Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Horiuchi.
Liz, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I just loved styling my hair from a very young age. I had curly frizzy hair so I never just let it be. I was in 5th grade when I owned my first flat iron. Our family friends owned the first hair salons on the cruise ships that came in and out of Hawaii. I remember my mom would dress up for many different events she attended with my father and would always ask me to do her hair and makeup. They both knew I was talented at it, however, pushed me to always get a diverse degree in a school that I could use toward anything, and they pushed me to pursue a masters degree which I am now so grateful for! However, it never stopped me from one day leading myself back to my true passion.
In my master’s program, my thesis was a vision I now have created in real life! It’s a place where women can come and be styled from head to toe. I offer hair & makeup and a client wardrobe. I treat everyone as a blank canvas. I have the honor to almost feel like their fairy godmother. I’m good at looking at someone and instantly knowing how I would recreate their look. Its important to me that my clients still feel like themselves.
We are all beautiful in our own ways and it’s my mission to bring that to life. I started working with a phenomenal photographer, Michelle Popp Photography and working with her client base as completely helped me grow into who I am in this business today. I work with maternity, newborn, family and special occasion clients and have really found my niche with it. I was a new mom that still wanted to do something for myself. I turned my passion/hobby into a growing word of mouth based business that’s only going up from here.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ever since my son Kai was born life has felt incredibly fast! I always am reminding myself to slow down and enjoy the moments. I have two passions I’ve turned into businesses. I am also the owner of ManaKai Jewelry, a jewelry line with a purpose. I make healing jewelry with crystals and the ability to diffuse essential oils. So balancing everything and still feeling like I have time to take care of myself, husband and my home has been my biggest challenge. But I wouldn’t change a thing!
An obstacle I face is where I take this business? It’s always hard as a mother, we all experience ” mom guilt “. Growing my business means more time away from my family. It’s something I truly need to work out where all aspects of my life remain in balance.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Style & Gloss was an idea or a project I had for many years. It started back in 2010 during my master’s program. I loved the idea of a one-stop shop. I envisioned a place girls could come and get their hair and makeup done while being styled with fashion for a special occasion. I wanted to create an experience. An affordable experience as well. Everything out in the market is so expensive! I wanted to appeal to everyone. Currently, I offer multiple options.
When working with photographers I normal go to their clients home set up and provide makeup and hairstyle services. When working with my own clients I normally have them come to my studio where we style them completely. I specialize in Maternity & Newborn photo shoots and special occasion events. I’m truly proud of my business because it’s been built solely from word of mouth. I have gratitude in my heart when I see the look on my clients face when I’ve completed my job.
I receive so many compliments; they even ask if they could carry me in their back pockets or keep me with them throughout life because they love the way they look and feel! So many of them have shared stories with me about previous makeup and hair applications that they’ve gone home and washed off. It makes me feel proud that I’ve stuck to my personality through all of this and that is just enhancing your natural beauty.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! San Diego County or North San Diego (where I live) is perfect for this! I’ve been asked to return home to Hawaii by my family many times, however, I have built something so meaningful here I just couldn’t move back!
Pricing:
- $150- hair and makeup (and I can come to you)
- $175- hair and makeup and wardrobe rental
- $100- Go & Glow (quicker hair and makeup and you travel to me) Date Nights are perfect examples
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stylengloss.com
- Phone: 808-265-7463
- Email: stylengloss@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylengloss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyleNGloss/
Image Credit:
Michelle Popp Photography, Marife Albay Photography, Mendilan Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
