Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Chase. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andrea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Back in 2019, I was working a full-time corporate job in Memphis, TN, while also holding a part-time position as a Makeup Advisor at Estée Lauder and doing freelance makeup on the side. It was a busy season, but I genuinely loved what I was doing. During that time, a waxer I really admired encouraged me to look into becoming a licensed Esthetician. She opened my eyes to the idea that I could expand my skill set beyond makeup and really understand the science of skin care.
I enrolled in an Esthetician program, but quickly realized the quality and professionalism weren’t up to par. I made the decision to pause my studies, knowing I wanted to wait for the right time and a better opportunity to truly invest in my future.
Soon after, I was laid off from my corporate role due to an unexpected company-wide Reduction in Force—just two days before undergoing major surgery. It felt like terrible timing, but surprisingly, I also felt a sense of relief. It was as if the universe was giving me the push I needed to start fresh.
That experience led me to take a leap of faith. I ended my lease, donated most of my belongings, and relocated to San Antonio, TX, with my cat and a few essentials. The day after I arrived, still recovering from surgery, I registered at Paul Mitchell The School—and secured the very last spot in their program.
After graduating, I continued my education in laser technology at the National Laser Institute in Dallas. I then gained hands-on experience working at both a major waxing center and a med spa. Eventually, I knew it was time to take the next step and open my own suite. I started at Sola Salon and have since transitioned to My Salon Suites at The Rim, where I currently run my business.
Looking back, I’m proud of how I embraced the unknown. At 41, I have deep appreciation for the version of myself who, at 35, chose growth over comfort. Through it all, I’ve learned that taking the first step—no matter how uncertain—can set everything in motion. The support of my loved ones and the lessons from every stage have shaped the business owner and professional I am today.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
A little bit about me…
My name is Andrea Chase, but most people know me as Dre or Drea. I’m originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, though I was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, yep, I’m an Army Brat! My roots are a beautiful mix: my dad is from Washington, D.C., and my mom is from Panama in Central America. I’m the youngest of two and a proud auntie to a vibrant, full-of-life niece who keeps me laughing and inspired.
I’ve been a licensed Aesthetician for 6 years and am the proud owner of Chase Beauty, named after my last name. I studied at Paul Mitchell The School in San Antonio and continued my education at the National Laser Institute in Dallas, where I earned my laser license and several advanced certifications.
My love for all things beauty and makeup really began around age 25. I was completely fascinated by makeup tutorials on YouTube and dove into learning everything I could. But the true turning point came at 27, when I had my makeup done by a talented artist at a M.A.C counter for a friend’s birthday party. The transformation was so incredible, I remember thinking, “I want to learn how to do that for myself.” That moment lit a fire in me.
From that day forward, I made a personal commitment: any makeup look that caught my attention, I would study and practice it until I nailed it. I wouldn’t move on until I had truly mastered the one I was working on. That discipline and the joy it brought, was what led me down the path to where I am today.
My Journey & What I Offer:
My second love came in the form of body waxing. I was able to truly hone and master my skills while working for one of the largest waxing chains in the country. That experience taught me so much beyond just the technique. I learned the importance of time management, how to properly greet and engage with clients, how to problem-solve on the spot, manage inventory, and so much more that contributes to running a successful service-based business.
One piece of advice I always give to up-and-coming Estheticians is this: don’t be afraid to work for someone else first whether that’s for six months, a year, or even two. Working under someone more experienced or being part of an established company is where you gain the foundation you need. That’s how you really learn and master your craft, through real-world experience, guidance, and structure.
Social media often paints the picture that success as an entrepreneur happens overnight. And while that might happen for some, for most of us, it takes time, effort, and consistent work. Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, and I believe you’ll be much more equipped to face them if you take the time to learn the ropes before stepping out on your own.
Services I Offer
I currently provide:
*Special occasion makeup
*Makeup classes
*Personal shopping
*Waxing services
How I Serve My Clients:
Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed or unsure when it comes to choosing the right makeup or skincare products for their specific needs. That’s where my personal shopping service was born. Over time, several clients began asking if I could go with them to major retailers to help them select products. They often felt rushed, unheard, or oversold in the store, and would come home with bags of items they didn’t know how to use.
Thanks to my 16+ years of experience in the beauty industry, including working with brands like Sephora, ULTA, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme, as well as film and TV work, I know how to cut through the noise. I help my clients pinpoint exactly what they need, understand how to use their products, and feel confident in their choices.
In today’s social media world, it’s easy to think you need a million products to achieve flawless skin or the perfect makeup look—but I believe less is more. My approach is about education, customization, and results.
What Sets Me Apart:
What truly sets me apart is my attention to detail and the way I treat every client as a valued individual not just a number. I go above and beyond to create an experience where they feel seen, heard, and cared for. It’s not just about the service; it’s about how they feel during and after our time together.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of my resilience. When I reflect on my journey everything I’ve been through both before and during my time as a business owner…one thing stands out: I never gave up. Even during moments when I felt I was at my breaking point, I kept going. I truly believe the universe didn’t bring me this far to leave me now.
What I Want You to Know About My Work:
Every service I provide is tailored to the individual. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. I take great pride in ensuring that each client receives a personalized experience they’ll never forget.
Education is also a huge part of what I do, whether it’s breaking down product ingredients, recommending the perfect eyeliner brush, or finding that ideal lipstick shade for your undertone. I’m here to help you understand your beauty and feel confident using what works best for you.
At the heart of everything, my mission is simple:
To help my clients see and celebrate the beauty within themselves.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The initial capital that helped fund my business came from my full-time job—and honestly, I don’t think we talk about this enough. For many of us, that’s the reality. You still have everyday bills to pay, and on top of that, you’re trying to build something from the ground up: buying supplies, investing in products, securing a website and domain, trademarking your brand, taking extra classes… the list goes on.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with working a full-time job while you build your business on the side. Don’t let anyone make you feel ashamed or like you’re doing it wrong. Entrepreneurship takes time, money, patience, and a whole lot of grace.
Give yourself the space and time to grow. When you reach a point where you’re financially stable and feel comfortable enough to transition fully into your business—then take that step confidently.
But here’s the other side of that coin:
Sometimes, even when you don’t feel financially ready, the calling on your life becomes so strong that staying where you are is no longer an option. The Universe, God, your intuition—whatever you believe in, starts making it very clear that it’s time to leap. And when that moment comes, even if it feels scary, you have to trust the process.
I’m not saying quit your job recklessly, but I am saying, listen to that inner voice. Sometimes, you have to jump before you feel ready, and trust that everything will fall into place. Because more often than not, it does. And it’s beautiful.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Yes, what I’m doing now started as a hobby.
What began as a genuine obsession with all things makeup eventually turned into a side hustle and has now grown into my full-time career. I had no idea that something I loved doing in my spare time would end up unlocking a passion so deep it would become my life’s work.
Early on, I made it my mission to learn everything I could about makeup—not just application, but the science behind it. I dove into color theory, undertones, product formulation, and how different ingredients interact with each other on the skin. I wanted to understand why some foundations separate or roll on the skin and what causes that reaction. I wasn’t just learning makeup, I was studying it.
Everything shifted the day I started as a Beauty Advisor at Estée Lauder. From my very first shift, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be, working in beauty. That moment of clarity fueled the next chapter of my journey.
From there, I landed freelance roles with industry giants like L’Oréal Paris International Makeup Artist Team, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, YSL Beauty, and Lancôme. I also spent six years at Sephora and two years at ULTA, gaining invaluable experience and insight into both artistry and the client experience.
One of the proudest moments in my journey came when I was hired as an Assistant Makeup Artist for the feature film Brian Banks. It was surreal to take my skills to a production set and be part of a storytelling process through beauty.
Today, I’m the proud owner of my own studio, Chase Beauty, located at My Salon Suites – The RIM, where I specialize in makeup artistry and waxing. What started as a hobby has evolved into a career that allows me to do what I love every single day, helping clients feel confident, beautiful, and seen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chaseyourownbeauty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_chasebeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-chase-
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chasebeauty4833/videos
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chasebeauty1?lang=en
