Meet Jocelin Aguirre of The Vanity Box Cosmetics in Downey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelin Aguirre.

Jocelin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I became a Makeup Artist in 2013 and shortly after, I was offered a customer service position at a cosmetics company. There I discovered my passion for makeup and sales. I was able to travel the world with this job attending trade shows where most of my clients were women.

I was inspired by their hard work and family business, I knew I wanted to have a business of my own that I could pass down to my own family. In 2016, I was fired by company little did I know it was a blessing in disguise. I was devastated but thanks to my family I was able to push forward, I was able to land a similar job in the beauty industry, but I was so determined to have my own business that It only lasted a couple of months and started to freelance. I did enjoy freelancing and thanked God it was paying my bill.

In August of 2016, I was shopping at a makeup store and thanks to my background in sales. I knew that there was a possibility of this store closing, I thought to myself this is my opportunity. Sure enough, after negotiating, I bought The Vanity Box Cosmetics. I have now owned The Vanity Box Cosmetics for two years and every day I find new ways to bring my personality into this store by adding brands that are my taste, changing logos and furniture.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I definitely have not been easy; I imagined myself working a 9-5 job, and I enjoyed it. When those doors closed, it was hard for me to see that a new one would open.

Since reopening the store, I have struggled with comments such as ” She was lucky she bought it off someone,” “she didn’t work hard to start her own brand” It was handed to her.” Even though I know how hard I have worked to make something my own, it does hurt.

As a young Latina woman it is hard presenting myself as a strong buyer we have to compete with bigger names like Ulta and Sephora and even smaller stores to get the top brands.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Vanity Box Cosmetics – what should we know?
We offer over 50 cult-favorite brands and do makeovers. What set us apart from others is our customer service and education we offer to our clients. Every customer receives a consultation when they come into our store.

We understand that social media has a high impact on our customers so we go the extra mile on explaining what each product does and which would be better for their skin type or desired finished.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My entire family has been a huge support system. My parents encouraged to take the leap of faith to purchase the store. My sister is playing a huge role, she helps with inventory and social media and also creates a strong balance with my decisions.

Roxanne, our lead makeup artist who creates content for our online customers. Adriana and Tatiana are my other employees who always give amazing customers and take care of the store while I attend events outside of work.

My boyfriend and best friend of 12 years who has always reminded me that I can do anything I set my mind to. The entire community of Downey, I wouldn’t pick another city to have my business, it is such a connected city, and we are always referring to each other.

Pricing:

• Makeup Applications $85
• Strip Lashes starting at $3 to $35

Contact Info:

• Address: 12004 Paramount Blvd Downey Ca 90242
• Website: vanityboxcosmetics.net
• Phone: 5626220763
• Email: cs@vanityboxcosmetics.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanityboxdowney/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-vanity-box-cosmetics-downey

Image Credit:
EyPhotobooth

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