We recently connected with Andrea Mckeehan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The defining moment in my career happened for me after the pandemic. I was working part time at “The Happiest Place on Earth” as a face character, and part time as an Esthetician at my friends wellness spa. After the pandemic I thought that I would continue to split my time and work both jobs.Not only did I have a passion for performing, but I also had a passion for skincare. I was always happy doing both, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to be princess forever. Sure enough in November 2021 I was laid off from Disney. As sad as it was, I knew that it was a sign to pursue skincare full-time and jump head first into starting my own business as a solo esthetician. I was terrified and nervous. But I knew that it was time. Since then I haven’t looked back. I love what I do. And Im forever grateful for the opportunities that have been a part of my journey

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?

Andrea Mckeehan, also known as “The Glow Guru” on Instagram, is a licensed esthetician who has worked in the industry for over 4 years. In 2018 she created her own business The Zen Beauty Bar, offering a variety of services including, corrective skin care solutions, body sculpting and lash extensions. Her specialties include, collagen induction therapy, anti aging treatments, acne solutions, chemical peels and working with skin of color. She is a proud mother to an amazing 5 yr old son. Andrea’ worked as a princess at Disneyland for 8 years before realizing her passion for skincare. She quickly realized, while performing in front of thousands of people every day, the importance of skin care and how the skin should be taken care of and treated. In 2018 she attended and graduated from Advanced Beauty Techs Academy in Corona, Ca. She gained experience as a lead esthetician at a wellness spa in Corona before realizing that she wanted to give her clients more of a personal, customized, results driven experience. Located in Orange County, she quickly realized the lack of resources and professional skin care treatments geared towards black men and women, and POC. She was determined to provide her expertise for specific skin types while at the same time remaining inclusive for all skin types. Andrea incorporates a soothing atmosphere into her treatment room using aromatherapy, Gua Sha, and facial cupping. She is a huge fan and stresses the importance of not only skin care, but SELF CARE. She became a certified Procell Practitioner in 2019, and really enjoys educating her clients on the amazing results of collagen induction therapy. She is also earned her certification in Dermaplaning as well as specialized treatments for Sensitive skin. She continues to further her education on treatments, protocols, and advanced knowledge. Her approach to skin care goals and concerns are not only customized but personalized. When you step into Andrea’s treatment room you instantly feel a sense of calmness and acceptance. She allows you to let go of the days worries and troubles while assuring you that its okay to take deep breathes and let the stress melt away.

She loves being able help and inspire others. “Helping boost someones confidence or helping someone reach their goals is so rewarding to me’. When you step into the The Zen Beauty Bar you enter as a client and always leave as a friend.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think that being authentic and transparent is so important in succeeding in the world of esthetics and skin care. You also have to really love what you do. You have to love people most importantly. And you have to love helping people and providing them with solutions and a safe space.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What really helped me build my reputation in this market is referrals and networking with other beauty professionals. I have had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with some amazing women over the last 5 years. Hair Stylist, PMUs, estheticians, etc. Also being able to focus and specialize in Skin Of Color. There is not a lot of Black Estheticians in Orange County. So I think putting myself out there and emphasizing my specialty has really helped with building my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: thezenbeautybar.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: the_zen_beauty_bar
• Yelp: The Zen Beauty Bar

Image Credits
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