Beauty with Purpose: How Alejandra Flores Grew AM Beauty Studio & Academy with Vagaro

Indianapolis-based entrepreneur, Alejandra Flores, has always believed beauty is more than polished nails—it’s confidence, care, and purpose. At just 15, she started doing nails while attending high school cosmetology classes. By 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, she had graduated and was ready to turn her passion into a business.

What started as private, 1:1 nail services in a small suite has since grown into AM Beauty Studio, a full-service salon, and AM Academy, a licensed training school for future beauty professionals. Along the way, Alejandra has become an award-nominated nail artist, recognized for both her craft and her entrepreneurship.

From a Single Suite to a Five-Star Full-Service Salon

In her early days, Alejandra built her clientele through word-of-mouth. Each client received carefully packaged tools and personalized attention. But behind the scenes, things weren’t as smooth.

One Saturday, I accidentally booked four clients for the same time slot because I was trying to manage everything through Apple Calendar,” she recalled. “Tracking deposits and rescheduling was a nightmare.

Today, AM Beauty Studio offers nails, hair, and esthetic services under one roof. It’s a one-stop destination where clients can spend the entire day getting pampered. Whether it’s nails that last 4-6 weeks or the warm hospitality of coffee and conversation, Alejandra’s salon is designed for more than self-care—it’s an experience.

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A Salon That Runs on Customer Service

For Alejandra, artistry is only part of the equation.

I tell my students all the time that doing nails is about 30% of the job,” she explained. “The other 70% is customer service.

Rising to New Heights: Awards and Education

Alejandra’s proudest milestone? Opening AM Academy, where she trains the next generation of nail artists and beauty professionals. With a 20:1 student-to-instructor ratio, the school prioritizes hands-on education and mentorship.

To make beauty education more accessible, Alejandra offers bilingual classes to students with the option to enroll using Vagaro Pay Later, giving them financial flexibility while securing their spot in class.

Her dedication to her craft has also taken her abroad. She has traveled to four countries to master techniques such as Russian-style and structured gel manicures, bringing international trends back to Indianapolis.

But this led to some of her highest achievements thus far: being nominated for the “Nailed It” Award at iconic.25 and as Entrepreneur of the Year by Prospanica, both in the same week!

How Vagaro Supports Growth

Running a salon and academy comes with challenges, but Vagaro’s tools have helped Alejandra scale with confidence. Here’s exactly what she uses to stay ahead of the game:

Scheduling & Calendar Management

Marketing & Client Growth

Revenue & Retention

Clients who once booked two weeks in advance now schedule six to eight weeks out, keeping her calendar full of 40-50 clients per week.

Access to Vagaro Capital

POS & Retail Sales

Vagaro isn’t just about organization,” Alejandra said. “It helps you scale. If you’re serious about growing, Vagaro gives you the structure and tools to do it.

Beauty With Purpose

When asked to sum up her business in three words, Alejandra didn’t hesitate: “Beauty with purpose.”

Her purpose extends beyond clients and students. She also runs a nonprofit to support beauty school graduates with resources and sponsorship opportunities, ensuring they have the foundation to succeed.

Her advice for new entrepreneurs?

A smooth sea never made a good sailor. Just because you’re having a rough week or month doesn’t mean it will last forever. Stay consistent with your marketing, content, and quality—and trust the process.