Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Barazone.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career in the beauty industry began in 2005, working with the Estee Lauder Companies when I was only seventeen years old. This position instilled an eagerness and passion to explore the world of skincare deeper. In 2007, I became a licensed aesthetician. I will never forget the day. I was running toward my mother once I discovered I passed my exam – tears in my eyes while her arms were stretched out toward me to give me the biggest, well-deserved hug. She helped me study for hours in our Culver City hotel room the day before, motivating and encouraging me to not give up on my dreams. She has and will always be my guiding light. Passing my exam and officially becoming an aesthetician was one of the happiest days of my life.
Over the last nineteen years, I have worn many hats in the beauty field – from performing advanced facial services and waxing at spas to freelance makeup artistry for cosmetic lines such as Smashbox Cosmetics and Bobbi Brown. In addition, my education in the medical field and working with various skincare lines has allowed me to learn a vast amount regarding our integumentary system, which has benefited me greatly as a skin therapist. Having this experience has genuinely enhanced my ability to better help people improve their skin’s overall health and appearance. My journey has led me now to being a facialist for La Mer and Augustinus Bader, as well as becoming the Account Executive and Lead Medical Aesthetician for Biophora Medical-Grade Skincare. I am honored to represent such innovative and science-driven skin care lines. I am excited for the future while continuing to learn and grow every day doing what I am passionate about.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If I told you my journey has been fairly smooth, I’d be lying. I’ll give you the easier, less messy version..but I will say, the outcome was worth it.
The road to happiness can be a bumpy one. From time to time, we endure obstacles that test our mental strength, but can help us become more well-rounded and powerful human beings. In life, we sometimes have to make challenging decisions, but these decisions can an eventually end up leading us to where we are truly supposed to be.
After working as an aesthetician and cosmetics free-lance representative for fourteen years, I decided I wanted to go to school for nursing. In 2019, I started out by taking the medical assisting course to gain a foundation before entering the nursing program. Three weeks before completing my externship working at a cosmetic surgery center, my school abruptly shut down. I was devastated, but chose to keep going. I eventually completed my pre-requisites required for nursing. Despite it being one of the most difficult experiences I had ever endured, I still achieved stellar grades and eventually got accepted into a program. During my time in this program, it became even more arduous and less manageable. I unfortunately tackled a number of upsets in my personal life and with the academy I was attending that caused me an immense amount of grief. As I continued, I also began to realize how much I missed being an aesthetician. After months of weighing out every aspect possible, I decided it was my time to leave the nursing program. It was one of the most conflicting decisions I had to make so far in my adult life. It left me distraught, but I knew in my heart of hearts it was the right thing for me to do.
It has been about a year and a half, and I have realized that going back to doing what I love has brought me an incredible amount of joy, even more so than before. Today, I am extremely thankful and do not regret my time in school. The medical education I received has only bettered me, and now, all of my passions and interests have been molded into one career. I have been given so many wonderful opportunities lately, and I genuinely appreciate everything that has come my way. A decision that left me worried and heartbroken ended up guiding me down a path to an amazing place. I am grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an aesthetician, I perform luxury facials for La Mer and Augustinus Bader at specialty department stores, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Nieman Marcus. I offer lash lifts, body waxing, and brow shaping. I also specialize in clinical facials, including dermaplaning and the use of active ingredients, such as chemical acids and enzymes that help accelerate cell regeneration. As a make-up artist, I freelance for different brands, supporting events and educating customers on product application and ingredients. I also provide artistry for bridal parties and special occasions. Lastly, as an Account Executive for Biophora Medical-Grade Skincare, I work with local businesses in the aesthetics/spa industry throughout San Diego to help expand their retail selection. I also provide training and higher levels of aesthetics education to advance their knowledge of skin science and become more proficient educating their establishment’s clientele. All of these positions have made me a jack of all trades in the beauty and wellness fields. I am very proud to be a part of such impactful, feel-good industries that are constantly evolving and improving people’s lives. The passion I have for what I do shines with every person I have the opportunity to interact with.
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” – Rumi
What makes you happy?
Having worked with many different people from all walks of life has created an awareness for people struggling emotionally. I have met a multitude of women and men over the years that have shared their personal stories about their lives. This has allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level and become more empathetic to their struggles. Knowing I have provided a safe space for my clients to feel comfortable, supported, and cared for means the world to me. If I can aid in being a support system for my clients, or anyone for that matter, I am genuinely happy. I have an innate desire to bring comfort and peace into people’s lives while helping them feel beautiful – inside and out.
Pricing:
Some of my top favorite Biophora products!
Starter Kits: systematic regimes designed specifically to treat a variation of skin issues depending on skin type. $130
Golden Glo: a firming, glimmering serum packed with vitamins and anti-oxidant protection – can be used under makeup as an illuminating primer! $80
Pure C: 100% pure l-acscorbic acid that improves the look of dull, sun-damaged skin. $66
Retinol 30/60/90: available in multiple percentages – these pure, powerful retinols target fine lines, wrinkles and acne. $94-$110
Contact Info:
