Today we’d like to introduce you to Selena Late. Selena is an artist and entrepreneur at heart and this combination compelled her to think about her business which is now a sizeable venture and keeps growing! Fueled by her clients’ demand, she plans to expand to other locations soon. Check out edited excerpts of our interview with Selena below.
Selana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out in the beauty industry about 13 years ago working for cosmetic lines in department stores. I worked for Estee Lauder for 5 years in Macy’s and then left to become an assistant cosmetic manager for Nordstrom in Glendale. This was where I finally got a chance to show my management skills as well as my artistry and sales.
I had no idea what I was in for though! Not only was I responsible for managing over 40+ lines but also 50+ employees! It was during this time that I realized I really loved managing teams of people and providing beauty services to clients. So after 3 years with Nordstrom I took a leap of faith and decided to start my own business that would incorporate those two things together. Starting a business is not something I thought I would ever do growing up but it is something that has definitely helped me grow! It has been 4 years since I started The Bombshell Beauty Agency and we now have a team of over 70 artists and have worked with some of the biggest cosmetic and production companies in the world.
I still do make-up and nails for my personal clients about 2-3 days out of the week but the rest of my time is spent managing and acting as an agent for The Bombshell talent. We staff teams of makeup artists, nail technicians, hairstylists, estheticians, massage therapists and barbers for large scale events. We have done all of the major award ceremonies and fashion shows along with private parties and gifting suites for celebrities. My business partner Andrea Guerrero and I have a studio in Glendale for our clients. At “The Latest Looks” studio we provide nail, makeup, full body waxing, and lash extension services. We also plan on giving classes sometime in the future!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been anything but a smooth road! More like tough and gritty! Starting a business on your own is not for the weak. I think our biggest struggles were knowing where to start and of course “capital”. I come from a very low income family and have no financial resources so even being able to pay the states business fees etc. has been a challenge for sure. But starting something from nothing definitely gives you an advantage I have learned. It teaches you hard work and determination is the only way to succeed! Every day is still a challenge and a struggle but it is a constant learning process and you can never know too much 😉
What are your plans for the future?
Thank you so much I was happy to share my story and the exposure is always very much appreciated! It seems like we are definitely a good match. Our plans going forward are to expand to Nashville, Tennessee where our services are in dire need! And since we are already in Austin and have clientele there it just makes sense. However most of our business and most loyal clients are located here. Plus I am also an LA native, born and raised so I don’t think I am going to be based anywhere else anytime soon.
Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
As far as the hardest time or the most difficult obstacle we have had to overcome it would probably be when we first started. We originally started out with 3 of us as partners, then learned within a year, one of us had the skills but lacked the drive. Unfortunately that person carried most of our capital so once she left we were stuck starting from scratch again. Trying to figure out how to reconstruct the business, our goals and our options. It happened to be a blessing in disguise!
Then I was approached a few months later for a fashion show “nail gig”, knew they were looking for more talent and I offered to have a team of mine help out. We ended up booking the entire team of nail techs and hairstylists for the Salvatore Ferragamo Fall Fashion ’13 Show in Beverly Hills. Then we quickly realized we could do everything we wanted to do before without the headache of a third partner or their capital. This was the day that we realized all the things we had been working so hard for came true! Everything just fell into place after that.
It was our hard times that forced us to challenge ourselves though. And without that and our determination and motivation we would have never been able to grow. I have learned that in business NOTHING ever goes exactly how you hoped it would but as long as you have the passion to continue on your journey, nothing can stop you. My advice is always to grow thick skin, learn from your mistakes and don’t EVER let an opportunity pass you by! The sky is the limit right!?
Contact Info:
- Tel: (818) 692 6804
- Email:[email protected]
- Facebook: The Bombshell Beauty Agency
- Instagram: The Bombshells
Check out her work below:
