About Cristel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristel Barrett. She shares her story with us below:

Cristel Barrett is the face behind @Serenity.Makeup, a personal blog on Instagram where she visually showcases her love for her family, nature, art, makeup, and all things beauty! She started her professional journey as a freelance makeup artist training with prestigious brands like Dior, Estee Lauders and MAC Cosmetics. Freelancing allowed Cristel the flexibility and opportunity to pursue her dreams while also being a new parent and juggling new responsibilities. She enrolled into Paul Mitchell Schools for cosmetology and later received her Associates of Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta for design.

Being a second-generation American, as a young girl she saw her parent’s hardships as immigrants who had just immigrated from Nicaragua to America. She was inspired by her parent’s determination to become successful and provide for their family in a country that was full of dreams. From a young age, she knew she wanted to leave her glittery footprint in the beauty industry and after much soul searching, discovered her passion for nail design. That’s how Jade Luxe Nails was created, her goal is to remind and inspire others to love and believe in themselves, a simple manicure and loving gesture can change your whole outlook on life.

Outside of work, Cristel loves to travel and spend time with her husband, daughter and fur baby. She was born and raised in Miami-Dade, later moved and lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 13 years before relocating with her family to Orlando, Florida where they currently live now. She loves Disney, reading Harry Potter and 80s music.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although Jade Luxe Nails is all about glitz and glam, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. My biggest challenge was always work/life balance. The guilt of leaving my daughter home to pursue a dream, the guilt of not doing enough or not being a good wife/mother and the guilt of others calling me “selfish or lazy” when in the background I was pouring my blood, sweat and glitter to provide for my family and accomplish my dreams. A challenge I continue to work on everyday.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently specialize in designing custom press-on nails. The Jade Luxe Nails concept grew in the pandemic, the idea was to provide a contactless manicure service straight to your door. So many of us sat home but continued to work remotely, attending virtual meetings and seeking ways to feel and look good about ourselves and so I wanted to give others the chance to have luxurious, custom made, trendy nails in less then 10 minutes vs sitting hours in the salon!

I’m best known for my authenticity, confidence and drive. I’m most proud of always remaining true to myself above all and raising a strong and confident daughter. Believing in yourself is key and what sets you apart from others.

What are your plans for the future?
I would love to successfully grow my brand and reach out to other beauty influencers and idols like Beyonce and Nicki Minaj. I would love to work with brands like OPI and dream of being backstage for fashion week and traveling the world.

Currently, my biggest change and what I’m looking forward to the most this year is the grand opening of my new studio, where I will be offering both nails and make up services. This hidden gem can be found inside of Mango Blow Dry Bar and Spa salon, located in the Lake Nona Neighborhood.

http://orlandovoyager.com/interview/meet-cristel-barrett-of-lake-nona/