Conversations with Ixsa Alonzo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ixsa Alonzo.

Hi Ixsa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve loved the beauty industry since I can remember, but my journey started when I was 13 years old. I would always sneak into my mom’s makeup because I didn’t have my own. I remember her getting so mad because sometimes I would take it to school to do my makeup there so she wouldn’t “find out” but I would forget to put it back. (I guess I wasn’t so slick after all haha)

Later that year on Christmas one of my godmothers got me my first eyeshadow palette, so as you can imagine I was living the dream! I started playing with eyeshadows until I started babysitting and was finally able to buy my makeup. I would always get so many compliments on my makeup looks. As time went by my family members started asking for me to do their makeup for events and then it was my friends asking for parties or homecoming and I was just doing it for fun, I never really thought about actually charging.

Deep down I always felt a passion for cosmetology, once I was in high school I found out there was a program where you could go half a day to high school and the other half to a trade school. Honestly, I was never a good student, I would never really do my work and would skip school all the time. So I was a bit upset because I felt like I had no chance Of getting accepted to Auburn Career Center.

Although I thought I had no chance I didn’t give up and got my ass to school every day, I started doing my work because I was serious about getting into the trade school. With a lot of Fatih, prayers, and hard work I found out I was accepted. I couldn’t believe it but I was so thankful that I was one out of the 40 students to get in! After high school, I went to take my cosmetology test but I didn’t pass the written part only the hands-on, so I wasn’t able to get my license then.

I remember my sister asking if I wanted to reschedule my exams but I said no (I know dumb of me right) at the time I was in love and getting ready to move to Texas with my ex to support his dreams. At first, I didn’t like the idea of moving. It took a lot of convincing for me to agree but traveling has always been one of my life goals. I felt like it was a chance to get out there and experience another place other than my small city.

My family didn’t like the idea of me moving at all my mom told me “things aren’t as easy as you think, you’re going to struggle since you have no friends or family out there to help you out”. I was young and naive, I didn’t think it through. I thought to myself once I’m out there I”ll take my cosmetology exam and start my journey out there… Well, things were not what I expected.

Once I got out there I found out I had to take both exams. It was a bit far from where I was living, and it was hard to get around without a car. So I figured I had to get a job and get a car before that. Oh, man, was it a struggle to get a job, I applied to 60+ places nobody would hire me. Finally, my ex’s aunt was able to hook me up with a job at a grocery store and I also worked at a gas station to save money and buy my car. I tried applying to salons to get some field experience but had no luck.

At that moment I felt like my career was out of the picture. Two years later I decided to move back to Ohio, my relationship wasn’t in the best shape. So I thought it was best for us both to go our separate ways. It wasn’t easy at all but I knew that was the best thing for me to do for my mental health. Moving back home felt like I was taking 10 steps back but little did I know it was step one into doing some big things.

Once I moved back I went back to take my test, I didn’t pass it again but it was okay I just wanted to get a feel of how it was going to be. In the mean, I started working at my aunt’s hair salon & they were nice enough to let me study at work. A couple of months later I returned and took my exam but didn’t pass it again since I wasn’t giving it my all to studying. I was upset I once again had not passed, I remember calling my dad crying and telling him I didn’t pass for the 3rd time but he told me “it’s all in the book you just have to focus and study”.

So that’s what I did I worked and studied 24/7 and went back to take my exams and PASSED!! At the time I was still working at my aunt’s salon & had also started working at Sephora as a side job, I started doing house calls for eyebrow wax & makeup. I even started working at a factory & convenience store at that point I had 4 jobs just to get by. Deep inside I knew there were big plans for me but I just wasn’t sure what they were.

So I quit 3 jobs and only kept Sephora and doing house calls. Until I found a salon that matched my wants and needs. I finally thought I had found the right one, it was a fun and cool experience. However, one day I was sitting with a friend just thinking about what I wanted to do with my career and thought to myself why am I promoting someone else’s brand? When I can create my brand.

That’s when I decided to create my business page on Instagram @_glamtime_ it started as pictures of my makeup looks, client brow wax & makeup. Then I started offering eyelash extensions as the months went by I got more followers which lead to more clients. All I started with were some lashes, a tweezer, and glue.

I would have my client lay on their couch or bed, working with bad lighting and everything but the grind didn’t stop! A year after doing that I found a place to rent out and that’s where GlamTime Beauty Shop LLC start in November 2019, I continued my education by taking courses and continue getting better at my craft & gaining more clients.

Fast forward to 2020 I expanded my workplace and became self-employed full-time. Now I’m going into my 3rd anniversary of opening GlamTime Beauty Shop LLC. I’ve also recently started offering eyelash extension courses for other passionate individuals! Crazy to think that after so many obstacles I am finally in a place where I can say I am doing what I love.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I offer eyelash extensions, eyelash extension courses, brow tint, brow lamination, all body waxing, facials, dermaplaning treatments, and makeup. I specialize in eyelash extensions, eyebrow waxing, and eyebrow tinting. I’m known for my eyebrow wax & lashes.

What makes me the proudest is that I made all this happen by myself with sweat and tears, I’m here, and even though things aren’t easy sometimes. I always get up and keep pushing and grinding no matter what! I think what sets me apart from others is that I do this out of love. I don’t look at my craft as a job. I take my time and always give my clients 110%.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Thinking back to my childhood some of my favorite memories are going to visit my grandma. My grandma’s house was always such a happy and lively place. I remember the amazing food she would make and the whole family being together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://glamtimebeautyshop.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_glamtime_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybyIxsa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsOBcaKIu1yvxeii_yJK8IA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_glamtime_