Today, we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Palomino.
Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my esthetic journey two years into the pandemic. After dropping out of community college twice and realizing that it just wasn’t for me, I decided to seek a career elsewhere. I began researching the beauty industry and decided that I wanted to be an esthetician. My skin is something I always struggled with growing up.
My acne was pretty bad in my teens, and I remember always feeling embarrassed to go out during an acne flare or trying so hard to cover up my skin with makeup. I wanted to help others who had a similar journey to me feel beautiful in their skin regardless of how it looked. I started working at Target in the beauty department at the time to help raise money for esthetic school. We also had an Ulta inside, so I was working with makeup and skincare. I often got questions on product recommendations, shade matching, & more. I realized how much I loved helping others find the best products for their skin, and it just confirmed my passion for the beauty industry.
I started esthetic school a few months in, and I remember falling in love with giving my classmates facials; it was so therapeutic to me. Going to school in the mornings and then rushing to clock in at my job was difficult. I often barely had time to eat in between the hour and a half I had to get to work but I always found a way to make it work. Reminding myself along the way that it would all be worth it in the end. After six months, I finally graduated. I felt so proud of myself. Finding a job in the esthetic industry right after graduation was not easy. All I kept hearing was “No” or “You’re not qualified enough.”
After a year, I finally found BelleÂme Beauty Studio. Sabrina Gonzales, owner of BelleÂme, took a chance on me and took me under her wing. I met all my amazing coworkers who supported me and cheered me on as I began. As I waited to grow my clientele, I kept working at Target to help fund my small business. A few months in, I took a chance on myself and finally quit Target after two years, the best decision I’ve ever made.
Fast forward to now, I’ve met so many amazing girls and helped them on their skin journey. Down to minimizing their acne or getting their skin glowing, doing facials has been a huge passion of mine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think perseverance and faith were the two things that kept me going. Growing up as a first-generation Latina, my parents didn’t have much to support my esthetic journey, so it all fell on me. I didn’t have an example or any idea on how to grow a business.
Working and going to school at the same time was definitely draining, but I always pushed through, reminding myself: no pressure, no diamonds. I would definitely say that my fuel was my family. My parents are both immigrants from Michoacán, and they are some of the most hard-working people I know. I remember that growing up, I always heard my dad get up at 5 am to go to work, and he always worked up to 12-hour shifts or came home straight to sleep.
My mom worked as well, so my grandma often took care of us. One way or another, my parents always made it happen. Whether it was a toy I really wanted or taking my sister and me to Disneyland for a day, my parents always made sure we were good. I thank my parents for always working so hard for my siblings and me and for setting the example that if you work hard enough and keep pushing through, you will succeed.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in facials, and I also do brow laminations and lash lifts. I will definitely be adding more services to my menu in the future because I love learning! I don’t want to stay in a confined area. I want to continue my education and specialize in more services.
What sets my business apart is inclusivity. I started Estrella Esthetics because I experienced horrible cystic acne firsthand. I remember what it was like to have people look at you or treat you a different way because of something you couldn’t control. I remember trying every product known to man to get rid of my acne and how frustrating it would be to find a routine that not only cleared my skin but nourished it. I also struggled with finding a skin expert who I would feel comfortable with and who I didn’t feel judged by.
Here at Estrella Esthetics, we prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment for all our clients, regardless of skin conditions. Your well-being is our utmost concern, and we strive to provide a welcoming experience tailored to your individual needs. We not only want you to walk away with radiant, healthy skin but also feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Book your facial with confidence, knowing that you’ll be in caring and capable hands.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a kid, I was always curious how the world looked. I remember always asking questions and always wanting to know. It was no surprise I developed a love for literature.
I remember my dad always taking me on trips to Barnes & Noble and coming out with at least four books in hand. All of these items will be consumed within the week. Naturally, I developed a stronger vocabulary and did really well in school. While I developed a more introverted personality with my nose always being in a book, I didn’t mind it.
It was as I grew into my teens that I developed a love for makeup and spent more of my time watching YouTube tutorials. Makeup became like therapy for me as the years went by and became a form of expression for me. I loved getting ready and feeling pretty. You know how the saying goes, “When you look good, you feel good.” That’s also where my passion for skincare started. I learned how much skincare matters if you want your makeup to come out bomb! Fast forward to now, skincare is my passion.
Pricing:
- Facials: European and Back Facial-$90 Clarifying Facial: $100
- New Client Facial: $65
- Brow Lamination and Lash Lift: $50
- LED Red Light Therapy Add On:$20
- Ice Globes: $5
Contact Info:
- Website: https://estrella-esthetics.square.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ4hMoWg-PxD2BcOqH1DBor7MkjYvSHvIAIlo5MefSd28fRsBcqNWVeBqM_aem_Acheg4BKbOOHCgchNO5DJ95sOpX0o1qaqKS57ofY75n0UWHlsqXVLUqBpiYYI5KntY3YhMFGv8ULAW-79LuTizGM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estrellaesthetics__?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
