Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Arellano.
Hi Michellledidthat, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in the beauty industry inspired by my husband, who motivated me to step into a creative space where passion and purpose could meet. What started as curiosity quickly became a calling, and I committed myself to learning, growing, and building a future within the industry.
In 2021, I opened DidThat Hair & Nail Studio, which taught me the foundation of entrepreneurship—leadership, resilience, and what it truly means to build something from the ground up. As the business grew, I recognized a deeper need for education and mentorship, which led me to open Texas Barber & Beauty Academy in 2023 with my husband. Creating a school allowed me to help others turn their talent into sustainable, licensed careers.
That same year, I became a licensed tattoo artist and launched Michelle Inkz, expanding my creative expression into body art and offering another pathway for artistry and self-expression within my brands.
Most recently, I launched Woodcliffe Studios, a Luxury Mansion Salon Suites designed to give beauty professionals freedom, ownership, and an elevated environment to grow their businesses. Every step of my journey has been intentional focused on building spaces that empower artists, encourage independence, and support long-term success.
As a first-generation entrepreneur, everything I’ve built is rooted in consistency, faith, and the willingness to evolve. I’m proud of how far this journey has come, and even more excited about what’s ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, it hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s an important part of the story. Every stage of growth came with its own challenges, from financial pressure and long hours to learning leadership the hard way. Building multiple businesses meant wearing every hat at once, often before I felt fully ready.
One of the biggest struggles was navigating people learning how to lead teams, set boundaries, and make difficult decisions while still protecting the vision. There were moments of self-doubt, burnout, and having to rebuild after setbacks, but each challenge forced me to grow stronger and more disciplined.
As a first-generation entrepreneur, I didn’t have a blueprint or safety net. Everything was learned through experience, mistakes, and persistence. What kept me going was staying grounded in my “why” and reminding myself that growth isn’t supposed to be comfortable.
Looking back, those struggles weren’t obstacles they were the training ground. They shaped the leader I am today and prepared me to build with intention, clarity, and confidence.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the heart of my work is building what I never had access to. As a first-generation entrepreneur and female founder, I entered the beauty industry without a blueprint, connections, or a safety net just ambition, discipline, and a deep belief that I could create more.
I’m a licensed beauty professional and tattoo artist behind DidThat Hair & Nail Studio, Texas Barber & Beauty Academy, Michelle Inkz, and Woodcliffe Studios. I’ve experienced this industry from every angle and that perspective shapes everything I build. I know what it feels like to be talented but overlooked, creative but unsupported, and ambitious while carrying the pressure to succeed not just for yourself, but for your family.
What I’m most proud of is impact. Helping students become licensed, watching women step into leadership, and creating spaces where creatives especially women can grow with confidence and independence means everything to me. I’m known for building elevated environments with high standards, honest leadership, and real mentorship, not surface-level success.
What sets me apart is that my businesses weren’t built from privilege they were built from persistence. Every system, space, and opportunity I’ve created came from lived experience, resilience, and learning through challenge. I lead with intention, clarity, and empathy, because I understand what it means to be the first and the responsibility that comes with opening doors for others.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth requires boundaries. Early on, I believed hard work and good intentions were enough, but I learned that protecting your vision, your time, and your energy is just as important as building the dream itself.
As a first-generation female founder, I had to unlearn the idea that saying yes to everything meant opportunity. Leadership required me to get comfortable with difficult conversations, trusting my instincts, and making decisions that weren’t always popular but were necessary for long-term stability and growth.
I’ve also learned that resilience doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Asking for help, building systems, and surrounding myself with the right people allowed me to scale in a healthy way. The journey taught me that discipline, clarity, and self-trust are non-negotiable.
Most importantly, I learned that success isn’t just about how far you go it’s about how intentionally you grow, and who you’re able to bring with you along the way.
Pricing:
- $50 Gel Pedicure
- $40 Tooth Gem
- $40 Gel Manicure
- $60 Specialty Haircut
- $ 60 Brazilian Wax
Contact Info:
- Website: www.didthathairandnailstudio.com | www.texasbarberandbeautyacademy.com | www.woodcliffestudios.com
- Instagram: @didthathairandnailstudio @texasbarberandbeautyacademy.com @woodcliffestudios @michelleinkz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CFpACJBrE/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/17wJwB6Fe8/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEBgVXx14/
