Bound Brook High School senior Valeria Barboza joined the MUD/Cosmetology dual credit program at Raritan Valley Community College with a passion to gain new skills and make people feel good about themselves.  

Now, just shy of her high school graduation, Valeria is running her own business as a makeup artist/hair stylist while balancing the final months of her senior year. Her schedule is booked with clients almost every day, and her future clientele at events like New York Fashion Week are already reserved months in advance.  

Her story has only begun – and she’s soaring high! Read more about Valeria’s “rise and prime” as we continue spotlighting the amazing stories led by the BBHS Class of 2025. 

 

How long have you been in the Bound Brook School District and what specifically drew you to the RVCC dual credit program?  

I have been in Bound Brook my whole life. I was raised here and went to school here. I started going to the workforce center during my sophomore year. I was encouraged at that time and had a lot of things going on with family members. I just felt like I didn’t have a purpose. I was introduced to the workforce center, and I met an amazing professor there. Since then, I gained a passion for my work and for making people feel good.  

What do you currently work on? 

Recently, I’ve been working at my shop. I accept clientele and I’ve been booked solid almost every day. It’s such a blessing and my journey here is a learning process. I started with makeup in the Career Technical Education and Work-Based Learning (CTE/WBL) Program and then completed the hairstyling section. Anybody could be doing hair and makeup, but it’s great to have that certification and for the school to give us this opportunity to get ahead and take these classes as young adults is a plus. 

You mentioned a professor at RVCC who inspired you throughout your time in the program. Do you know that professor’s name? 

Yes, her name is Aileen Grignon. She was the teacher, and my current mentor, who taught me everything I needed to know. She took time to show me everything and her talent. She’s an amazing person. If it wasn’t for her, I honestly don’t know what I would be doing.  

How did you learn about the RVCC dual credit program?  

Mr. Ross and I would regularly talk throughout my high school career. The cosmetology program was new at the time, and he asked if I was interested in taking the courses at Raritan Valley Community College. He explained the whole program and I told him to sign me up. He saw something in me, and I was really motivated to do it, and I hadn’t even started yet. So, I feel like he gave me that opportunity to go.  

How was your experience at RVCC? How was the balance between the academics there and at the high school?  

Going to RVCC was a little different during my first and second years because courses took place in the morning and afternoon. However, in my first year going, it was a break from school if that makes sense. But it’s not like you’re going to these classes to get out of school; you’re going there to build your career and future. It’s really up to you if you want to do that. I went into those college courses, and they gave me the motivation to go to school every day because this is what I want, and this is what I want to do.  

Tell us a little bit more about your business, how that started and how it makes you feel accomplished as to what you’ve done so far?  

I first started my business when I was a junior. I was home-based at first so I would go to my client’s house and from that time, I just started building myself up very slowly. I used social media to promote myself, even handing out business cards. I just started getting more into it and then it got to a point where my clientele started booming.  

I love it and now I’m getting the opportunity to work for events like New York Fashion Week. I have many upcoming projects and I’ve even been able to rent a space and take my clientele there now.  

Some of my clienteles are professionals, including lawyers. I meet all these amazing people which motivates me to keep going. I love making people feel good about themselves. With everything going on in the world, I love having the opportunity to talk with my clients and giving them a sense of peace. 

I just love my job. I love what I do. I love making people feel good about themselves. That’s like the number one thing I always thought when I was going to run this business. It’s not about the money, but it’s about what you do and it’s what you love doing.  

I always try to keep my clientele diverse. I love having clients from different cultures and backgrounds.  I can do any type of hair and work with any skin tone. I love having a brand where anybody can come to me and trust that I can do what they’re asking for. I always told myself when I made my brand all about beauty, it was going to be for everybody. No matter their background, everybody is welcome. 

The New York Fashion Week opportunity is incredible as well. How did that reach you?  

Working alongside my mentor, I was emailed by a designer brand named S’vailon. New York Fashion Week takes place in the fall, but they contacted me early and told me that they would love for me to come and do a crew of around eight girls for makeup.  

How have you been balancing your classes and your business?  

It’s been going really well. My senior year has probably been one of the best years in my high school career. I’ve been balancing my career while always putting school before anything else, I love doing this, but I need to make sure I’m focused on completing my work. I’m also a senior, so I have a light schedule and I’ve been receiving straight As.  

Your education should always be number one. In college I would like to study business management and to receive a master’s degree. I have big aspirations and goals for my life, and I’ve only just started. Starting young gives me an advantage. 

What are your post-graduation plans?  

I’m planning to attend Raritan Valley Community College for Business/Entrepreneurship. Mr. Ross has been helping me with all my applications and I’m really looking forward to going there. It’s close and they have a great business program, so I feel like it would fit right for me.  

 

To find Valeria’s business online, she encourages people to visit her brand’s Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/_.allaboutbeautyv_/