Meet Viviana Nicole of Downey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Viviana Nicole.

Hi Viviana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with Luxe Beauty by Vivi began with a passion for hair and makeup and a desire to help people feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. When I first started, it was just me, my skills, and a vision for what I wanted to create. I was building my business one client at a time, learning not only how to grow as an artist but also what it truly meant to be a business owner. I didn’t start with a team or an established brand. I had to build those things through experience, dedication, and a willingness to keep pushing myself forward.

As the years went on, my business evolved, and so did my vision. I realized I wanted to create more than a service where someone gets their hair and makeup done. I wanted to create an experience where clients feel taken care of, listened to, and excited about how they look for some of the most meaningful moments in their lives. That vision became Luxe Beauty by Vivi, a brand that reflects both my growth as an artist and my commitment to providing professional, personalized beauty services.

Today, Luxe Beauty by Vivi has grown from a one-person business into a team of seven artists serving clients throughout Southern California. We specialize in on-location hair and makeup for weddings, quinceañeras, special events, and other celebrations. Our mobile services allow us to bring beauty directly to our clients, whether they’re getting ready at home, in a hotel, or at a venue.

Something that’s especially important to me is making sure our services are welcoming and inclusive. We proudly serve clients of all identities and backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated, regardless of who they are or how they choose to express themselves. I want Luxe Beauty by Vivi to be a business where people feel comfortable being themselves and know that their vision will be respected.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing how much the business has grown while knowing that it started with me taking a chance on myself. Being a business owner has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in what I’m building, even when growth doesn’t happen overnight. There have been challenges and lessons along the way, but each one has helped shape the business I have today.

I’m proud that Luxe Beauty by Vivi has become something bigger than I originally started with, and I’m excited about where it can go next. My goal is to continue growing the brand, expanding our reach, and creating beautiful, memorable experiences for every client we have the privilege of serving. At the heart of it all, my business is still rooted in the same passion that started this journey: helping people feel like the best version of themselves.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow a business while wearing so many different hats. When I first started, I was responsible for everything myself, from providing the services to communicating with clients, managing bookings, marketing, and handling all the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with running a business. I quickly learned that being talented at what you do is only one part of being a successful business owner.

Another challenge has been navigating the ups and downs of the beauty industry. Bookings can fluctuate depending on the season, the economy, and what clients are able to spend. As a small business owner, you have to learn how to adapt, continue marketing yourself, and find ways to stay visible even during slower periods. It can be discouraging to put so much time and effort into your business and not always see immediate results, but I’ve learned that consistency is essential.

Growing from an individual artist into a business with a team has also come with its own learning curve. Building a brand, earning clients’ trust, coordinating artists, and maintaining a consistent level of professionalism takes time and dedication. I’ve had to learn to be adaptable, solve problems as they arise, and keep improving the way I operate my business.

Through these challenges, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen overnight. There are moments when you have to step back, reevaluate, and remind yourself why you started. I’ve learned to be more resilient, to trust the process, and to see setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than reasons to give up.

Looking back, I think some of the hardest moments have also been the most valuable because they have helped me grow not only as an artist but as a business owner. I’m still learning, and I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I’m proud that I’ve continued building Luxe Beauty by Vivi and turning my vision into something that reaches beyond just myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My specialty is soft glam and skin-like makeup. I saw a gap in the beauty industry for clients who wanted professional makeup without feeling like a completely different person. My goal is to enhance natural beauty while making every client feel confident and comfortable. I always tell my clients, “You won’t hurt my feelings. It’s about you!” I want everyone in my chair to feel heard, relaxed, and treated like a celebrity.

What sets Luxe Beauty by Vivi apart is that we provide more than hair and makeup; we bring a full salon experience directly to our clients. We help with finishing touches, including getting dressed, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. For weddings, we create getting-ready schedules and coordinate with wedding coordinators to help ensure everyone is ready on time.

I believe exceptional customer service starts the moment someone books with us, not just when we arrive. Based on our client reviews, making people feel comfortable, valued, and cared for is one of the things we do best. I’m most proud of creating an experience where clients receive beautiful results without sacrificing their individuality or peace of mind.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something people might not know about me is that I’ve always been artistic, even long before I started working in the beauty industry. Growing up, I loved painting and sketching, and I especially enjoy standing in front of a piece of art or something that inspires me and recreating it in my own way. I’ve always loved the process of taking something I see and interpreting it through my own creativity. I still enjoy visiting art museums and finding inspiration in different forms of art.

Outside of work, I’m also a big fan of video games, concerts, and theme parks, especially during Halloween season. I enjoy experiences that let me escape into another world, whether that’s through art, gaming, live music, or the atmosphere of a theme park.

I’m also very grateful for the support system I have behind me. My mom has been a huge source of encouragement, helping me build confidence in myself and reminding me to look at challenges from different perspectives when I’m trying to solve a problem. My partner is also a big part of my support system. After appointments, he checks in with me, ask how everything went, and gives me space to decompress after a busy day.

And sometimes, the best way for me to reset is simply spending time with my dog Tyson. Running a business can mean constantly thinking about the next task or what I need to improve, so those quiet moments help bring me back to reality and remind me to enjoy life outside of work.

I think having these creative interests and people around me helps me maintain balance. My business is a big part of my life, but I’m also someone who loves art, enjoys new experiences, and values the people and little moments that keep me grounded.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.luxebeautybyvivi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxebeautybyvivi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxebeautybyvivi/