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Conversations with Pilar Rivera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pilar Rivera.

Hi Pilar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Back in 2020 i graduated high school enrolling into college for dental assisting. I love always connecting and finding ways to work with people. During that time, i had a passion for dental school but then later realized it wasn’t for me. Which was difficult because I wasn’t sure what i wanted in a sense. My mom who is someone i admire because without her I wouldn’t be where im at, is actually the one who convinced me to go into Cosmetology school. At first i said no because growing up i would go with her to work, she was a cosmetologist. At the time it wasn’t something I didn’t see myself doing because since high school i took nursing assistant courses, first aid training, dental assisting courses and would always shadow with medical field’s because that’s something i thought i would do.

2 weeks after ending my college program i eventually got in contact with the staff at Empire Beauty School, they let me know with the programs they provided that it was free for the first 2 weeks then they would start the full application process. I honestly can’t explain the feeling but when you know, you know it’s for you. One year later i became a licensed cosmetologist and eventually i expanded into my own boss.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t an easy road, it was a process because there was a lot of things i had to learn about myself and my business. On top of the fact that i left college to go into cosmetology school, that in all already made me think to myself “what am i doing?”

Then with me being in cosmetology school it was definitely something that i was feeling passionate about. Yes. However it did come with stressors, like for example dealing with the outcomes of clients not liking my work or having to stay up late for my study’s to pass an exam, feeling up and down if im doing things right. There’s a lot that comes in and out of what I and many cosmetologists do.

The first thing i did coming out of cosmetology school was go rent a rental suite, which a lot of instructors tell you not to do. That in all was a challenge and with that i had to learn how to make a website for my business, having to figure out how to do inventory, managing my pricing, working extra hours just to make a check especially since i was new to everyone. Again it was a rock road and to this day i still learn things but it works out for the best because it makes me better for myself and my business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I created “The Cosmetology Bar” to show people i do variety of things. I do specifically women’s haircuts, and styles hair coloring, bridal and quinceañera hairstyling, brow lamination, waxing, threading, tinting and lamination services. Lash extension services or classic, hybrids and volume. I just got my certification for hair extension services and am now doing courses for lash lifting.

I do many things and that’s why i represent my business as The Cosmetology Bar. Many options to pick from! I know many people in the industry and have so much love for all the business women and men that have those small and big businesses, everyone in the industry is different in there own way which i admire a lot because you see the beauty of how someone grows.

With myself I think im always wanting to do more and find more things to do, hair and lash extensions are my main go to services which always have me on the go and love to do because i love making my clients and new clients feeling beautiful.

What’s next?
One day i will own a salon and will provide courses to those wanting to learn more….That’s in my plan and goals, since the moment i got my cosmetology license that was the first thing i had in mind.

I want a salon where everyone feels welcomed and relaxed, i want people to feel comfortable knowing they will get the services they want. There’s many more things i have planned but that i will show for a surprised later, she’s still in the works.

Pricing:

  • Brow Lam,thread/wax and tint- 100$
  • Brow Lam, Wax/thread- 80$
  • Volume Lash set- 160$
  • Hybrid Lash set – 145$

Contact Info:

Young woman with long dark hair looking to the side outdoors, green background, wearing a white top.

Close-up of a woman with curly hair, resting her face on her hand, eyes closed, with a gentle expression.

Close-up of a woman with hands near her face, looking at the camera, with dark hair and makeup.

Young woman with long, wavy dark hair and closed eyes, standing in front of a green leafy background.

Back view of a woman with long, wavy hair, standing indoors near a green wall and a gray wall.

Person with long, shiny brown hair being brushed, with a green leafy background.

Young woman with dark hair and jewelry, wearing a black top, holding a string or thread, against a plain background.

Woman in black dress holding a spray bottle and cloth, smiling near a window with sunlight streaming in.

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