We recently connected with Alessandra and have shared our conversation below.

Alessandra , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I remember it as if it were yesterday. I had just received my esthetician license and was excited to begin my career, although I had no idea where the journey would take me.

One day, I came across a small wellness center called Licensed to Touch. The name immediately caught my attention. It was a mother-and-daughter business: the mother was a massage therapist, and the daughter was the esthetician. The daughter was preparing to go on maternity leave and was looking for someone to take over her clients.

I met with the mother first, and she asked me to come back the next day to meet her daughter. The interview went very well, and she hired me on the spot. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was. She took the time to train me and share her knowledge, teaching me not only how to properly perform a facial, but also how to perform extractions comfortably and effectively, deliver visible results, and create a great experience for every client.

She had a very full schedule, and because I became the only esthetician in the practice, I inherited many of her clients. For a newly licensed esthetician, it was an incredible opportunity. I was eager to learn, gain experience, and build confidence in my skills, and that first job gave me exactly that.

It was a wonderful beginning to my career, and I will always be grateful for the trust, guidance, and opportunity they gave me. That experience helped shape the esthetician I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Growing up in Brazil, beauty and self-care were always part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of buying facial creams for my mother and watching her faithfully apply them every morning and night. I was fascinated by the way these products made people feel. As a child, I loved applying makeup to my dolls, experimenting with different creams at department stores, and learning everything I could about beauty and skincare.

When I moved to the United States, that lifelong passion eventually turned into a career. At the time, I was working in retail while attending esthetics school at night. I enjoyed every aspect of my education, but the clinical portion quickly became my favorite. It was there that I discovered something that would shape my entire career: the power of touch.

I began seeing repeat clients during clinic days, especially on Saturdays, and I started to build confidence in my abilities. Seeing clients return to me, trust me, and leave feeling better than when they arrived confirmed what I already felt in my heart—I was born to be an esthetician.

My original dream was to work in a dermatology office because I wanted to do more than simply help people relax. I wanted to make a real difference in their skin and their confidence. Over the years, that passion evolved into what is now Lavender Facial Bar, where I combine results-driven skincare with intentional touch and personalized care.

Today, I specialize in customized facial treatments designed to improve skin health while creating a meaningful self-care experience. What sets me apart is my belief that a facial should never feel rushed or impersonal. Every treatment is tailored to the individual sitting in front of me. While I focus on achieving visible results, I also believe that how a client feels during the experience is just as important as the outcome.

What I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many have been with me for years, referring their friends and family and allowing me to be part of their skincare journey. I want people to know that my work comes from a genuine place of care. After more than 20 years in this industry, I still love what I do, and I feel incredibly grateful to help people feel confident, cared for, and comfortable in their own skin.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe that to be successful in the esthetics industry, you have to truly love what you do. Passion is essential because this career requires dedication, continuous learning, and genuine care for people. However, passion alone is not enough.

Today, many estheticians graduate from school and immediately want to open their own businesses. While I know a few who have done very well for themselves right from the start, that is not the reality for most people. In my opinion, experience is what creates knowledge, confidence, expertise, and ultimately authority in our field.

My advice to new estheticians is to gain as much experience as possible, both in the spa environment and the medical setting. Each teaches valuable skills and helps you discover what you truly enjoy. Over time, you will begin to identify your niche and the type of esthetician you want to become.

Success can look different for everyone. Some estheticians are very successful working a traditional 9-to-5 position, while others choose to build their own businesses, as I did. Neither path is right or wrong. The important thing is to have a goal, stay focused, and be patient.

Success does not happen overnight. It takes years of dedication, consistency, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning. The estheticians who build lasting careers are often the ones who remain committed to their craft and continue showing up, even when progress feels slow.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

The short answer is yes—absolutely.

If I could go back, I would choose this profession all over again. I truly love what I do, and even after more than 20 years in the industry, I still enjoy learning something new every day. Skincare is not just my career; it has become a big part of who I am.

What I love most about this field is that it is constantly evolving. There is always a new ingredient, technology, treatment, or approach to learn about. That keeps me inspired and excited about my work.

I think my passion for health, wellness, and skincare also influenced my two daughters when they chose their own careers. One works in the health and nutrition field, and the other is a laser technician. While they followed their own paths, I believe growing up around beauty, self-care, and helping others played a role in shaping their interests.

I am fascinated by this industry because it combines science, wellness, education, and human connection. Every day, I have the opportunity to help someone feel more confident in their skin, and that is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my work can make a positive difference in someone’s life is what continues to motivate me after all these years.

For me, becoming an esthetician was not just the right career choice—it was my calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavenderfacials.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavenderskincare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LavenderFacialBar
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lavender-facial-bar-miami?osq=lavender+facial+bar&override_cta=Request+an+appointment