Daily Inspiration: Meet Frances Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances Rodriguez.

Hi Frances, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before I became a business owner, I was a full-time elementary teacher for Kansas City, KS, Public Schools. I taught for 8 years. I loved it! However, a growing family encouraged me to consider another path. Before my second baby was born, I took a makeup certification course every Saturday from 8:00-4:00 for 7 months. Initially, I wanted to learn to apply makeup to myself, but I never thought that makeup would be the basis of my new career just a short time later. In 2020, after my baby was born, I submitted my resignation letter to the school district to be a stay-at-home mom and maybe “dabble” in this new world of beauty. I met with a photographer and collaborated with her for various photo sessions. Then I did makeup for my clients in the corner of my living room. I had a small table with all my supplies set up. Over time, my husband redid our sunroom, and it’s now my very own space where I do all of my business.

After about a year and a half of doing makeup, I realized clients preferred an artist who could also do hairstyles. So to become more marketable, I took an online hair course and became a certified hairstylist. Now I offer both services. In addition to being a hair and makeup artist, I am also a bridal and event assistant. I handle minor details for special events to help relieve clients’ worries on their big day. I have enjoyed this new change of pace for myself. I feel a sense of freedom. I am home with my 3 small children during the week, and then I can do hair and makeup on the weekends. It doesn’t feel like work because of all the fun I have. It amazes me how far I’ve come, but what I reflect on the most is the big change of pace I have made. I went to a university to receive a bachelor’s degree and then on to get my master’s degree, but now here I am working a trade with certification, and I am just as happy, if not more, than I was when I was teaching.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been as smooth as it can be. I have had my fair share of struggles, most definitely. Explicitly speaking, Being a hair and makeup artist isn’t just that. I’ve had to make a few tough business decisions. I used to have my feelings hurt when I wasn’t ultimately chosen to be a bride’s preferred choice after having a consultation together. I used to chase clients because I wanted their business. I’ve had to learn not to take things personally. I’ve learned the importance of having a contract and that it should change as I learn from different experiences. I find it challenging to have good time management sometimes, but I’m working on it. Being a business owner means you need someone to fall back on. It’s you, or it’s you.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hair and makeup artist who specializes in airbrush makeup. I have incorporated my personal touch into an in-home salon boutique. I create a peaceful and calm environment with music and refreshments. I am known for making my clients look like themselves. I am not a trendy makeup artist. I don’t apply makeup with funny tools or over-contour anyone’s face. I personalize each makeup application to each client instead of a simple copy-and-paste look. Professionalism is my top priority in business. I value my appearance, my reputation, and my work. You see that very rarely, especially in this line of work, because many artists treat it as a hobby. I treat it as a career that supports my family financially.

What makes you happy?
In my personal life, seeing my children laugh and play and knowing that my husband and I do our best to ensure they are getting the kind of childhood we didn’t have, makes me happy. It lets me know we are breaking cycles for the next generation’s sake. Regarding my career/business, it makes me happy to see the smiles and satisfaction on my clients’ faces after I provide a hair or makeup service. I work with brides and bridal parties a lot, and knowing that I helped another woman feel and look her absolute best on such an important day, is incomparable. Also, helping people, in general, makes me happy too. Assisting others to take a load off and comfort people when they need it most is in my nature. It’s why I became a bridal & event assistant.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frances_rodriguez_mua/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francesrodriguezhmua

Image Credits
Denise Jambor Photography,  Lexie Rae Photography, Lumos Photography