Black Beauty Pros Profile of the Week: Sherry Hurtado of Blissful Body Aesthetics
In honor of Black History Month this year, EBS is proud to highlight insightful and talented members of our cosmetology community (who also happen to be EBS members!).
Each week in February, we'll share an exclusive interview with talented Black beauty pros from the industry. The amazing part? They span the industry.
We've chatted with esthetic specialists, gifted stylists, and cosmetology pros whose talents know no bounds.
And guess what? You get a front-row seat for it all right here, right now.
Join us as we chat with waxing pro Sherry Hurtado in this week's feature.
These members of the EBS community have taken their careers and their success to new and incredible levels, and now, they're sharing their insight, passion, and talent with us (and you!)
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Black beauty pro Sherry Hurtado shares her experience on how she's grown her waxing business and offers advice to new and experienced black beauty pros in the cosmetology space.
Meet Sherry Hurtado: Waxing & Cosmetology Queen
Sherry decided to become a business owner after years in the industry. She'd had her cosmetology license since the mid-90s and knew she loved working in the industry.
When she opened up Blissful Body Aesthetics in January 2021, she knew it would be a success. Her upscale waxing salon offers full-body unisex waxing, facials, vajacials, chemical peels, and more!
She and her team have earned their spot as a top Waxing Salon as a result of their tireless devotion to helping her customers look their best and feel blissful. She focuses on first-class waxing experiences, superb quality, and an unparalleled session of pampering.
Readers can follow along with Sherry on her website, Blissful Body Aesthetics, or on her shop's Instagram or Facebook page.
Our Exclusive Q&A with Sherry Hurtado
What would you say is your biggest achievement or most impactful moment throughout your time in the industry?
Honestly, the impact I have made on our clients. We have over 500 five-star reviews, 300 on Groupon and over 200 on Google! People support us from all over–I have clients who drive from Virginia, Maryland, South Jersey, and even clients traveling from Canada! They follow me wherever I go! So, when I receive their feedback, it's heartwarming to know their experience at Blissful Body Aesthetics is like no other. That's truly where the name originated from. When people ask, how did you come up with the name? I thought of the lasting impressions and heartfelt connections I aim to foster when clients leave my salon.
How do you feel that the representation of Black beauty pros in the world today has impacted you?
My dad was an entrepreneur which naturally motivated me to start a business. I've also been around some amazing Black businessmen, and I've seen how they operate their businesses by being personable and providing benefits for their staff. I've learned from these bosses and I told myself when I do get my business, I'll run it like a corporation–but in a way that makes my dad proud. I think about all the successful Black entrepreneurs who came before me, who pushed through, and they did it!
Being a Black woman entrepreneur in this day and age, I have always been one step ahead when it comes to my work ethic and perfecting my craft. Often being overlooked as a Black woman in the workforce and experiencing discrimination firsthand in the corporate world, I understand the struggles Black entrepreneurs may experience which is why I strive to cultivate a team of impact and leadership for women in business. At Blissful Body Aesthetics we embrace diversity by creating an inclusive environment for Black women to embrace their natural beauty with our services ensuring they leave feeling confident in their skin!
What do you think are some ways the beauty industry can do better to encourage Black beauty professionals and education?
There's so much influx right now. I think they are already in the schools and lacing up their sneakers, ready to run up and [join the industry]. I believe leading by example is encouraging to those just starting off. I have so many women come in and say they want to do what I do. And I tell them, don't just do it for the money. Do it for the passion, for the love, because you're going to do this day in and day out. Chase your dreams, the money will come!
What advice would you offer new Black beauty pros?
You have to find your niche. You have to do more than one thing. That's why I went for cosmetology and not just esthetics. I wanted to try barbering, I wanted to try everything–and then I found waxing. I learned God will take you and put you in the most uncomfortable position, and he'll tell you when it's time to advance and move on. Just follow your gut. Go full throttle, cosmetology all the way. Don't pick just nails, don't pick just hair. Take it all in–it's the same amount of time. Take your time, dabble!
Make sure to follow along with our ongoing interviews with other talented cosmetologists in the industry by subscribing to Elite Beauty Society.
Meet Hanna Marcus, the Founder and Head Copy Gal behind Boundless Copy, a one-of-a-kind copywriting agency that specializes in big, bold brand voice and industry-disrupting copy that’s all about resonating with the right audience.
Hanna has proudly teamed up with Elite Beauty Society for several years as their go-to copywriter on all things beauty, small biz marketing, and brand voice development. She’s big on feeling-first writing–her personal soapbox is that the best copy starts with telling a story.
When she’s not writing cheeky, converting copy for clients, she’s mentoring other aspiring copywriters and creating digital copywriting resources designed for service pros and focused on taking the stress out of DIY copywriting.
