About & Team
Her Velvet Hand always applies a personalized and delicate approach to cosmetic tattoo artistry. Leading with true personalization, high-quality techniques and the most innovative practices in skincare, the studio brings beautifully customized solutions and dedication to skin health to every client.
Courtney Maguire
Owner, Lead Cosmetic Tattoo Artist
Nano Brow Expert
Courtney Maguire’s unique approach to permanent makeup is complete customization for each of her clients and carefully maintaining the integrity of the skin. It is because of these beliefs and her meticulous hand that she is one of Houston’s most sought after cosmetic tattoo artists. For each of her clients she individually tailors their cosmetic solution to bring forward their natural features and enhance their innate beauty. In this process, she applies the innovative practices she has learned from years of training all over the world to protect delicate facial skin to thrive for years to come.
Courtney was first introduced to the world of esthetics when she was a child growing up in Indonesia. Immersed in the spa culture, the natural, delicate style of beauty in the Eastern World impacted her deeply. From a young age she knew she wanted to build a career in beauty that brought forth the individual care and consideration she learned overseas.
Today, she has trained with some of the most esteemed permanent makeup artists and estheticians in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Forever committed to learning the latest techniques and expanding her knowledge of innovations in skincare, Courtney has truly fine-tuned her expertise and insights to the point of perfection. This is the meaning of Her Velvet Hand, signifying her approach to delicate, personalized artistry in beauty.
Approach
As an esthetician, Courtney learned to create personalized solutions for all types of skin and their unique needs. She has taken this care and her vast wisdom of skin health, and applied it to create a thoughtful and holistic cosmetic tattooing practice. She is sought after because she approaches every client individually, customizing each lip & brow tattoo to match their goals and desires. This personalization also allows her to highlight their individual characteristics and creates definition around their innate features in a natural-looking way. As an esthetician and true artist who values how unique everyone truly is, Courtney has spent a decade developing her method of precision, customization and true skincare integration.
Experience
Courtney began her journey into the spa and cosmetic world as a child, growing up overseas in Indonesia. It was there she developed her love and respect for innovative and customized methods that honor the skin and natural beauty. Since, she has pursued esthetics and cosmetic tattooing passionately. For over a decade, Courtney has committed herself to becoming one of the best cosmetic tattoo artists in the world. She has trained under industry pioneers from Hoi Kwan of Hoi Tattoo in Canada to Master Trainer Nikora Elena in Germany, among a list of others. Courtney is also one of the few certified nano brow artists in the United States. In constant pursuit of innovation and knowledge in beauty, Courtney seeks to learn the latest and leading techniques to deliver natural-appearing tattoo artistry to her clients, while providing the best skincare solutions available.
Experience the incredible results of Brows & Lips defined by Courtney.
Education & Certification
- Ultimate PMU Training with Carla Ricciardone of Sculpted Studios in NYC in 2022
- Bloodborne Pathogens & Infection Control for Permanent Make-up & Micropigmentation Professionals in 2022
- Saline Tattoo Removal with Botched Ink in 2020
- Private Nano Brow Training with Maya Moore of Moore Beauty Love Academy in 2021.
- Hennatician Trainer Certification Course with Founder Nicole Jane of Henna Brow Australia in 2020.
- Natural Lip Advancement Masterclass with Tess Marti of Tesstattoo in 2020
- Nano Hairstoke Training with International Amiea Trainer Hoi Kwan of Hoi Tattoo in Canada in 2019
- Magic Shadow Brow Training with World-class Permanent Makeup Champion James Olaya in Brazil in 2019
- European Style Brow Training with Amiea International Master Trainer and World Renowned Cosmetic Tattoo Artist Nikora Elena in 2019
- Lip Blush and Powder Brow Training with Shay Danielle Microblading Training Academy in 2019
- Nano Brow Training with International Nano Artist & Trainer Selen Shenalp in 2018
- PhiAcademy for Ultimate Beauty Skills. Certified in Fundamentals of Skill in 2017
Erica Johnson
Licensed Esthetician/Lip Blush Artist
Erica joined the HVH team August of 2021 and has had a passion for health, wellness, & beauty since a young age. Growing up as the only girl, she loved attending beauty appointments with her Mother & used to dream about making a difference in others lives through some sort of beauty service. She received her Bachelors in Exercise Science where she worked in the fitness industry for 5 years, helping people become the best versions of themselves through exercise and mindful eating, but always wanted more. In 2020 she decided to join the beauty industry by attending the Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Massage in Houston. She received her degree in Premier Esthetics while also completing a CIDESCO course in International Business and Spa Management. While in school she took numerous extra curricular courses in skin care modalities, but fell in love with doing brows.
Since joining HVH, Erica has been personally coached and mentored by Courtney to help grow her love for all things brows and lashes! She specializes in Brow Artistry through sculpting, shaping and designing the right shape for each of her clients individual goals. Erica is also our leading Lash Lift & Tint specialist. She has a special eye for detail when styling brows & lashes to perfection!
Education & Certifications
- Esthetics at the Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics and Massage Houston in 2020
- Saline Tattoo Removal with Botched Ink in 2022
- Hybrid Brow & Shaping with Lust Brow Academy in 2022
- Private Brow Artistry Training with Natallia Ivchankova in Baltimore in 2022
- Bloodborne Pathogens & Infection Control for Permanent Make-up & Micropigmentation Professionals in 2022
Bri Braggs
Nano Brow Artist/ Senior Threading Artist
Bri has been with Her Velvet Hand since February 2022. She is our first Cosmetic Tattoo Artist to join the team and has been taught & mentored personally by Courtney along her journey here at HVH. She has always had a passion for helping people feel their best. She got her start as a wellness entrepreneur, but after having her son in 2020 decided it was time for a career change. Having always been obsessed with beautiful brows, Cosmetic Tattooing seemed like the perfect choice.
Bri specializes in Nano Powder Brows, Eyebrow Threading, and Saline Removal. She loves building relationships with her clients, getting to them on a personal level, and helping them feel like a million bucks!
When not at work, Bri loves spending time with her family, baking delicious treats, and spending time in her garden.
education & Certifications
- Ombre Powder Brow Training with Artistry By Zuri in 2020
- Eyebrow Threading Course with Beauty Pro Prime in 2021
- Saline Tattoo Removal with Botched Ink in 2022
- Bloodborne Pathogens & Infection Control for Permanent Make-up & Micropigmentation Professionals in 2022
Kimberly Rashid
Licensed Esthetician/ Paramedical Tattoo Artist
As a graduate from the Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics and Massage, Kim obtained her CIDESCO diploma in Esthetics and Massage Therapy in 2014. Her passion for self-care, skincare and wellness started as a teenager as she had issues with her skin. Kim knew she wanted to go into a career that would allow her to help someone feel whole and confident again. Over the years of working in the spa world, she feels it has been a tremendous pleasure to help others. The journey has been beyond rewarding to see her guests happy by helping them achieve their self-care goals. Kim's passion is to continue learning, so she can share her knowledge and techniques with her guests and colleagues in the best way possible.
Kim is our studio's lead Paramedical Tattoo Artist with a particular focus on areola tattooing. Being a part of the Her Velvet Hand Team has been such a blessing. Kim feels it is so encouraging to work with such self-driven and motivated ladies. She looks forward to what the future holds for her.
education & Certifications
- Diploma in The Art and Science of Esthetics (Pivot Point International Academy, Trinidad and Tobago)
- Diploma in the Art of Esthetics (Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics and Massage- Houston, TX)
- Diploma in Massage Therapy (Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics and Massage)
- Corrective Facials
- Advanced Esthetic Studies-
- Para-Medical Esthetics
- Basic Massage Therapy
- Laser Safety Officer
- Laser Hair Removal Technician
- Laser Tattoo Removal Technician
Karlye Otey
Licensed Esthetician/Paramedical Tattoo Artist
Karlye moved to Houston 5 years ago from a small town a few hours down the road to start an education and career in the beauty industry. As with the rest of us, the pandemic disrupted her timeline. Despite that, she completed her esthetics degree and found a home at Her Velvet Hand. Karlye is glad to say that she has been trained by her friends and mentors Courtney, Erica and the rest of the Her Velvet Hand team. This southern charm also specializes in Paramedical Tattooing, including Stretch Mark Revision and Scar Camouflage. She’s got the sweetest soul and she’ll do everything to make sure you’re experience at HVH is a memorable one!
Above all, she is a wife and the mother to her beautiful daughter, Shaunie. She loves to travel with her family, cook, crochet, and watch crime television. Some of her favorite pleasures in life include family, God, charcuterie boards, and wine.
education & Certifications
- Ombre Powder Brow Training with Artistry By Zuri in 2020
- Eyebrow Threading Course with Beauty Pro Prime in 2021
- Saline Tattoo Removal with Botched Ink in 2022
- Bloodborne Pathogens & Infection Control for Permanent Make-up & Micropigmentation Professionals in 2022
Maria Esteves
Licensed Esthetician/Lash Artist
Maria has always been interested in beauty at a young age. As she got older she started playing with makeup and following along to youtube videos. Getting creative with makeup made her want to see what else was out there. She took a Ombre Brow Tattoo course in 2022 and fell in love with the artistry behind it. Fast forward she decided to go to Esthetician school in 2023 to have the opportunity to offer more and make others feel beautiful. Although she learned a lot about skin she fell in love with the instant transformation on what cosmetics can do and knew brows was her first love!
Maria also specializes in natural & classic lash extensions. Personalized from the color to the vibe of volume- she’s ready to customize your perfect lash.
Maria is the green thumb of the studio! She keeps all plants well fed and hydrated! Need an orchid to stay alive? She’s your girl! In her free time, she loves to get her nails done- check out her groovy nail design next time you’re in the studio- workout and try out new makeup trends!
Annie neilson
Social Media Designer
Annie’s start in this skin and beauty industry began over a decade ago as she set out to obtain her Esthetic License through the Aveda Institute in Houston. She spent years in the spa world, passionate about natural beauty, and holistic treatments. After growing her family and becoming a mother of two, Annie’s passions shifted into a more creative avenue that she could do remotely. Her longtime friendship with Courtney grew and bloomed into a professional relationship that allowed Annie to expand her creative outlet and support Courtney through social media and marketing.
Dr. Candice Dunn
Medical Director
Dr. Candice Dunn is a hospitalist in the Clear Lake area and part owner of Armstrong Medical Group. She concluded her residency in Internal Medicine at UTMB. Prior to completing her training, she earned her medical degree from Texas Tech University, Lubbock. She is currently the Medical Director at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls.
Candice has a ferocious interest for all things beauty and has been a loyal client of Courtney’s since early 2021. Throughout the years, the relationship between Courtney and Candice has grown stronger than ever and Her Velvet Hand is so honored to entrust in Candice as the studio Medical Director.
With Annie’s understanding of the industry, assisting Courtney as Studio Manager just felt right! She is passionate about seeing individuals in the industry succeed, understand their growth and how to grow, and helping the studio flourish.
When she isn’t creating content and cheering the team on, she is exploring outside with her family, learning more ways to be self sufficient, and planning their next adventure.
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