Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Cruz.
Hi Jocelyn, 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 backstory with our readers?
My journey didn’t start with a clear plan in fact, for a long time, I felt lost and unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. Right after high school, I didn’t have the right mindset. I was more focused on living in the moment, going out, and just figuring life out as I went. I went through a phase where I wasn’t really thinking about my future, and eventually I found myself working a warehouse job, knowing deep down that I didn’t want that to be my forever.
I remember something my dad always told me that it’s easier to pick up a pencil than to work hard labor and that stuck with me. Around that time, my sister was graduating and talked about becoming a medical assistant. I didn’t fully know what it was, but I knew I was ready for a change, so I took that step. During COVID, I went to school, graduated, and worked in the medical field for about three years.
Even then, I still felt like I was capable of more I just didn’t know what that “more” was. I had never really had hobbies or creative outlets growing up, so I was still searching for something that truly felt like me. Around that time, I started getting into beauty services and became really interested in the environment, the confidence it gave, and the creativity behind it.
I started doing my own research and came across cosmetology. At first, I brushed it off, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was like something kept pulling me toward it. That feeling stayed with me, and by August 2023, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in cosmetology school.
From that moment on, everything started to align. While I was in school, I began documenting my journey, collaborating with other creatives, and building my brand from the ground up. That’s how Juicy Beauty Bar was born.
Today, I’ve created my own home-based studio and continue to grow my clientele, my platform, and my vision. My journey wasn’t traditional, and it definitely wasn’t perfect but every phase shaped me into the person and business owner I am today. And I think that’s what makes it so meaningful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I decided to pursue cosmetology, my life changed almost overnight.
At the time, I was working as a medical assistant in an OB office surrounded by amazing women, and I genuinely loved what I did. But shortly after starting cosmetology school, my family went through a major life change my father was deported. As the oldest daughter, I had to step up in ways I wasn’t prepared for. Around the same time, we also faced housing instability, and with five siblings, it was a very heavy season for all of us. To add to that, my father was also diagnosed with cancer around the same period I began building Styléa Studio, which made that chapter even more emotionally and mentally overwhelming.
There were moments where everything felt overwhelming, and balancing school, family responsibilities, and life in general wasn’t easy. I missed days, fell behind, and watched people I started with graduate before me. That was really hard mentally.
But no matter what was going on, I never gave up. Cosmetology school became my safe place it was where I could focus, create, and remind myself why I started. Even during the toughest times, I held onto that.
As time went on, I made a decision to fully commit to myself and my future. I switched to daytime classes, became more focused, and started taking my growth seriously. I also stepped out of my comfort zone by connecting with others, learning about content creation, and building my brand.
Along the way, I also had to grow through situations where I didn’t always feel supported, and that taught me the importance of believing in myself even when others don’t fully understand your vision.
Looking back, those challenges shaped me. They built my resilience, my discipline, and my drive. And they’re a big part of why I am where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Juicy Beauty Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Juicy Beauty Bar is a home-based studio that I created with the vision of blending luxury, creativity, and authenticity all in one space. I specialize in healthy hair, customized services, and creating looks that enhance each client’s natural beauty while still allowing them to feel confident and elevated.
What sets me apart is not just the services I provide, but the experience. From the moment my clients sit in my chair, my goal is for them to feel seen, comfortable, and taken care of. I focus a lot on the details whether it’s the consultation, the atmosphere, or the final result everything is intentional.
I’m also very big on content and community. I’ve built my brand by consistently showing my journey, collaborating with other creatives, and connecting with people both online and in person. That transparency has allowed my audience to grow with me, and I think that’s something really special.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how far Juicy Beauty Bar has come in such a short amount of time. From starting in cosmetology school to now having my own studio, building a loyal clientele, becoming a brand ambassador, and being involved in events it’s been a journey that I’ve truly built from the ground up.
What I want readers to know is that Juicy Beauty Bar is more than just a salon it’s a brand that represents growth, self-expression, and stepping into your best self. And this is only the beginning. I have a bigger vision of expanding, continuing to collaborate, and eventually creating a full luxury space with a team that offers multiple beauty services all in one place.
What does success mean to you?
Success is building a life where I have financial stability, peace of mind, and the freedom to grow without sacrificing the people and values that matter to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_juicybeautybar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HkssG4MUP/
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/juicybeautybar
