left the salon to do weddings full time

Okay, so we have Christina here. So I would love to start with how you got started in the wedding industry. Like, take me back. How did you get into. I know you do hair and makeup, right?

Yes, I do.

Yeah.

It's been a long journey. It's been a long journey.

And tell me where you're from.

So I'm from Long Island, New York, but I live now in South Florida. I live in West Palm Beach. So. Yeah. So my journey started in this industry when I was, like, 15. I started in a salon, like, shampooing and sweeping floors, and I just kind of started doing it because I needed a job. Like, my parents were like, it's time. You need to start working. And I just really fell in love with the industry. And I come from, like, a family of hairdressers, so that kind of helped. And then I just got my hands really dirty in the industry. Like, I loved every part of it, but I really gravitated towards, like, I really like doing makeup to start for, like, weddings and proms and all that stuff. And, you know, at 19, I was, like, blissfully naive, and I was like, yeah, this is great. And I just had so much fun doing it. But then, you know, people were kind of like, you can't just do makeup. Like, you can't just do weddings. Like, you'll never make any money. So I started working behind the chair and was doing, like, cuts and colors and all that stuff. So I did that for 20 years. And then I moved down to Florida in 21, like, of September of 21, and was working behind the chair. And it just wasn't. It wasn't bringing me, like, any income. Like, I felt broke, like, financially, emotionally, like, mentally. Like, I just was really struggling. And, like, I knew that I wasn't a bad hairdresser. So I just couldn't figure out, you know, where the disconnect was. And then I started doing hair and makeup on the side to supplement my income. And I was like, I'm making a lot more money than I am sleeving behind the chair. And I decided to make it legit. You know, I created an LLC and I did that in October of 23. So we're coming up on, like, two years that I'll, like, have my own. Yeah, yeah. That my LLC was created, and then I was still doing it part time and trying to balance both between the salon industry that I, like, loved so much and that I fell so in love with and, you know, trying to build my brand. And then I was like, you know what I'M going all in November 1st of 24. That's. Oh, my God. That's crazy that it's like almost a year for that. Yeah, that happened really fast. But then I just was like, you know what? I left the salon industry completely and took a leap of faith, and I'm so happy that I did. So. And now this is my, this is my full time job. I do bridal hair and makeup full time, and it's the best decision I've made.

Wait. Okay. There's so many things I want to touch on.

Give you Cliffs Notes and like.

But I love your journey. First off, I can resonate so much. I started out at the salon at 15, shampooing for years. Literally at 15. That was my first job ever. So that is like, so funny. But you started out doing makeup first. It wasn't like updos.

No, it wasn't. I was like this weirdo that was like, I was in the hair industry, but I was almost scared to do hair. It was. It's very bizarre. It was very bizarre.

No, I've heard that before. I've heard my. One of my friends told me she was afraid to do hair because with makeup you could wipe it off, but with hair you can't, like, put it back on.

Yeah, exactly. And that was like my thing. Like, I, I wouldn't cut hair. Like, I was so, like, no, no. And then I just, you know, eventually I was like, okay, it's, it's time. Like, enough is enough.

It's time. And then that's crazy that you were kind of told, like, you know, a lot of people, especially our families, when they care about us, they're like, oh, you can't make that a full time career.

Yeah.

And you kind of shoved it to the back burner. But now here you are, full circle later, almost a year out doing full time. How is that compared to when you were in the salon? Like, income wise, better.

I will say that, like I said, can make the same amount of money or more in less time. Like, you know, I just remember like slaving away doing like a full head balayage or like, you know, being with one client for, let's say four and a half hours for like a color service and a cut service and leaving the salon with like pennies, you know, so if it was like $400 total for the service, you only leave with 50% maybe, you know.

Oh, yeah.

And, you know, then it was just kind of like I was doing all of this work and it just wasn't like the Ends weren't justifying the means. Whereas now, like, you know, I can. And I was working on somebody else's, like, pricing, you know, like, somebody else's rates. When you work for a salon, that's, like, kind of how it goes. But now, like, I just. I dictate my own rates, and I dictate the clients that I want to work with, and I don't have to take anybody that I don't want to take because I feel like, oh, well, what am I going to do? Like, I need to make money. Like, I don't. I don't feel like that anymore. You know, like, I can make the same amount of money in a smaller time frame and actually feel fulfilled, like. And exhausted in, like, a good way. Not, like, exhausted, where I'm, like, dreading going back to work the next day.

Day. Oh, that is so real. Like, when I think back to working in a salon, there's a different exhaustion. When you're so right. When you're working a wedding, you're not like, I never want to. Maybe at the end of a wedding, then you might feel that. But, yeah, it's not like I don't ever want to work, you know, weddings again.

Yeah. I mean, I was getting to the point where I would, like, wake up with, like, anxiety, like, crying, doing my makeup, being like, I don't want to go to the salon. But, like, I felt like, because I was in, like, this horrible, you know, that, like, when you're in limbo, I'm like, what am I gonna do? Like, I have to make a decision. I have to do something. So.

Yes. So I'm actually curious when you. So you left the salon November 1, 2024.

Yeah.

And you were doing weddings before that. Like, be. When you started full time, did you have, like, a game plan? Did you have weddings set up? Or were you just kind of like, I'm just gonna go.

I was taking a leap of faith. I was very much like, you know, raw dog in life. I was like, all right, we're gonna see. I knew, like, how I was feeling prior to that moment was so terrible for me, that I was like, anything's gotta be better than this, you know? So it was kind of like a do or die situation where I was like, well, I don't want to go back to doing that, so I'm definitely gonna make this work. And I think once I did that, it was just kind of like, I had so much more room to focus my energy on that, on, you know, booking clients and booking weddings and Doing all of that. And, I mean, when you're working for yourself and you have no one else to depend on, you figure it out really quick. Yeah.

And, you know, I have to say, like, I was kind of similar. I had a little bit set up, but I feel like, raw dogging it and just kind of like, going off the deep end. You just figure it out because you have to. You have nobody else to depend on but yourself. And it's kind of like that do or die, but it really makes you hold yourself accountable and, like, step up into that, like, CEO level that you have to. That maybe you weren't before because it was still side hustle.

Yeah. It was like, I. I knew that, like, a shift had to be made when I was working at the salon, and I was, like, turning down opportunities that, like, wanted to take, but I couldn't take because of my, like, if my book on, like, a Saturday, you know, I'm like, this sucks. Like, I don't want to be here. Like, I would rather be doing that. So.

Yeah.

And then I was like, well, we're doing it. We're gonna see what the hell happened.

Okay, so. So walk me through where you were at when you found the academy, because did you join in November of 24?

That's a really good question. I feel like it was around that.

Time, I feel like, too.

Yeah. Oh, because I think you did a Black Friday sale. Yeah, I was, like, pulling the trigger, but I had, like, PTSD from another course that I had taken when I had first created my llc. So I, like, was like, okay, I'm gonna take this, like, bridal business course. And because I had no idea what the hell I was doing, I just knew, like, I was like, okay, well, now it's legit, so now what? You know, I needed everything. I needed to figure out, you know, Instagram and. And all this stuff that, like, I never had to do in my entire life, because working at a salon, you're just kind of like. You get used to, like, being fed people. And I'm an elder millennial. I didn't grow up with this stuff, you know, So I had PTSD from this course that I had taken, and I just felt like I learned some stuff, but I didn't feel, like, supported. I felt that she way she did things was kind of like. I don't know, I just wasn't. I wasn't thrilled with it, and I kind of was left feeling, like, traumatized a little bit. Like, oh, my God, I just spent all this money. And what did I get out of it, you know, and I just. So then when I joined the academy, I had, you know, I had been watching, like, your YouTubes and, like, I had been kind of, like, stalking you. Low key. And then. Yeah, and then I was like, okay, like, now is a better time than ever. So I bought both court. I did. I signed up for both courses. The BBA and the social media one.

Yeah.

So, yeah, so I was like, all right, we're. We're gonna do it again, you know, and here I am. I'm still here, going on here, going on a year.

Yeah, I love that because I feel like a lot of people do. They kind of have a burned experience. And, I mean, we've all been burned, but we can't let it stop us from trying something else. You know what I mean? So, like, I love that you didn't let that hold you back, because, genuinely, I adore you, and I'm so glad that I was able to, like, attract someone like you. I know you did another course. Did you have. Before joining the Academy? And I know, like, social media was a little bit not your strongest point point or, like, where you felt strong, but in terms of, like, your business, did you have, like, your ideal bride or were you a la carte? Did you have packages? Like, was there anything set up in that sense, or was that all new?

So the previous course, like, she kind of focused on, like, your ideal bride and everything, but I felt like a lot of her stuff was outdated. Like, she was kind of using stuff that I feel like from, like, you know, 20, 21, like, 22, like, it didn't feel relevant to, you know, now. And there was no. There was nothing like, about packages. There was nothing about, you know, really kind of. She would talk about niching down, but she didn't explain, like, how to do it. It was just like she kept saying the word and it was like, okay. Like, okay, great, I get it, but I don't.

Next steps, please.

Like, I'm five. Like, yes. So that was like, that's kind of where I was like, what is. What is happening here? You know, And I thought maybe it was just me, but then I had spoken to a couple of other girls in the course, and they were kind of feeling similar. So. Yeah, so there was definitely some holes there, for sure.

Okay. All right. So before you joined the Academy, what was like, your biggest struggle in your business that you were like, was it more so coming from a place of, like, I know I need to take this thing seriously, or was there something you Were like, I need more bookings. I need more inquiries. Something in your process wasn't the best that it could be for you.

I feel like I was. I was always taking it seriously, you know, But I felt like I definitely needed more. I just felt like I needed more guidance on, like. Yeah, like, inquiries and, like, kind of making things, like, tailored to, like, the aesthetic that I was kind of looking for. I felt like there was a lot of things that she had said that were not aligning with who I was, but she was like, no, no, no. Like, telling everyone, like, a general blanket statement, like, this is what brides are looking for. Like, this is what your website should look like. You should have whites and pinks and. And that's. I mean, I'm like, a neutral person, but I'm 90 in black. Even in South Florida, I don't care how damn hot it is, like, I'm in black. Like, I'm a New Yorker at heart. We wear black. We got our summer black. We got our winter black. We just. We were black. All the black. Yeah. So. And I felt like I was. I wasn't getting any guidance into, like, you know, just kind of like my. I felt like it was all very, like, fake and not genuine. And that's. That was hard for me because I'm just a very, like, authentic person. Like, I just don't. You know, I didn't. I wasn't, like, aligning with any of that. So that was kind of where I was getting confused. And then it wasn't like anything was really helping me get more bookings or anything like that. It was just kind of like. I don't know. I don't know. There was just a really big disconnect. And. Yeah. And for my business, I just wanted something that was, like, true to me, and I wanted to just attract people that were, like, me, like, like, minded, that wanted to work with me, not just, like, fluff and stuff like that.

Yeah. Okay. So when you got into the academy, were you like, wow, this is a. This is definitely different than what I was in before. And what was like, your first major aha moment where you were like, okay, this is maybe what you've been looking for?

I think it was, like, the quality of everything that I was looking at. Like, I was like, like, wow. Like. Like the templates, for example. Like, I was like, this is incredible. Like, this is exactly kind of what I was trying to explain. And the other one was like, yeah, but I know it needs to look aesthetically pleasing, but, like, how, like, help me Because I don't know, you know, I needed someone to literally, because I'm such a visual person too. So, like, we all are things like that. Like, getting to see, like, how things should be laid out and, you know, just the whole. I mean, and I'm not even gonna lie, like, and I'm not gonna say this as a bad thing, but, like, when I was, like, really getting into the course, I was like, holy, this is kind of overwhelming. There's so much stuff, you know, like, but it was a good overwhelming because I didn't feel, like, disappointed or let down. Like, I felt like I was like, no, this is exactly what I was looking for. Like, I needed more guidance than someone just being like, okay, yeah, like, do X, Y and Z and whatever, you know? So when I started, like, taking the, like, the social media course, like, just being told how to film things like angles and stuff, like, that was huge. Like, things that people don't know. Like you don't know what you don't know.

So.

Yeah. Or like, you know, thinking about ways to speak to your brides that is not so generic and, like, what everybody else is doing and like, knowing that the more, like, dialed in you are with speaking to your ideal bride that, like, your views are going to be lower. So don't do that. You know, like, just stay. Just stay consistent. Like, stop looking at the views and just kind of post it and, you know, just all of the stuff that, you know, you could easily get in your head about and, like, if you compare yourself to other people, you know.

Yeah. Then you start spiraling.

Yeah, for sure.

Yeah. So I know. I feel like I. I feel like you've told me prior you weren't using packages. You were ala car. How has your experience been in that aspect with, like, the mindset of transitioning and how have your brides been receptive to it?

So I'll say that there's. It's been an adjustment for me and I think more because I am such, like, I feel like I'm like an analytical buyer. So I'm not surprised if. When I attract analytical buyers, because that makes sense to me. I'm still, like, adjusting to it because I automatically kind of want to go back to, like, autopilot. I will say, because I do both hair and makeup, it works if I want to do, like, a bride only package. I recently just kind of did a change in my bigger package to include an assistant. So hopefully that kind of starts to work out and, like, you know, attract more people where it seems more appealing. So I'm just still kind of, like, navigating it. In all honesty, I don't think they're bad by any means. It's just different for me because I just feel like also too, like, we're transitioning into this new generation of brides that I feel are very, like, they just. It's almost like they want the bare minimum. So it's kind of like the packages to them, when they see the number, are very much like, you know, like, they almost get a little bit of sticker shock. Yeah. So I'm still trying to, like, navigate that. I'm still like. They're still there. I still stick to it, you know, so I'm just kind of like, curious to see how it. It works, you know?

Yes.

Yeah. I find it hard for me because I do both. So it's kind of like, you know, I don't know.

And. And definitely I can see that because with the packages, it's definitely. Even though I'll give you, you know, a method that you can use, it's like, still something that you have to test out with what you like. And your own brides, it's not like a one size fits all. Do you know what I mean? Even though you want to take your packages to make your services, you know, more concise and easier for you and your bride to, like, decide, it's still something you have to test out, you know? And I love that you're testing it out and you're like, well, let me see if this one works better for me. Because that's the kind of things that are going to help you best in your own business and especially with doing both hair and makeup. But I'm curious what has been something with this new generation of brides that you've seen over the past year that you're like, okay, this is definitely different.

So it's so funny because the beginning of this year, like, I had brides that were just, you know, they would email me, they explained everything. They were thorough, you know, and it was very. It was easy, dare I say it, but it was. It was so easy, you know, and then now I feel like they're. The brides are like, you know, coming into your DMs, they're not reading, they're not doing, like, any research. You know, they're just kind of like they want their answers right away. They want to know the price breakdown. Like, because I would, you know, respond in dms, like, hey, it sounds like, you know, with the amount of services that you have or whatever, like, this package would be great for you. And I do like a little screenshot so they can read it and see like what is included in it. I'm like, it comes with an assistant, like blah, blah, blah. And then I'll get met with okay, but like, what is it like per service? So then, you know, I break it down for them, which is fine. And then they usually just have to run back and have like a powwow like with their homies. So like that's kind of where I'm like, okay, this is, you know, I, like, I was probably blissfully naive or I just got really lucky with the brides that I had in the beginning of the year that were booking in 24, where they were like, oh, I went to your website and I read your reviews and I love your work and blah, blah, blah, like, are you available? Like, and I was like, oh, this is great. Love this. And now. Yeah, so now it's kind of like this major shift where it's harder to almost get to know them in a way because they don't, they don't want to sit and like really have any sort of like a conversation. And I, I try to. And sometimes I could crack them a little bit, but you know, some. I just feel like it's almost like robotic. Like. Yeah, in a weird way. So I don't know, I'm trying to navigate these girls.

That is so interesting and I love that you pointed that out because I feel like we're in such an AI world and like my whole thing, like I try to humanize us as much as possible, you know, like lean on your automations where you can. But that's funny that you're seeing that they're so like AI like giving robotic feels like.

Sure, yeah, like just. And it's almost like not rude, but it's not like. Well, I. Yeah, yeah, it's just very much like, hey, are you available on this date? You know, I have five bridesmaids. Like, what, you know, what are your rates? Like there's no, like, you know, oh, your earliest convenience. If you could just let me. Like, nothing like that. Like, oh, okay. Like I feel like a piece of meat. Like it's just kind of like.

So they're just checking us off. Alas. Yeah.

So wild.

And that you said that you feel like they need to go have a little powwow. I feel like I'm seeing that more and more. So the universe's thumbs up in me on it, but I'm seeing that more and more of like they Wanted that, like, typical objection of, like, I got to check with my bridesmaids. Yeah, yeah. And I want to chat about the one post that you made in the community. And I feel like that was it. Didn't, like, a bride say she. She was, like, comparing your bridesmaids rates with somebody else, and then you turned her around.

Yeah, yeah, it was great. It was a great feeling. And honestly, I was like, okay, we're just gonna see if this works.

Yeah, walk me through it. Walk me through it.

So she had reached out and, you know, we were chatting via DM and I gave her my rates, and I. She's like, okay, like, I'm just gonna follow up, you know, with my bridesmaids. So I said, okay. So then, like, two days later, I had reached out to her, like, hey, you know, just checking in to see, you know, if you have any questions. There's, you know, anything I can do for you, whatever. And she had responded that she had found or I guess was talking to another artist who would do both hair and makeup services for 180 together. And, you know, she was very much, like, saying how she wants to make sure that her girls budgets are taken care of and that she's really looking out for them and all that stuff. And I just kind of, like, flipped the script where normally I would have gotten, like, really frustrated and just been like, fine, see you later.

Bye.

Yeah, but I just had, you know, kind of just said, like, that's. I totally get it. Like, wanting to really kind of respect your friend's budgets, like, you know, and just explain to her that there is more than the actual physical part of getting your hair and makeup done. Like, when we work together, that I put pretty much take any. Anything off of her plate in regards to, like, worrying about finding another artist, you know, creating a timeline. Like, I give her all of the prep instructions. Like, I make myself super accessible. And that's one of the things that I really pride myself in is that, like, I'll give you my phone number. I don't care. Like, you can DM me, you can email me, you can send a carrier pigeon. Like, I will respond. I'll respond, however. And I think that that kind of, like, resonated with her because she responded saying, like, you know, you're so responsive. The other girl, I feel like, is not as responsive. Your professionalism is really coming through. And da, da, da. And she had, I guess, gone back and spoken to her girls again. And then I think it was the next morning she had asked me for, you know, the contract and everything. And she signed it and she paid the retainer, so.

Love that.

Yeah, yeah. Within like, 48 hours. I think so. Yeah.

Because I feel like.

Yeah.

Because isn't it such a good feeling? My favorite piece of that is, like, you probably typically would have been like, okay, have a good. Good luck with your wedding. Have a great day. But I love that you, like, were able to instead turn that around and, you know, go in with it with, like, a reframe of a sales mindset.

Yeah.

You know what I mean? And look at that. You turned her around.

And, I mean, honestly, I never would have known how to do that. So. Thank you.

That's why I have the Academy. So you can do, like that.

Yeah. Yeah. It's paying off.

What would you say has been your biggest win inside the Academy? Would it come. Is it something like bookings or inquiries? Have you seen more of that? What's been, like, your biggest win overall?

So definitely, like, the mindset shift, for sure. I'm just a natural born, not pessimist. I'm not negative, but, you know, skeptic. Yeah. Like, yeah, you know, so that's been a definite shift in a good. In the right direction. I will say that, like, definitely, like, tailoring, like, my social media and like, the website to really kind of be, like, more authentic to me as opposed to what brides want to see is kind of. I feel like I've gotten a better quality of brides through that. Just people who are more like me, you know, like, who are kind of on the same wavelength as me. So that's definitely something that I've noticed and just from even like, my peers in the community who are very much like, oh, my God, like your Instagram, like, it's so good. Like, you know, you're like a machine. How do you like about all this stuff? And I'm like. Because I'm learning to, like, batch content, and I'm learning what to make and, you know, what to create and, you know, so I feel like that's definitely helped with bringing more, like, eyes to my page, for sure. Which helps translate into bookings, you know, so.

And I love that you're getting more brides that are like you, because that is such an understated win because, you know, you're posting all this content, you don't want to be attract. Like, I'll say till the day I die. What you post, you attract. So you're trying to show up as somebody else. You're gonna attract a bride that maybe you guys, when you're hanging out for, you know, the full day, you're like, oh, my God, this is awesome.

And I. I will say, like, to piggyback off of that. I've also learned to recognize and kind of have more of, like, the backbone with, like, an abundance mindset to be like, you know what? This is not. This isn't good. I'm just letting this one go. Like, whereas, you know, I would be, like, hate to say the word desperate, but, like, you know, you'd be like, oh, my God, like, somebody's interested in my services, like, let me book them. But even though, like, it didn't align like, the, you know, she wanted a braid, like, I don't do braids just anything like that. Whereas now I'm not afraid to let that go. Like, hey, I, you know, thank you. I appreciate you wanting to, like, work together. I usually don't tell them that we're not a good fit. I usually kind of say, like, oh, I'm not available. I don't want to hurt their feelings.

Yeah, I would do the same thing. Because, like, they don't know.

Yeah, exactly. And I don't want to sound like a dick. So I'm just like, oh, thank you so much. I'm not available that day.

Unavailable. I'll actually be in Nova Scotia that weekend. Sorry.

I'm never available.

Sorry.

Permanently unavailable.

If there's a braid, I'm just not available.

Correct. Yeah.

But that is such a good, crucial mindset that I think a lot of us in the beginning, we don't have because we're so thirsty for any booking, that we're just like, we'll take anybody. So the fact that now you're like, okay, I'm standing on business, and if you don't align, like, I know there's going to be another bride who wants to hire me. And that is such a big mindset shift to make. So, like, I love, love, love that. That's incredible.

And I'm. I'm doing, like. I feel like I'm doing a better job of, like, articulating things to my brides when they. If.

If.

Or when they ask, like, if they have questions on things like, you know, like, travel fee is a big thing for people. People don't want to pay a travel fee. And I just kind of explain, like, hey, like, this is just, you know how it is. When I started to. When I first, you know, would do travel, like, I would do it, you know, by the mile. And then I would explain to people, like, hey, listen. So when I started you know, doing that or when I didn't include a travel fee, what ended up happening was like, okay, so you were getting ready at a hotel in downtown West Palm, which is only 15 minutes from me, but then all of a sudden, now it's an airbnb that's now 45 minutes away because it's closer to the venue. And now I'm out a travel fee because you told me one thing. But then it changed. So I have a better way of, like, delivering that to people. And I just say so to make it easy for everybody. Like, the way there's no confusion and I don't have to, like, adjust the invoice or anything like this, this is what it covers. So, you know, you know, it just makes it. And they usually kind of are like, oh, okay, like, that makes sense. Like using scenarios that are real scenarios that actually happen when they're like, oh, okay, like, I could see that happening.

Like, so, yeah, in sales, that's such a big thing, communication. And I love that you feel more empowered in your communication in that way. Yeah, that's a big thing to, like, share the experiences of, like, somebody else, because then they can see themselves in it.

Yeah. And I think it because, like, you know, like I said, people don't know what they don't know. Like, yeah, if. If they're not, like, for me, like, explain everything to me. Like, there isn't too much information for me. So I like, I say to my brides too, like, listen, I'm gonna, like, probably give you too much information, but I want you to have all the information that you could possibly need so you don't feel like, you know, any questions are, like, unanswered or you feel, you know, confused in any way. Like, I want to try to cover all those bases for them.

Yeah. Communication is key. Over explaining. Over explaining. Yes.

Yeah.

So when it comes to your. Since you joined in 2024, when it comes to your 2025 bookings, would you say they were better, less or more than your previous years after joining the Academy?

I think they were definitely more for sure. I also feel like there was a lot of, like, last minute bookings. I feel like now in towards this Last quarter of 25, I feel like I'm getting a lot of, like, last minute increase, which is fine. It's great. If I can, you know, lock them in and book them, it's great. I will say, though, like, to be fair, this is truly like my first full year of me doing this full time. So, you know, the previous years I can't really give a good, honest answer because I was still working at the salon, so there's that, you know, But I will say I, you know, there's definitely more inquiries coming in and. Yeah. So, yay.

Best first year ever.

Yeah, exactly.

Okay, so what has been your favorite part about the academy? Whether it's a lovely community, wise, anything.

I like the community.

There's no in the community, and I love it. I knew you would say that.

I like the community a lot. I feel like, oh, here he is. My. My dog. Oh. I feel like I really enjoy, like, seeing everyone's, you know, everyone's experience during the whole thing. Like, and I feel like it. It helps me to help other people. Like, you know, there are people who are, like, new, and you're like, kind of like the OG and you're like, oh, wait, like, I've been here before. Like, this is what you should do. Or, you know, this is what I do. Like, I hope it helps, you know, or just even not to sound like, whatever, but, like, not seeing people struggles by any means, but knowing that, like, not everything in the community has to be a win, like, because it's unrealistic, you know, so it's. It's good that people are, like, transparent when they're having difficulties. Like, you know, whether it's booking a ride or trying to figure out, like, anything, like, it just makes it feel very real.

Yeah.

And very, like, just something that you can relate to because we're all in the same boat. Like, we're all kind of trying to do the same thing. So it. It does make you feel like, okay, it's not just me. Like, yeah, everyone goes through, like, their. The slumps and, like, the ebb and flows of. Of the industry.

Yeah. We all have a moment where we want to tear our hair out and then we're like, wait a minute, am I the only one? Because, you know, it can be so isolating in a sense, in, like. And I love that the community's there because you can see where everybody's at and you can find people locally or you can find people from, like, all over the world. Do you know?

Yeah. Yeah, it's crazy, like, seeing people from, like, other countries. I'm like, this is. This is wild. But, yeah, it's. It's super cool. So I do, I do like that, because, yeah, it does get, you know, like, my husband doesn't know what the hell I'm talking about. I can't bring any of this to him.

Yeah.

And guys think. Guys think so differently. Like, sometimes I'm. I don't really want a solution. I just want to, like, vent.

Yeah, I just want to talk. And you just, like, talk back and, like, try to get the tea. That's it.

Yeah, Like, I don't want a solution. I just want you to let me yap for a little bit.

Yeah. Just let me out. That's why we have the community.

And I do. I do love the, like, the templates for things, like the follow up emails. Like, all of those emails are just, like, brilliant. Like, I never. Like, that's something I never thought to do. Like, oh, like, maybe I should be sending them some form of, like, emails that help answer their questions or anything like that.

Hi, Mario.

Marissa.

I want to see the baby.

I got him. I got him. He was like, oh.

I could see why people might think he's a pomsky because he's got the gray and the white. You're so beautiful. I love him, Mariana.

Protecting his territory. Yeah, We're Yankees fans. We named him after Mariano Rivera, so.

Okay, well, I'm Phillies fan, so I can't really, but. Okay, so just two final questions. So I know you love the community. That's your favorite part. What was your least favorite part? You won't hurt my feelings. This helps me. If there was something you were like, we could delete that. We don't need it.

I don't know. Oh, you know what? Hold on. I do love the tutorials too. So don't. So those in the tutorials, I can't. I can't believe I forgot about those. But I don't think there's anything that I was like, actually, like, you know? Yeah. Like, I think it was just more like I took the course, as in, like, small bites, and was like, okay, this is what I'm gonna focus on now. Then I'll focus on this. But I don't think there's anything in it that I felt like, oh, this is. This is a waste, or something like that. I really, truly don't. I'm not. Like, I'm not bullshitting you. Like, yeah, I do feel even if.

You think of something later, you can tell me. It helps me.

No, I really am. Like, I just feel really. I like it. Like, I do. I really like it a lot. I'm. I'm happy I did it. Like, I feel like. And I'm just the type of person where I'll know within 60 or 90 days if something is not working out for me. Like, I'll be like, all right, this this is a wrap. But I haven't felt that way. And I feel like I'm constantly kind of learning something. Which is the goal, right?

Yeah, that is the goal, to, like, keep on learning. Especially with the social course, I always try to keep that one. More new strategies and things for today's bride. Know what I mean?

I have to be better at the. The live calls. It's just sometimes, like, my brain spazzes or like, I'm working, like, I'll take a client in the middle of the day or something. And then I'm like, yeah, I forgot.

That's why the replay is there. Yeah, that's why the replay is there. And then if somebody was on the fence about joining the Academy, maybe kind of similar to the situation you had where they were burned before, what would you tell them?

So it's funny that you asked me this, because I. I constantly, like, sing your praises. And when people say things to me like, oh, like, your Instagram looks really nice, or like, I put on my Instagram story Yesterday, like, my 2026, like, updated proposal, and I just kind of, like, scrolled through it and I got a DM that was like, oh, my God, did you do this yourself? Like, it looks so good. And I was like, no, I joined Marissa Grace's course, and she had mentioned your course already, so I think she was kind of, like, on the fence. She's like, yeah, she's like, I've seen her. Like, I've seen her. I don't know, you know, if I'm ready to pull the trigger. And I'm like, well, I have a code if you want to join. And I was like. And honestly. And I said, like, just. I'm like, it has done really great things, just not only for my business, but for me as a business owner, like, learning things, learning how to track things, like, things that are, you know, if you didn't go to college and you didn't go to business school, like, you would never know to do any of these things. It's almost like, you know, it's just. So that's kind of how I feel like, listen, the time's gonna go by anyway, so you might as well invest in your business and invest in yourself and see where it takes you. And if you don't like it, then you stop taking it, you know, like, that's it. But I feel like you have to at least give it a shot. You can't judge something without really giving it, like, the college try. So.

Yeah, the college try. Yeah, it's like a little business. It's like business college and sales school in one.

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I'm like, if you're gonna, if you're gonna sit here and like be upset that things aren't growing and like, your business isn't growing but not do anything about it, then, like, that's kind of on you. So you might as well take the dive and just. And try it out.

So where can we hang out with you? What's your Instagram name?

It's at CME Beauty Fl as in Florida on Instagram. Yay.

Thank you so much for hanging out with me.

I hope I didn't like, yak too much where it was, like, confusing.

Not at all. You did perfect. I felt like we were just like hanging out.

Okay, good.

Yeah, no, you did perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your story and being so honest.