Meet Debra Vazquez of Chingona Beauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Vazquez.

Hi Debra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts with my mom; I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for her resilience. At a very young age, she had to risk her education in order to help provide for her family. She eventually moved from her small town in Mexico to the US, in search of better opportunities. As a single mother, she worked full time as a live in house keeper under her employer Debbie. Who is also an important part of my story. Not only am I named after her, she also provided an opportunity for my mom to stay and help raise me with her family. That’s how I ended up in Thousand Oaks.

Growing up, we moved a few times. So, I was also raised in Simi Valley and Moorpark, where I eventually graduated and pursued a higher education. I transferred from Moorpark College to California Lutheran University, earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts and Sociology. But not before attending Santa Monica College, that’s where I went to beauty school and completed my 600 hours for my Esthetician License. I enrolled at SMC the year before transferring over to CLU. I always had an interest in brows but never thought much of it. I assumed I would go to school and end up with a career that way. But life had other plans. I was actually supposed to transfer the same year I enrolled at SMC. The issue was the need for financial aid. So instead of waiting a year to qualify for aid, I decided to explore my interest in brows and took the leap in enrolling at SMC. And now I hold an Esthetician License, a Business License, and own an LLC with my private studio in Thousand Oaks. It’s a nice full circle moment to end up where it all started. But I didn’t get here alone. I got here thanks to the strong, powerful women in my life, including my mother. If it wasn’t for their help, support and patience, I’m not sure where I’d be today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I come from very humble beginnings and witnessed firsthand the struggles my mother went through trying to survive. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, I recognized at a young age the inequality in society. This translated in gender roles, and race. I also witnessed what it felt like to be vulnerable due to finances and immigration status. As a child, I was my mother’s translator and also helped her raise my younger brother. I didn’t have a lot of stability growing up. We moved a few times, I had to change schools, and I was bullied. I learned to adapt and also grew hyper-independent. Which is something I had to heal from and rewire my brain, along with other defense mechanisms I developed as a child. I was always aware of when I was treated unfairly, and I was never okay with it. But all of this has pushed my drive to want better, be better and do better, and has also encouraged me to speak out against injustice. As a result, this helped shape my mindset and core values.

My struggles are not unique though. My story is one of many children of immigrants. And there are many more struggles that I had to overcome, physically, mentally and emotionally. But this interview isn’t about that. This is about the resilience it took for me to get here and the powerful women who paved the way. Life may not have always been easy, but I’ve never given up. I’m grateful to have been raised by such powerful forces and have them around me as family, friends, and even clients. I was named after resilient, powerful women. My bloodline comes from resilient, powerful women. And I strive to continue being a resilient, powerful woman.

We’ve been impressed with Chingona Beauty, 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?
My business is called Chingona Beauty, and I specialize in signature brows and brazilians, lash lifts, custom tinting, facial and full body waxing. For those that don’t know, Chingona means Badass in Spanish. And my studio does not fall short from the vibes. Not only is it a safe, welcoming and inclusive space, but it also carries a spooky, alternative, spiritual vibe. Picture tattoo shop meets beauty bar. It’s literally a piece of me that I get to share to with all of you. And I strive to make everyone who walks in feel comfortable.

My private studio is located in Thousand Oaks, and I’m currently doing pop ups in LA at Devana Nail Bar as well! Though I’ve been a licensed esthetician since 2018, my love for brows started in 8th grade, when I first picked up some tweezers. I was lucky enough to have friends, and my brother, who were willing to let me practice on them. Shout out to my guinea pigs! And I still do some of their brows til this day! One thing about me, I’m very meticulous about my work. Which is something my clients love. Whether it’s a signature brow or brazilian, every little hair counts! And trust me when I say, I strive to make those brows look like twins, not distant cousins!

I’m proud to say I received an award for Best Brow Bar in Ventura County for 2025. That was a blessing in itself and a reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be. I’m continuously learning, growing and trying to better myself so I can provide the best service possible to my clients. I also don’t gatekeep and am always open to answer any questions people may have about my business or services.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice is put yourself out there. Step out of your comfort zone and go to the events. Attend the tradeshows and conferences. Create a business profile on social media and make yourself, and your work, be seen. Attend trainings. Make friends with other people in the industry that are local to you and not so local. You never know when a connection can lead you to an opportunity or collaboration. Start when you’re in school, not when you think you’ll be ready. Nothing’s ever going to happen if you wait until you’re ready. None of us are truly ready but if we want it, we gotta go get it! Ain’t nobody coming to save us babe! It’s up to us to put in the work and create our own reality, and it’s not going to happen if you’re too comfortable where you’re at.

I barely started attending tradeshows last year, and I wish I would’ve done it so much sooner. I even met my mentor at one this year! I’ve also attended networking and live training events. And the amount of connections I’ve made with the most amazing, beautiful people in this industry is a blessing. Trust me when I say you will not regret stepping out of your comfort zone. Staying stagnant will hurt you more in the end. And it’s always okay to ask questions. I’m so grateful to be part of such a welcoming community. It doesn’t have to be ugly. There’s an abundance of opportunity for all of us out there. If you don’t know where to start, you can ask your educators or managers. You can also research online any tradeshows, conventions, trainings or events near you. The point is to get active and put yourself out there. Do the damn thing!

Pricing:

• Signature Brows start at $35
• Signature Brazilian starts at $65
• Lash Lifts start at $85

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ChingonaBeauty
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chingonabeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chingonabeautyllc
• Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/527qjaVEukPh42jk6