Meet Raquel Johnson | Lash Extensionist / Salon Owner

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

Hi Raquel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is the only thing that will separate you from others. There are so many people out there that have amazing business plans or ideas, but they are too afraid or too comfortable to make that change in their lives. As for me, the risk I took definitely changed my life and I’m so happy I stuck with it. I feel like I’m setting a good foundation for my family and my employees future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most people wouldn’t consider an eyelash salon as art, but we truly believe it is. At Raqnbeauty, we love to get a feel of our clients as soon as they walk into the door. We see each client as a fresh canvas that can be changed in many different ways. We look at the frame of their face, the shape of their eyes, and the original length of their natural lashes before any work begins. We will then use our years of experience to give them suggestions on what we believe will provide the best outcome regarding look, feel, and overall healthiness of their lashes and eyebrows.

Running any business is difficult, and a salon is no different. We have come a long way in the past few years and I am incredibly excited to see what the next chapter holds. Three years ago, we were in a one room studio with barely enough space for two people, and now we are looking into expanding with our own building. We got to where we are today via faith and determination. I consistently worked nights, weekends, and holidays while also, unfortunately, missing out on special events like weddings, birthdays, and other family events. Running a business is a commitment that a lot of people don’t realize, and it can absolutely take a tole on you if you’re not ready.

Tom Hanks said it best, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.” In the end, that is what has made all of this so special however. I put my own sweat and blood into Raqnbeauty and it has all payed off. I have started a future that my daughter can be a part of one day, and I consistently feel blessed because of it.

A few lessons I’ve learned,
Time is everything so take advantage of every minute you have.
If your gut is telling you to go for it DO IT & if the feeling is otherwise follow your instincts, most of the time you’re right.
Being nice to people goes a long way and it will make you or break you. You decide what route to take, SO BE KIND, it doesn’t take much of you.

I want the world to know that I want to represent everyone that feels different.
Everyone who might have a dream and is too afraid, you can really achieve a whole lot if you are willing to truly dedicate yourself.
I want my brand to be known as I consider myself : UNIQUE and BOLD but always SIMPLE. I am a girl who knew growing up I had a purpose and always told myself one day I’d discover what it was. I was born with a cleft palate facing many challenges in life. Yet knowing I was different, I wanted to help others feel beautiful inside and out the way I always wished people would make me feel back then when I felt so unheard and here we are making it happen !

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If friends were visiting I’d probably take them out to eat. I love food ! Ha, the diversity in Houston is insane the food says a lot about us too. I love cute small Spanish places reminding me of my culture like Cielito Cafe, Cascabel is another great one or if they wanted to just have some good food State fare is another great one. Downtown has a lot of special places to go too… from hang out areas to artsy places the museum district not to mention POST Houston our newest fun location where there is lots to do. I would also take a stroll to the Kemah area they’ve got lots of great hang out spots from food like the Waffle House to outdoor bars like voodoo and one of my favorite Kareoke places to go too, Reno’s we could make a trip down to Nasa.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success comes from all of the people who believed in me, really. The continuous support that I have received since I started all the way up til now is something I’ll always be grateful for. The best support is a referral from my clients. Shout out to Oletha Brown my college professor for always pushing us to do more than we thought we could ever do. Also, my family and husband for always listening and always having my back with everything I’ve ever believed in.

Website: Raqnbeauty.com

Instagram: Htxlashboss

Facebook: Raquel Nava