Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Esparza.
Hi Marisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello Austin and surrounding areas! I want to thank Voyage Austin for this fun and fantastic opportunity! My name is Marisa, owner and operator of Jo & Co. Beauty Salon, LLC. I am also a mama of one handsome young man, ‘Jo’ (nickname for Joseph and an inspiration for my salon name). Fun fact about me, I’m a native Austinite, born and raised in this great city. I’ve been in the beauty industry as a hair and makeup artist for 13 years and as a mini salon owner for 9 of those years. My love and passion for the industry started many moons ago. I was always intrigued watching and studying my mom as she would get ready for work in the mornings, doing her hair and makeup or even touching up her color; being a single parent mom, this was her only option.
One day in particular, I remember how beautiful I felt after she styled my hair to stand up in a quinceañera I had been invited to. That’s around when I knew I wanted a career in this awe-inspiring industry that would allow me to make the everyday woman feel confident, beautiful, and fierce! I faced a little obstacle because I began motherhood as a teen. Despite how grateful I was to have had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom for the first five years of my son’s life, I was still very much determined to pursue my passion in the beauty industry. So I decided to take that leap to get my new journey officially started when he began full-time schooling. I had a great support system with my mom helping my son after school and my Hunny taking care of all the household finances and necessities. Going to school and working 12-14 hour days felt like such a long time, but I knew it would all be worth it one day. And it most definitely was! I began my career as an apprentice downtown at Austin’s iconic Bella Salon, working under so many amazing master stylists and the owner, Joshua Martin. I remember him being so firm and insistent about his high expectations of his artist. Initially, I was terrified, but as time passed, I realized he was such a compassionate and kind man. I then understood he was trying to be the best instructor he could be to ensure that he aided in molding me into a confident and professional artist. I’m so grateful for his guidance. I carry his teachings with me to this day, running my own business. I feel so blessed that my passion for this industry is still as strong as when I first began. I love that I’m continuously a student in my craft, especially since the beauty industry is forever evolving. I truly value and appreciate all the clientele that has allowed me to grow in my passion. I hope to continue cultivating myself as an artist and entrepreneur for many more years. I look forward to the remarkable people I will meet and what other opportunities my career will provide me along my journey. Hopefully, more such as this. Thank you again, Voyage Austin!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the obstacles I encountered initially was at the beginning of my journey. Having to juggle cosmetology school, working, and, most importantly, being a mother simultaneously was exhausting.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a hair and makeup artist specializing in lived-in color and haircuts as well as formal looks for special events. I truly value and put my best efforts into every service I provide. I am meticulously detailed, which can be viewed as a positive and negative trait, but I honestly wouldn’t or couldn’t see myself providing my services any other way. Another fun fact, I love doing SFX and Halloween face art!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best suggestion for the young beginning artist is to get into a salon as an apprentice/assistant. I cannot tell you how much confidence I gained by studying and learning from well-experienced and established master artists. I felt very well prepared, venturing out on my own, possessing a little portion of knowledge & technique from each artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jocobeautysalon.square.site
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jocobeautysalon
- Facebook: Facebook.com/jocobeautysalon
Image Credits
Ultralicious Photography, Clarissa Lynn Photograpy, Roland Bazan Photography
