Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Alvarez-Galindo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Alvarez-Galindo.

Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Austin and for the most part, I grew up in or around South Austin. My family moved around quite a bit and I ended up graduating from South Hills High School in Fort Worth. After high school, my best friend invited me to move out to Honolulu, Hawaii with her. I didn’t have any plans to continue my education but I ended up enrolling in the community college there anyway. After completing my first year I didn’t plan on going back to college so I moved back to Texas and decided to take a gap year.

I got a job at a restaurant and that’s where one of my coworkers brought up beauty school. Up until that point I hadn’t really thought or known about being an esthetician or cosmetologist. I loved makeup & skincare so immediately I was like I want to do that. I researched schools around Austin before landing on Avenue Five Institute and enrolling there. I had a good experience throughout my time there, I made some great friends.

I graduated school the day the city shut down for Covid which was pretty lucky, I also found out I was five months pregnant. I had to wait a while before I could take my state board test and get my license. Once I got my license I still had to wait before I could do anything with it. Salons and spas were still shut down and I was getting ready to have my baby.

Finally a few months later things started opening back up, I got a job at a little spot in Dripping Springs and I was there for about 3 months before making the decision to move back to East Austin. Once back in Austin I played around with the idea of being home based. I tried it out for about a month before finding Flower Moon Collective.

Flower Moon collective is a space we all collectively share but also get to do our own thing and run our business our way. I’ve been there for about 5 months now & I’m so happy to say that I’ve found my beauty family. It’s so nice to work in a place with other like minded, talented artists/ entrepreneurs.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business can already be a little scary on its own so when you add covid AND becoming a first time mom, I was definitely very nervous and scared about what the future would hold. I struggled a lot with thoughts of doubt and staying motivated in the beginning. I wanted to quit so many times. However, I was very blessed with an amazing support system who have kept me going. My mom and my mother in law have been two of the most supportive people on this journey, they have been amazing at stepping in and helping out with my baby. I also have a few friends who have been so supportive of my business from the start, I can never thank them enough.

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’m a licensed esthetician which means I can legally work on the surface of the skin. I can perform facials, waxing, brow tinting, lash lifts and lash Extensions. I’m also a certified lash technician which means I have taken an extra course that specializes in lash extensions. In some states only a certification is required to perform lash extensions but in most, you need to be licensed as well. I like doing all types of services but I think lash extensions are by far my favorite.

Not everyone has the capacity to do lash extensions, it’s a very meticulous and time-consuming art. Not to mention it can cause some pain & stress on your back and hands over time. However, nothing beats the feeling of completing a set and having your client absolutely love them.

What sets me apart is my ability to identify with my clients who are parents. Having a little one of my own, I know how stressful being a parent can be and how hard it can be to get some time for yourself. I try my best to make my appointments as relaxing and smooth as possible to ensure that my clients have a great “me time” experience before getting back to their families.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and have my own business. I never really knew what kind of business though until I got into beauty school.

My first “business venture” was when I was about 11 in sixth grade. I would sell those mini soda cans to other students. I now know that was highly illegal but it seemed like a good idea at the time.

For some time I had made a habit of starting little small businesses online & then just kind of abandoning them. My Bestfriend could probably tell you all about them, from chocolate strawberries to a clothing line. I’ve tried to start it all. This however is something I have truly fallen in love with and plan on sticking it out to the end. I have big plans for Exo Beauty Bar and I can’t wait for everyone to see.

Pricing:

• Classic lashes – $100
• Hybrid lashes – $120
• Volume lashes – $160

Contact Info:

• Email: exo.beautybar@gmail.com
• Website: ExoBeautyBar.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/exobeautybar?utm_medium=copy_link