Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Segura.
Hi Christina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I recently learned the average person has 12 jobs in their lifetime. I have had 28 different, seemingly random jobs. I’m proud of this because every experience has led me to this point. I knew I wasn’t going to settle in any position until I was able to spend my days doing what I love, whatever that was.
As I was busy meandering from position to position I would learn my own passion was helping others be happy. The work didn’t matter to me so much as the moment I knew I helped make a difference in someone’s day. I found my passion helping others in any way I could. Once I realized this, things fell into place.
I dedicated the last 10 years to one main focus, lash extensions. I worked years perfecting the art of the classic lash. I thought I had everything I could ever want prior to the pandemic. I had a successful business providing a service making people happy and that felt like enough.
Once our world stopped in March 2020, I had time to reevaluate everything. I realized I needed to make myself happy too. It was time to follow my dream. I opened my retail store in August 2020.
I am now the owner of Pretty is Contagious, a multifaceted experience, depending how you know about us. To the general public, we are a shop that has cute stuff you didn’t know you needed. To those in the know, a short walk down the unmarked hall leads you to several private rooms where you will find your favorite beauty providers, myself included.
I am grateful I get to split my time between creating beautiful lash extensions (I make fake lashes work in real life) and curating a size-inclusive (xs-3x) integrated shop. I source new, vintage and sustainable items that feel like they were meant to be together.
Whether a person is booking a lash service or popping into the shop to see our latest finds, one thing is always consistent, you will feel the energy, it is contagious.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a wild ride. I think we all can relate. The isolation of quarantining for a year then trying to reassimilate. Adapting to my eldest son moving out, online school/partial in person school with a high school teen boy, adopting 2 quarantine pups and managing two separate businesses has had more than its share of challenges. However, I have received amazing support from family, friends and the local community. 2020 was definitely a transitional period, including the expansion of Pretty is Contagious. We now occupy over 2000 sq ft in South Pasadena. The storefront retail shop launched in August 2020, (I can’t believe we are celebrating one year!) and my lash extension business is in the back of the building amongst several private rooms I rent to other creatives.
Life during a worldwide pandemic was generally a struggle. My lash extension business was shut down due to the pandemic a couple of times, so I was unable to work. Then, when I decided to chase my dreams and open my retail boutique it seemed like there was one obstacle after another, including state-mandated shutdowns for retail as well. Renting in a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city is a blessing but there is rarely a dull moment.
It’s great to see people getting out and about now. I love when someone pops in and says we are the first store they have visited or they are looking for something special to take to visit family again for the first time. It’s a blessing to be able to be a part of people’s return to the “outside”.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pretty is Contagious?
Have you ever been around someone who you just can’t get enough of? There’s just something magical about them, your spirits are lifted when in their presence and when you leave, you are somehow in a better mood? That is the energy you will feel at Pretty is Contagious. We are an inclusive, integrated shop with the cutest stuff you didn’t know you need. Our clothing racks do not discriminate. We carry new, sustainable, and other special pieces in sizes xs-3x. Our stock is unique and cohesive. Everything in the shop is meant to be fun. We have many local mom/daughters who pop in and not only agree on something but they usually both leave with a new find. From facetious candles, cutting boards that tell people how you really feel, ridiculously amazing earrings, and easy to wear, head turning outfits, you will always be surprised by the things inside Pretty is Contagious.
We love when locals pop in to say hi (my mom has become a local fave)! We are known for our fun window displays, and the fun stuff inside. We work really hard to create a space for everyone to feel welcome.
What many don’t know is that Pretty is Contagious hosts several creatives who perform various beauty services in private rooms. Lashes, nails, hair removal and more (links to their businesses are up on our site)
Of course, we couldn’t call ourselves Pretty is Contagious if we didn’t give back. We believe in building a strong sense of community and are committed to bringing in artists and vendors who align with our values and do our best to support local nonprofit organizations by offering our space or services when we can. We are excited to be celebrating our one year anniversary, we hope you will pop in and be inspired to share with your friends! Please reach out if you feel you may have a need for our space or are an artist who would like to be a part of our community.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My favorite part about being in South Pasadena is its small-town feel. We are centrally located and easy to reach from LA but it feels like being in a totally different place. It’s a great feeling to have local families wave hello on their daily walks or to have new friends pop in to chat. We have felt so welcome in the community the past year and are excited to grow!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.prettyiscontagious.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyiscontagious/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettyiscontagious
