Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Ramos.
Mercedes, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started when I was 18-years-old. I said the words no parent really wants to hear their child say, “I’m going to art school.” I remember my dad being SO angry with me. He decided that I made a huge mistake and I would have to face this one alone. So he said the words “GET OUT!” So, I did. I have faced life’s challenges alone since that day. I attended art school studying Media Arts and Animation, while working full time at a gym as a personal trainer. I fell in love with the fitness industry and quickly moved my way up to management. I dedicated a decade of my life to helping others achieve their dream goals. The only problem was that I wasn’t working on my own goals, which was being an artist. That was my first love after all. I spent 10 years being overworked, underpaid and mistreated working for the fitness industry. I was one of the youngest managers and being one of the only female minorities in my position, I was also unfortunately discriminated against as well. The day a coworker had freely addressed me as “anchor baby” rather than my name, I finally decided I would no longer work in an unhealthy environment or work for anyone ever again. I had to make my own way. So I did.
It was time for me to take a stand and be ME no matter what. I was used to the scrutiny, judgment and disfavor and was no stranger to unacceptance. I had worked hard for people who did not respect me and I was ready to work even harder for myself. That’s when Benzobrows was born. Working part time as a personal trainer and making my obsession a DREAM career, which happens to be EYEBROWS! It started as a hobby.
Friends and family would come to me to get their eyebrows done, then their friends, then their friends –friends, etc. Eventually, it was my FULL time small business! I love that I can be creative every day and make woman (and men) not only feel beautiful but make their lives easier too! The truth is- Women have it SO hard! We are buried under a mountain of expectations. We need to help each other any possible way and empower each other! The world will try and make us feel unworthy, unloved and unneeded. But we as woman provide the best type of love. We our passionate and strong and worthy of love and RESPECT. My clients often tell me that they love their brows and having them microbladed is LIFE changing and saves them so much time in the morning. Honestly, if I can help a woman with her everyday life even just a little bit. To me that’s winning.
Today, I am a business owner, an ARTIST and my dad is proud of me, I have won.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I faced A LOT of discrimination during my professional journey. Being a Hispanic woman meant I would have to work three times as hard. I worked on proving my credibility as a new artist and was relentless about my image and proving that my integrity and client satisfaction means everything to me.
OH, did I mention I was completely broke! I was buried under debt, student loans, medical bills, etc. I had overdue amounts and couldn’t even pay my car note! But I still put all bets on myself. I spent every last cent on the startup of my business. My fiancé saw my efforts and put HIMSELF in debt to pay for my tuition to get my certification.
He believed in me, but I had to believe in myself first. Even when people told me I couldn’t, it made me push even harder. We can do ANYTHING when we decide we can.
BenzoBrows – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
It is a permanent make up studio specializing in microblading eyebrows. I am mostly known for my extreme detail in symmetry and hyperrealism hair stroke patterns. My designs have been proven to be a woman’s favorite sneaky little secret over and over again! Even men have thanked me for cutting their woman’s grooming routine in half!
Woman spend SO much time on their brows! I am consistently learning and creating new techniques to master my craft. I am proud of the foundation of my business, which is client satisfaction. I keep an open line of communication to ensure the best results possible. When my clients are happy I am happy. One thing that sets me apart from my competitors is that I take my time, I never rush a session! I have a secret method that takes a bit longer that most artists. However, this method has proven itself to provide optimal numbing and the best results possible! My clients ALWAYS leave happy!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When I received my first five star yelp review the reality of being an actual business owner set in. All the adversities and challenges leading to this day hit me in one single moment. There were many years when every single day was a fight and I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Then one day, boom I was there. I realized that my resilience and perseverance had finally paid off! I remember having this overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I still get that feeling every single time I get a positive review!
Pricing:
- Full Eyebrow Microblading session (first touch up free within 4-6 weeks) $349
- Corrections $200 ( Per 1.30 hours)
- Touch up $200
Contact Info:
- Address: 948 N Mountain Avenue,
2nd Floor Suite #119
Ontario, CA 91762 - Website: benzobrows.com
- Phone: 9093064399
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benzobrows/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenzoBrows/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/benzo-brows-ontario-2
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Carmen – EMC PHOTO
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
