Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Pelallo.
Hi Diana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in California, and that’s really where my journey began. I earned my cosmetology license in 2017 and originally thought hair would be my path, but it turned out that wasn’t for me. While in beauty school, I decided to explore my options and took a lash extension course and instantly fell in love.
After getting my cosmetologist license, I wanted to dive deeper into the lash industry, so I took several certification classes and began practicing on friends and family. But during that time, I felt lost, I had so many questions and no one to turn to for guidance. In 2019, I decided to go back to school and got my esthetician’s license. Around then I also took a lash lift certification course, which quickly became one of my favorite services. I’ll never forget that class. Everything about it was perfect, the people, the space, and I remember telling my friend who came with me, ‘Iim going to work here one day I know it’ and Sure enough, by the end of June I was hired at Lashed Studio.
Working there was amazing. I gained the mentorship, education, and guidance I had been searching for, and even found a family within the team. Over time, I worked my way up from a junior artist to a senior artist, had the opportunity to train other artists in lash lifts, and eventually became the Head of Education at Lashed Studio before leaving.
In May 2023, me and my husband made the decision to move to Austin. We had always lived in California, and while it felt like the right time for a new adventure, it was also one of the hardest decisions i’ve ever made. All of our family was still back in California, so stepping out on our own was both scary and challenging.
With that move, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. So I opened up Luminar studio, Today, we offer lash extensions, lash lifts, brow laminations, and permanent jewelry.
Owning my own business was always a dream, one that once felt impossible. But now, here I am, standing in the perfect space that my hard work, tears, and most importantly, my dreams have brought me to.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’m a huge overthinker, and that often puts me in my own way. I’m constantly questioning myself and worrying about whether I’m doing things right, but I think that comes with chasing something that really matters and scares you at the same time. On top of that, I have ADHD, which makes focusing and sticking to one task a real challenge. Some days, juggling everything as a business owner feels overwhelming, but I’ve learned to take it step by step and give myself grace along the way.
The biggest challenge of all, though, was losing my mom to cancer just two months after opening Luminar Studio. That loss shook me to my core. I wanted to completely stop, close my studio, and walk away from everything. For a while, I couldn’t even think about my business because the grief was so heavy. But then I’d think about how happy and proud my mom was when I opened my doors, and I knew I couldn’t let her down.
Holding onto her love and belief in me gave me the strength to keep going, even when it felt impossible. I keep calla lilies in my studio as a tribute to her. they remind me every day of her presence, her support, and the reason I keep pushing forward.
Those struggles have shaped me into the business owner I am today. They’ve taught me resilience, patience with myself, and the importance of finding joy and purpose in what I do, even on the hardest days.
We’ve been impressed with Luminar Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Luminar Studio, we specialize in lash extensions, lash lifts, brow laminations, and permanent jewelry.
What makes us unique is that we don’t just focus on delivering high-quality services, we thrive on building real connections with our clients. Our goal is to create an experience where every client feels comfortable, cared for, and celebrated.
When it comes to lash services, we’re known for achieving natural looking results that still make an impact. We truly listen to what our clients want and make sure they always leave happy. Lash health is always our top priority, which is why we tailor every set with care. Our lash services include classic extensions, wet lash styles, volume, wispy lashes, and even mega volume. For those who prefer a lower-maintenance option, our lash lifts offer your natural lashes a beautiful alternative that helps give a more open and awake look.
With brows, we love enhancing each client’s natural shape in a way that flatters their features without ever feeling overdone.
Permanent jewelry has added something really special to our brand. We create custom pieces like bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and rings in 14K gold-filled, sterling silver, and select rose gold options. We offer in-studio sessions, pop-ups, business collaborations, and private events such as weddings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and more. It’s been incredible to see clients create meaningful pieces for themselves or with loved ones, leaving not only with jewelry, but with a memory they’ll carry forever.
What I’m most proud of, brand wise, is the environment I’ve been able to create. Luminar Studio isn’t just about beauty services or jewelry, it’s about connection. As a Latina business owner, I take pride in bringing my culture, values, and heart into everything I do. Representation matters, and I want my clients, especially other Latinas, to see that their dreams are possible too. My hope is to inspire others in my community to chase their goals, even when they feel out of reach like mine once did.
Whether it’s through the conversations during an appointment or the moment a client chooses a piece of jewelry to mark a milestone, my goal is always to make every person feel valued and leave with more than just a service. At the end of the day, Luminar Studio is built on passion, creativity, and community. To me, it’s not just about services, it’s about the connections I’ve made, the confidence I’ve helped build, and the joy of helping someone feel truly special.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I feel like the beauty industry is constantly changing and growing, and I think the future will bring even more options for customization. Clients are looking for services that fit their individual style, needs, and lifestyle, whether it’s lashes, brows, or jewelry. I see trends moving toward more personalized experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studioluminar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsluminar_studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsluminarstudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/luminar-studio-round-rock
- Other: https://share.google/IDl6UOmStWFJQSsEx
