We had the good fortune of connecting with Liz Barbosa Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Liz, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I always love incorporating my Mexican roots into my life. When I was starting out in cosmetology school, I wanted to create a social media name that had a meaningful connection “Belleza,” which translates to “beauty” in Spanish, was my way of combining my love for beauty with my Mexican heritage. I wasn’t sure which field in the beauty industry I would pursue, so “Belleza” was perfect as it applies to everything. I love it! I get compliments all the time. It makes me proud of everything I have worked for. I am a proud Mexicana living in the United States, and I feel privileged to own my business.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional hairstylist with a passion for creating content about my work, beauty, and lifestyle. I specialize in balayage and foilayage, particularly working with dark, thick Latina hair. Before beginning any color services, I always conduct a thorough consultation with my clients to ensure we are aligned on their hair goals. This collaborative approach helps us achieve the best results.
Education is a cornerstone of my practice. I make it a priority to inform my clients about the services they desire, how to care for their hair, and styling techniques. I encourage them to reach out with any questions about hair or products, reassuring them that I am just a text away. As hairstylists, it’s vital to educate every client in our chair and deliver exceptional service, regardless of how long we’ve been working together. I always recommend what’s best for their hair and lifestyle, ensuring they leave the salon loving their hair and feeling that their investment was worthwhile.
I began sharing my work on social media to attract clients, and I quickly realized the value of showing the person behind Belleza by Liz. My followers frequently asked for more personal content, which has opened numerous opportunities for me. I was thrilled to be invited to my first hair event with Color Edge, a supportive hair brand that has significantly contributed to my growth. With less than 1,000 followers on Instagram, I was amazed when hair and beauty brands reached out, offering to send me PR packages and collaborate on content creation. It’s a joy to see how brands and followers recognize my genuine passion for hair and my enthusiasm for creating beauty and lifestyle content.
I am deeply grateful to do what I love—making women feel beautiful with their hair and building an online community of supportive virtual supporters, whom I affectionately call my “girly pops.”
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As much as I love hair and beauty, I equally love the outdoors! As an Arizonan, here’s my ultimate road trip recommendation:
Start in Northern Arizona with a visit to The Wave, a stunning and breathtaking natural formation. You can book an online tour to explore these mesmerizing copper caves, sculpted over the years. Next, head to Horseshoe Bend for a truly awe-inspiring view.
Continue your journey to Sedona, where you can hike iconic trails like Devil’s Bridge. I could never tired of Sedona—the views and the weather are simply perfect. Don’t forget to stop by a restaurant for a meal with a view of the red rocks, and book a Pink Jeep Tour to see Sedona from a unique vantage point, away from the usual tourist spots.
Then, drive down to Payson/Strawberry and hike to Fossil Creek. The waterfalls there are beautiful, and after a long hike, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the water. This road trip is one of my favorites; my boyfriend and friend joined me on it back in 2016, and it was an unforgettable adventure!
To top it all off, pick a lake that allows camping and enjoy the cooler Arizona weather. As you can tell, I’m a true outdoors enthusiast, and this road trip showcases the best of Arizona’s natural beauty!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people to thank because I am the woman younger Liz would be so proud of!
First and foremost, I want to thank my mom, who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Despite our immigration status, she always encouraged me to dream big and set ambitious goals. In her own words, “¡Tú puedes!”
My boyfriend, Oscar, has been my rock. He supported and encouraged me to attend cosmetology school and pursue my career in the beauty industry. From the beginning of “Belleza by Liz,” he has stood by my side through every high and low of being a business owner. He never discouraged me; instead, he helped me stay focused on my goals. It helps so much that we both own a business and we understand the entrepreneur life!
My brother, stepdad and friends have also been supporters, constantly cheering me on and promoting my business to everyone they meet.
To my teachers from 3rd grade through high school, your patience, support, and encouragement were invaluable. You inspired me to continue my education despite the challenges posed by my immigration status and provided the support I needed while growing up. I hold immense respect for all the teachers and educators who have impacted my life!
AGUILA and Mrs. H created an amazing college prep program that taught me the importance of furthering my education despite my background. Through this program, I met incredible people whose stories were truly inspiring and motivated me to work hard.
I genuinely believe that all these people were meant to be in my life because they taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. When you’re a driven person with integrity and passion, the universe blesses you in countless ways.
Website: https://linktr.ee/bellezabyliz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellezabyliz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellezabyliz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZPW-ogZ_zs_EDEtpTBqLYw
Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bellezabyliz