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Meet Mary Ann Madarang

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Ann Madarang.

Mary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My problem skin was an ongoing “project” of mine for many years. I was that 17-year-old teenager with braces who suffered from hormonal & painful cystic acne. I tried using cleansers, toners, and exfoliants from drugstores that completely wrecked my skin from long time use. I was almost defeated until I came across a skincare line that was new in the beauty industry. ProActiv, a dermatologist recommended skin care line that consisted of a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and repairing treatment soon became my new holy grail. The 3-step system immediately cleared my embarrassing acne but it came with a few consequences. My skin became extremely sensitive, the product robbed me of my good oils, and I had waves of uncontrollable acne and unexplained rashes. From suffering for almost three years and spending a lot of time trying to cover up the physical and emotional scars acne had left me; I reached my last straw. I went completely cold turkey and used nothing on my skin except for a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. I then began to see improvement and my interest as to why I saw such a drastic change in my skin lead me to do some research. I watched endless YouTube videos on skin care product reviews to learn the basics of skincare, I even watched those gruesome videos of cystic acne getting extracted aka pimple popping! My fascination turned obsession made me realize my genuine interest in skin care is something I would want to pursue as a full-time career. I enrolled in a seven month Esthetician program at Bellus Academy and fell in love with the beauty industry right away. It gives me joy knowing I have a small part in making other people feel confident in their own skin. Now almost ten years later, my experiences and moments working with clients, fellow estheticians, and training under the most lauded dermatologists has shaped me into the Esthetician I am today.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being in the industry for ten years I have come across a few bumps along the way. My first three years as an Esthetician was fun because I was new and I had a certain niche to have clients coming back for more. But I soon realized the beauty industry is extremely competitive and clients were seeking other treatments that I was unable to provide due to lack of training. Those treatments included lasers, botox, tattoo removal, and other medical services that the state of California requires a Registered Nurse to practice. My interest in entering the medical field lead me take a quick six-week course to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, but during that time I took a longer than expected break from being an Esthetician. During my three year break, I had knee surgery and endured a seven month recovery, I got certified in Eyebrow Microblading, and was focused on that while dealing with whatever life threw at me. Along with working 12 hour shifts at the hospital in between, the long transition made me realize I needed to find balance and I felt like working at a spa again would push me to reach my end goal to become a Medical Aesthetician. With much perseverance, I finally got into a Nursing school and landed a job at a Medical Spa at the same time – both of which were two of the dreams I’ve been striving for a long while.

Although my school was located in Orange County, I was fortunate enough to have flexible work schedules and supportive parents, which still allowed me to commute to San Diego on the weekends to work. My time at the medical spa made me want to become a Nurse even more. Although I was humbled by the experience, working two jobs, and commuting to another city for school for a whole year became too taxing and I had reached a breaking point. I felt like transferring to a nursing school closer to home was more realistic but I did not expect it to be this difficult. One year later, and I am still trying to find a school that is not impacted, it has given me the opportunity to focus my energy on my business. I started working back at my original home, Pure Salon and Spa, and have been dedicated to working with clients to treat and heal their skin. My knowledge in skin care and of countless case studies quickly brought more attention to my business, but dealing with the global pandemic has limited my interaction with clients. Although my journey to become a Medical Aesthetician has tested my limits, my love for the beauty industry and passion to help clients is something I will not give up on.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Aesthetics by Mary Ann – what should we know?
I provide a variety of skin treatments which includes, customized treatment facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, dermaplaning, Microneedling, and waxing services. All to which might be foreign to some readers but can be thoroughly explained through a free consultation with me! I am also a certified Makeup Artist specializing in weddings and events. I am Certified in Microblading, which involves in creating an enhanced eyebrow look with semi-permanent pigment. But my true passion in skincare is working with clients who suffer from hormonal-cystic acne. Whether they are dealing with active acne or those who have to deal with the physical scars that were left behind. I find true pleasure playing detective trying to figure out what might be the cause of their acne, whether it is a diet issue or whether they have developed a certain sensitivity to a product, or if they’ve been prescribed medication to help with their skin issues but see little to no results. Whatever the cause may be, my knowledge and experience has given me the confidence to pinpoint what the cause of their skin problems are and be able to eliminate things that do not work for them. After working closely with my clients, getting their skin to a balanced level is the first step in helping them achieve their skincare goals. I then recommend a series of Microneedling treatments which involves the process of numbing their skin and injecting micro needles into the epidermis which ultimately stimulates the skin and speeds up cell regeneration, collagen renewal, and gives the skin a deeper exfoliation treatment. This treatment basically allows old skin to slough off and new fresh skin to come to surface which gets rid of those acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and relieves fine lines and wrinkles.

Through this route, I have been successful in giving my clients the best results, which gives me so much joy since I too had once been in their position. That feeling of defeat when it comes to skincare is something, I am familiar with, but having the patience and guidance of someone knowledgeable and trustworthy can turn that around. Although I have not been physically in touch with my clients, this global pandemic has allowed me to pay more attention to my business through social media outlets, specifically through Instagram. Along with posting informative videos and pictures of treatments, I came up with a special segment called “Skincare Sundays” where I post product and service recommendations as well as information regarding specific skincare topics that can be found on my Instagram stories and highlight reel. This new tradition has brought light to my business and has made clients really take initiative into taking care of their skin despite the quarantine restrictions. I also really encourage followers to reach out with any skincare questions they may have. I’ve had several clients come to me regarding their skincare concerns and with their patience and trust, I have been able to change their skin care routines and their views on skin care in general in a positive way.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Esthetician teacher, Tamara Yusopuff, has been such a positive and influential light in my life. I have not only learned the basis of skin care and more from her, but I learned what it takes to make my skin care business successful. Her industry knowledge and passion she exudes has always made me strive harder for my professional skin care goals. She has supported me in so many ways, from pushing me to my limits in school, to lending me a room at her educational suite to practice my skills once I got my license as an Esthetician, to introducing me to one of the most iconic people in skincare, Dr. Murad. The opportunity to work with his skincare line in school and throughout my time as an Esthetician, to actually meeting the legend himself, has given me such a humbling experience and I am forever grateful for her.

My mother, Estrella Madarang, the woman that has believed in all my crazy career paths and the one who has supported me financially to get to where I want to be in my career. She’s not only been my number one supporter but she has been the one that has never given up on me and continues to cheer me on, despite the struggles I have faced. She works almost seven days a week as a Nurse and still helps me strive to become the Nurse she is today and I will never give up my goal to become one because of her drive, perseverance, and support.

Jason Lakis, my dear old friend, who always believed in my skincare endeavors. The one who supported me and became my guinea pig for all the new skin care treatments I first started learning. He is the one who cheered me on when I received more certifications throughout my career as an Esthetician, and the one who pushed me to pursue Nursing because I looked up to him as he was one of the most intelligent and successful Nurses I’ve ever met.

Besides my incredibly supportive sisters, friends, and clients who have believed in me and my Esthetician journey, I have been inspired to reach my goals as a Medical Esthetician because of those who have not only supported me, but those who have truly believed in me and what I plan to do with my business in making the skin care less intimidating and more achievable for everyone.

Pricing:

  • Microneedling – $250/first time clients for $150. Series of 3 treatments for $400.
  • Dermaplaning – $95/first time clients for $80. Series of 3 treatments for $250.
  • Microdermabrasion – $130/first time clients $100. Series of 3 treatments for $300.
  • Customized Facial – Starting at $95 (add ons not included).
  • Eyebrow Microblading – $400, includes second session. $200 for annual touch up.
  • Waxing varies from $20-$85, pls inquire for more details.
  • Eyelash Extensions – $120 classic full set/$50 for 2 week refill.
  • Wedding Makeup – Brides $185 (includes makeup trial)/Bridesmaids $60. Lashes included. Airbrush makeup is an additional cost. Travel l fee & tip is not included.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Adrian Beato

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