On the second floor of a studio on the east side of Bridgeport, you’ll find Gorgeous by Glam Beauty Academy. As I walk in, I see students in various rooms—some practicing with clients, others attending lessons at this beauty academy founded by Marlene Correa, a woman whose story is shaped by both struggle and determination. Marlene hails from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. As she warmly greets me, a sense of gratitude and her natural nurturing spirit are evident. Marlene's journey began over two decades ago when she immigrated to the United States in 2004, arriving with her husband and two young daughters.
Like many immigrant women, Marlene worked tirelessly, giving all her earnings to her partner. When her marriage broke down, she found herself without a home, left to raise her two girls alone. A friend extended a helping hand until Marlene could rebuild her life. She faced language barriers, financial hardships, and the daunting task of raising two children while adapting to a new culture. In time, she rented a small attic apartment, living in tight quarters, and found a job at a local Goodwill, doing everything she could to provide her daughters, Valeria and Lillian, with their basic needs.
As she struggled to make ends meet, she utilized her cooking skills and entrepreneurial spirit, which she had inherited from her parents back in Mexico, who owned a restaurant business. When she was on her own, she sold gorditas as a side business. With the little she earned, she saved and invested in an online dress store, ordering dresses from China. It started small, but steadily grew, and soon, Marlene was able to open a modest shop on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Marlene formed a deep connection with her women clientele. As an entrepreneur, her recommendations were trusted and valued by customers who sought her advice on beauty services—hair salons, nail parlors, and more. Noticing a gap in the availability of Latino beauty services, Marlene launched *Glamorous Magazine* to spotlight local trends and fashion. The magazine quickly gained attention, and soon people were asking her not only about beauty services but also about beauty school workshops. Recognizing another opportunity, Marlene took a bold step, expanding her vision from fashion to beauty education. *Glamorous Magazine* eventually evolved into a beauty school: Gorgeous by Glam Beauty Academy.
Starting small, Marlene’s beauty academy grew, eventually moving to a larger space in the same building. Her vision was clear—not just as a businesswoman, but as someone who had lived through struggles. She thought back to her own experience as a working single mother, struggling to find classes that fit her schedule. With this in mind, she designed her academy to be flexible, open seven days a week, offering courses at times that worked for single mothers and women with busy schedules. Marlene wanted to make sure that women, especially those facing adversity, had the chance to build a brighter future, just as she had.
A Mission to Empower and Transform
Marlene’s mission goes beyond beauty education; it’s about creating a space where women can reclaim their independence, just as she had to when she found herself on the verge of homelessness. Gorgeous by Glam Beauty Academy offers bilingual courses in cosmetology, nails, esthetics, makeup, and barbering—courses designed for working mothers and those without high school diplomas. The focus is on accessibility and empowerment, creating a safe space where women, particularly from minority communities, can gain the skills and confidence to achieve economic independence.
Marlene also speaks openly about the cultural challenges faced by Latina women, including persistent issues of machismo and controlling relationships. She emphasizes the importance of education and financial independence, believing these are essential tools for women to break free from limiting situations. Gorgeous by Glam Beauty Academy is not just a beauty school—it's a place where women can find the support, confidence, and resources they need to change their lives.
Having faced adversity firsthand, including a battle with lymphoma, Marlene understands the true power of resilience. She has learned not to let life’s hardships define her or lead to resentment and anger. Instead, she has used these experiences to view life with optimism, build herself up, and empower others, ensuring that other women don’t face the same struggles she endured as a young mother. While it can be painful to retell her struggles with her two young daughters, she shares her story openly, hoping to inspire others to see that even when you feel stuck in a difficult relationship, financial hardship, or any seemingly hopeless situation, with determination and preparation, you can achieve your goals. Marlene is also deeply aware of the unique challenges immigrants face, and her beauty academy stands as a testament to the strength, tenacity, and determination they bring.
Now, after years of hard work and perseverance, Marlene, having dealt with health issues, is more mindful of self-care. She sees the value in taking time for herself, even as she transitions leadership of the academy to her daughter, Lillian. Marlene’s next goal is to expand her support for women by establishing a non-profit organization focused on providing housing, education, and resources for women and children in need.
For Marlene, this journey is about more than business success—it’s about leaving a legacy of strength, hope, and empowerment. She sees herself in the women she helps and reminds them that with courage and community support, they can break free from cultural barriers and oppressive situations. Marlene’s story is one of transformation, a shining example of what it means to face adversity, rebuild, and give back.