- Maureen Ella
Where It All Began:From painting my Lola's nails to creating The Parlor
Updated: Sep 6, 2023
Greetings, dear readers! I am Maureen, and I'm thrilled to invite you into the heartwarming and transformative chapters of my life. In this blog post, I'll unravel the story behind the name "Maureen at the Parlor" and how my journey from a curious young girl to a beauty entrepreneur has shaped who I am today. So, let's delve into the tapestry of my experiences together!
The salon name, "Maureen at the Parlor" isn't just a salon name; it's a reflection of my journey, my roots, and a sentiment that runs deep. I, Maureen, the creator behind this venture, a journey that traces back to my Lola's bed room. Picture an 8-year-old me, sitting beside my Lola, fascinated by her stories as I carefully painted her nails. Little did I know that those tender moments would spark a passion that would become my life's work.
The term "Parlor" within my salon's name, has its sentimental significance traces back to my Lola's words of praise. Amidst my doubts about my nail-painting skills, she would gaze at her beautifully painted nails and say, "It's as if I had my manicure done at the parlor." Lola's confidence in my work planted the seed of ambition in my heart, and that parlor became a symbol of aspiration.
The trajectory of my journey shifted as I migrated to the United States at the early teens, in pursuit of the so-called "American Dream." Picture a 12-year-old girl, grappling with the complexities of a new country, new culture, and the turbulence of teenage years. Amidst the bustling hallways of a new school, I carried both my dreams and the weight of negative comments about my appearance – a time when self-discovery seemed like an uncharted terrain. I was faced with the challenges of finding my identity amidst the chaos of adolescence. This phase was marked by self-doubt, internal battles, and a search for belonging. As my teenage years unfolded, at 17 I mustered the courage to pursue my passion further and embarked on a journey in esthetics, enrolling in night school. Upon graduating, an unexpected opportunity knocked on my door, leading me to a part time- position at a full service salon. While my initial doubts lingered, I quickly adapted and fell in love with the beauty industry's transformative power.
Life's journey took me through relocations, marriage, and the joys of motherhood. My clientele, built over years, had to be put on hold. Despite the fulfillment that motherhood brought, I knew there was more to my journey. I embarked on the path of nursing, yet the hollowness remained.
In pursuit of authenticity, I returned to my true calling. With determination in my heart, This newfound passion empowered me to see beauty as a force that uplifts and inspires. My love for making women feel confident in their own skin blossomed, and it wasn't long before I found myself specializing in bridal beauty. Word of mouth led brides to my doorstep, and I found myself serving clients not just locally but from all over. I dedicated years to learning, research, and bridal training. The dream of becoming my own boss materialized, and "Maureen at the Parlor" became more than a name; it became a testament to resilience and passion.
Reflecting on my journey, I often think back to a journal prompt in sixth grade. If given the chance to respond again, I would add a note of encouragement to myself: "If you could only see yourself in your thirties, you'd be proud." My journey, filled with twists, turns, and unyielding determination, has led me to this point—a point of self-assuredness and pride.
Today, I celebrate the my journey. Seven years have passed since I took the reins of my destiny, becoming my own boss with a specialization in bridal beauty. Two years ago, I achieved the dream of owning my private salon suite, a space where my vision and creativity find their home.
As I reflect on these milestones, I'm reminded that life's journey is not just about reaching destinations but about the transformation that takes place along the way. I am grateful for the struggles that have shaped my character, the triumphs that have fortified my spirit, and the support of those who have walked this path with me.
To each one of you who has walked with me on this journey, I offer my heartfelt gratitude. Your presence and engagement have made this narrative come alive. As I continue to master the art of beauty, empowerment, and self-expression, I invite you to join me in celebrating beauty in all forms.
Cheers to the road ahead, where the canvas of life is open to our limitless possibilities.
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