Life & Work with Leana Armas-James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leana Armas-James.

Hi Leana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’m Leana Armas-James I’m originally from Whittier, California. I grew up as a single mother, which taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I always knew I wanted to be able to provide a better life for my family, so I worked hard to achieve my goals. I met my husband in Texas, got married, and were blessed with 2 beautiful children. Following my husband’s military career, we relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2016. During the height of the pandemic in 2019, I was about 7 months pregnant; my husband and I decided we didn’t want to work for anyone else being that we are both in the same industry, with my husband being a barber and myself a nail tech/ esthetician we came up with the idea to create a full-service salon that includes locs, braids, men/women haircuts/ styles, nails, lashes, full body waxing services and facials. Together, we opened our original shop, Studio 6, located at 973 E. Main St. The shop was about 900 sq ft, with little space shared by three barbers and three nail techs working side by side. Despite the challenges, we were able to expand the business a block down at 895-897 E. Main St. Although it was difficult to let go of our 973 E Main St. location, we made the decision to expand and move to our own building. The new location is still shared side by side however now in our own individual buildings. I am so grateful for the journey that led me to where I am today. Studio 6 is still going strong, welcoming everyone into our shop.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There definitely have been challenges along the way. I’ve had cold feet plenty of times, especially in the beginning of becoming a salon owner. Going from a worker to a business owner all in the midst of a pandemic, while pregnant, soon after learning how to balance my personal life and work life was for sure a stressful time. I gave birth to my daughter until I was in labor. (10/10 do not recommend unless you live life on the edge) but looking back I just knew this was my only window to make it for my family and there was no looking back. There still are objectives I face, only now I try to make more intentional decisions on what works and what does not work for my business. I have more projects I’m working on and I’m excited to announce coming soon in the near future.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a licensed nail tech and esthetician, I specialize in doing nails and lashes. It’s fun creating artwork on nails and showcasing my talent everywhere my clients go, and it’s definitely a good feeling when your clients come back for their maintenance appointment to tell me they’ve gotten so many compliments. When you come to me you aren’t getting small talk, aside from getting impressive nail art/ lashes I love getting to know people on personal levels and I think that’s what sets me apart from your average nail tech.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was the oddball oldest middle child in a mix full of my 3 sisters. My family may say differently. My dad is Indigenous-Mexican, and my mom is Filipino, so I grew up with a mix of cultures. Dad was a melomaniac, and mom was an artist, so a lot of my creative influence came from them. I always had a passion for art and even dreamed of becoming a fashion designer at one point as a child. My grandma and aunts played huge roles in my upbringing, even today their presence still has a huge impact on me as a mother, wife, and business owner.

Pricing:

• Gel Manicures with nail art are $60
• Acrylic Full Sets with Nail art are $110
• Lash services vary in prices
• Gel Extensions with nail art are $90

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studio6beautysalon.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/studio6beautysalon
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/studio6beautysalon1

Image Credits
MUA: Charte Moniq Hairstylist: Olivia Boyd Brows: Roxanne Gallardo Photographer: Micah James