Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayra Barrios.
Hi Mayra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents immigrated from Guatemala to the United States after learning my mom was pregnant with my older twin brothers. My parents wanted to give their children a better chance at becoming someone in life. They came with $100 to their name and a tremendous will to do whatever it took to make sure we had food, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs. My parents worked two or three low-wage jobs to make ends meet. Because of this, my brothers and I spent little time with our parents.
Don’t get me wrong, they were always there when we needed them and they always made sure we had everything we needed and wanted. They showed us lots of love too. Fast forward to my story, I started working at the age of 14 because I wanted to alíviate the burden on my parents. If I could help them by buying myself clothes and some groceries for home, then that’s what I had to do. My parents didn’t like the idea of me working but I made a strong case that it was only of benefit to me if I learned what hard work was so it could prepare me for the future.
I quit high school because I knew my mom and dad were tired and I had to step up my game so I could help provide more in our household. I put in hard work to the point I got comfortable. I got pregnant at 18, left the father of my son five months later. With no help, no idea how to apply for assistance, and too stubborn if I did, I managed to get myself two more jobs just to make ends meet for my baby boy. I was doing ok. But I felt I needed a stable home. I ended up getting pregnant again. I stayed in a very abusive relationship for two years until I said enough is enough. I threw my 2nd child’s father out and it was back to work.
I was able to land a decent-paying job part-time. Just enough to have enough money to get buy with my two kids. Life was good, good enough for me. I was always grateful for my kids. I love them more than my own life. I am grateful for the experiences I had and I would do it all over again as long as I have these two beautiful humans I call my kids. I was alone for some years when I finally found my current partner who has three awesome kids of his own. He has pushed me to become a better person. I did something crazy and I moved out of Massachusetts to Utah, I got my GED, I got my master esthetician license & I am taking some classes in college because I also want to be a coder.
I opened up a small business called Honey Brows. Who knew my life would completely turn around and some luck would start heading my way. Business is kinda slow, I don’t know anyone in Utah. I don’t have family or friends here. It’s been tough, but I always try to see the positives in life. I am still alive and I am still breathing. My kids/family are healthy and I’m still here to be there for them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve made some choices that have set me back a bit like not finishing school. Putting education on the bottom of the list of things to do. A time where I didn’t have enough food to provide for my kids.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer Microblading and shading services as well as basic esthetician services. Facials, chemical peels, lash extensions, lash lifting.
I offer my services at a decent price. I am also a consumer and I understand the need for self-care. Even though my services are what you would consider wants, I consider them a need. Mental health is a real thing and that’s why my prices are affordable because I want everyone to be able to feel pretty and confident about themselves.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
The smallest service I could offer you is never the least appreciated. I appreciate any service, reviews, or spreading the word about my business.
Contact Info:
- Email: Mayra@honey-brows.com
- Website: Honey-brows.com
- Instagram: Honey_brows_slc
- Facebook: Honey brows slc
- Yelp: Honey brows
