTweets
Facebook: Truetoyoubeautybar&spa
Youtube: The True To You Channel

Image Credits
Camille Percy

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.