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

Founder, 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.

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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.

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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
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Erica Johnson

Licensed Esthetician/Studio Apprentice

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!

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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 
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Bri Braggs

Studio Apprentice

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. 

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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 
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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. 

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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Karla Solis

Studio Apprentice/Scalp Micropigmentation Artist

*Se Habla Español*

Karla’s beauty journey began with a personal experience with permanent brows, quickly sparking an interest in the beauty industry. After becoming a certified laser professional, she devoted 7 years to helping people conquer insecurities, and improve their day-to-day lives., Always striving for personal and professional growth, Karla has shifted focus to cosmetic tattooing, specializing in scalp pigmentation, and now offering Nano Brow. Karla is dedicated to providing customized high-quality service where clients can walk out with a new found confidence. Karla sites her daughter as her inspiration in all things.

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education & Certifications

  • Texas Laser Institute
  • Laser Hair Removal Certification
  • Astanza Laser Tattoo Removal 
  • Microblading certificate at Advanced Microblading Permanent Makeup & Academy
  • Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) certified with Taylor Perry
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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.

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Kimberly Rashid

Licensed Esthetician

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 I had issues with my skin. I knew I wanted to go into a career that would allow me to help someone feel whole and confident again. Over the years of working in the spa world, it has been a tremendous pleasure to help others. The journey has been beyond rewarding to see my guest happy by helping them achieve their self-care goals. My passion is to continue learning, so I can share my knowledge and techniques with my guests and colleagues in the best way possible. I am currently in pursuit of becoming a Paramedical Tattoo Artist. Being a part of the Her Velvet Hand Team has been such a blessing. It is so encouraging to work with such self-driven and motivated ladies. I look forward to what the future holds for me.

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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
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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.

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Catt lee

Front Desk Coordinator

Catt is the gorgeous face that greets you, assists with scheduling your appointments, and supports the team in many ways. Catt has a love for the city of Houston, delicious food, motorcycles, and is a lover of movement in which she enjoys rock climbing and yoga.

Her fast paced energy and direct, confident attitude that serve her well at the studio stem from her colorful background in the restaurant industry. Catt started Whole Foods and took on the responsibility of basically being the "sample lady" for her department. This expansion began her love for food and feeding people. She is a natural supporter. Her first true kitchen job was at the Pass and Provisions, which catapulted her passion for the industry, leading to her working at Coltivare and being an integral part of opening Vinnys. She has a love for pizza, but hold those big tomatoes!

Catt’s career path brought her to many different avenues, including cosmetology school which showed her another industry that had a similar pace that she gravitated to. Her energy at the studio is unmatched and her passion for the pmu and cosmetic tattoo world is growing! Catt serves our studio in all its facets. Her attention to organization, problem solving, and forward thinking helps streamline all the behind the scenes! Catt values teamwork, communication, respect, and accountability, and has a desire to help others feel good! We can’t wait to see what unfolds for Catt with her growth at the studio.

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