Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Guillermo.
Rachael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Finding a career, I could see myself in and be truly passionate about was a difficult yet rewarding experience. I was raised to believe a college degree and a corporate job was the only way to be successful. After graduating high school, I did just that. I received my A.A. in Accounting and then my B.A. in Business Management. One of my goals was to get a college degree because I knew it was an accomplishment that was going to give me purpose and with that, then find my perfect career. I worked in Human Resources for a few years and thought it was “the one” because I was helping people. I never considered anything else outside of that field because I started to believe there was nothing else out there. As much as I enjoyed it, in the back of my mind, I knew that something was missing.
It wasn’t until my boyfriend, who pushed me to pursue my dreams. It took years but he somehow helped me bring out my passion. I had to get over the fear of failure before I gained the courage to start a career in the beauty industry. By watching him chase his dreams and him strongly believing in me, it inspired me and I knew I needed to be doing something that made me the happiest. For too many years, I was so insecure with myself. When I finally (slowly) learned to love myself a little more over time, I realized I felt the most fulfilled when helping others feel confident and beautiful.
Shortly after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I went to Bellus Academy and enrolled in the Esthetics program. Since that first day of school, I knew I was home. I knew that this is what I am meant to be doing. All I needed was that push and to experience it for myself to solidify it.
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey was anything but a smooth road. When I finally found what I love, it was another adventure trying to prove that it was the right choice and I could be successful. As a daughter, all I’ve ever wanted was to make my parents proud but also do something that I loved. In the beginning, it was a battle – I doubted myself, I doubted the career choice. I’ve considered going back to office jobs because I was too scared of making this work. But again, with my boyfriend and loved ones reminding me why I should do this, being surrounded by my classmates with the same passion, it gave me the drive to keep going and believe I can do this. At this point, there’s nothing else that could top my happiness so I keep working hard knowing it’s always going to be worth it.
My advice — allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone, don’t let fear get in the way, stay true to yourself, and when an opportunity arises (even if it doesn’t seem like the right one) it will lead you to the right one – so, take it. It’s okay to still be scared, to have doubts – but I believe you’ll lose more if you don’t take the risk of trying and finding out. I will always believe everything happens for a reason – so, even if it’s hard at the moment, just trust the process. Everyone is meant to find their purpose.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a Licensed Esthetician specializing in facials and makeup. I work at a wellness spa, Eco Chateau, where I do facials full time using organic and plant-based skin care. I also freelance for makeup. I barely started taking my makeup career seriously after I became licensed. I’ve assisted a few weddings and worked on photo shoots for my own clients. My first love was makeup and what I originally went to school for but I discovered a new passion with skin care. I still love doing makeup but I just do freelance work which is perfect with my lifestyle and schedule. I’m in love with being able to change lives through skincare and beauty! I’ve been told by clients that I have a gentle, relaxing touch and am through with my work. With skincare, I always ensure I am targeting each skin concern they have and also spend more time understanding each client’s skin type because I only want to give the best appropriate treatment and home care guidance. I want my clients to feel that I truly care for each of them and their skin.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Although my parents and I struggled with different career views, I still would not have the life or be who I am without them raising me as they did. Being immigrants to becoming U.S. citizens, and making sacrifices to build a life for their family, they gave my brother and me everything we could have ever needed. They always put us first and still do anything to make sure we’re taken care of. They taught me how to be strong, be ambitious and have integrity. I had a blessed childhood and realizing as an adult how much my parents did for me, motivated me to make a life for myself where I would be able to give back to them. They definitely have been a reason why I’ve gotten through every obstacle I’ve faced. They shaped me into the woman that I am. Although our views were different in the beginning, as they see my happiness in what I’m doing now – they’ve been encouraging me to go further into my esthetics career and have been extremely supportive. 🙂
Pricing:
- Makeup: $60
Contact Info:
- Email: rachaesthetics@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaesthetics_/
Image Credit:
Rachael Guillermo
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