Today we’d like to introduce you to Vonnie Gonzales.
Hi Vonnie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had an interest in the beauty industry. I was set on obtaining my certification in Esthetics so that I could pursue a career in Makeup, as that was my primary passion. But, soon after attending school I quickly fell in love with the art of lash extensions. It was all so new at the time but I knew it was going to be a game-changing trend in the beauty world.
After going through school, I received my license and started an entrepreneurial journey as a traveling lash artist. I began to grow a small business through word of mouth and marketing myself online in my hometown back in New Mexico. I quickly grew a clientele in just a few short months, however; I knew only so much could be accomplished in such a small town and I just wanted more.
In late 2014, I moved to San Antonio, Texas. This is where my career solely in the makeup industry began. I began learning more about cosmetics by working in Sephora and was extremely blessed to have networked in the beauty community. Not long after, I was offered a position as a Freelance Artist for Christian Dior and which led me to eventually moving to Austin in 2017 to becoming a Brand Manager with the brand in Neiman Marcus.
Fast forward to 2019– after years of not putting my Esthetics license to use, I finally decided it was time to step back into doing lashes. Something I really enjoyed doing but had set aside. At this time, I had already transitioned into a position as a brow artist with Anastasia Beverly Hills in Nordstrom full-time and was also working part-time in a local lash studio. I was eager to combine the two staples of brows and lashes as I’m a firm believer that they go hand in hand. I decided to venture off to begin a career in a SPA environment to tackle my new goals.
I was really enjoying lashing full time and quickly grew a clientele — but for the first time at a job, I felt like I was unable to be myself with my clients which began to make me not enjoy my career. After a year and a half at this job, I knew I loved what I was doing but also knew I couldn’t continue to work in the environment I was in. While working there, I met two very amazing girls named Anais and Kiley who are now my business partners. We all shared the same beliefs in authenticity and hard work and now share a space called ATX Lash Society. It took a lot of faith in myself and trusting that I was doing the right thing financially to make this leap. I am now eight months into having my own business and I am so thankful that I did.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been the easiest, but I’m thankful that it hasn’t been extremely rocky. I really waited until I knew I was financially ready to start my own business. One thing, as most entrepreneurs can relate to; is that I have definitely given up a lot of personal time working long hours and having minimal to no days off. I had also taken on a second job in the bar industry while my business was still growing which consumed a lot of my time. I was willing to give my business time to flourish and knew sacrificing these personal luxuries would be worth it one day for myself and my business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Licensed Esthetician who specializes in Lash Artistry and Brow Shaping. I am known to work with client’s personal face and bone structures to design a look that best works for them.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am a huge Ryan Holiday fan. My everyday read is “The Daily Stoic” which is a daily devotional book of stoic philosophy. It’s a huge part of my daily routine.
I also really enjoy listening to motivational podcasts. I’ll narrow it down —
My top 3 are:
On Purpose With Jay Shetty
Expanded by To Be Magnetic
New Mindset, Who Dis?
Contact Info:
- Email: vonnielorrainebeauty@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.atxlashsociety.com/
- Instagram: @atxlashgirl
Image Credits
Headshot taken by: Seth Talkington IG: sethtakesshots
