We were lucky to catch up with Drea Quintero recently and have shared our conversation below.
Drea, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
I graduated from ASU in 2011 with a degree in political science and a job in the cosmetics industry. Realizing that I wanted nothing to do with the government I spent a few years exploring different industries. While I felt successful in other professional arenas I never truly felt fulfilled and found myself booking make up applications around my work schedule.
It was during these applications that clients would open up and start discussing their insecurities and they often times stemmed from their skin. That’s really when I had an “A-ha!” moment and I realized that many people seldom know how to care for their skin health because outside of maybe a chapter in a high school biology book it seldom gets much attention. That’s when I made it my mission to find the best esthetics program I could and get started on helping others find the path to good skin health. The challenge here was that I would need to work 3 jobs in order to pay for school and my living expenses as well as attend school in the evenings. I was so nervous! I wasn’t sure how I would be able to balance everything and make sure that I was still giving school my all. Fast forward to the tail end of my program, I’, 12 hours away from completing my program and covid hits. I was devastated and frustrated. It felt like I was so close to being able to help others and all of a sudden I was being forced (or so it felt like) to back track and just wait. Well, I didn’t do that. I completed the last 12 hours via online coursework and proceeded to enroll for state board testing. During this time provisional licenses were issued and this allowed me to work for a spa in old town Scottsdale while I waited for my test date.
Now I’m sure the initial risk sounded like me changing industries and spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in school but that wasn’t it. The real risk came on a random day in October when my best friend flew into town for a visit. While we were enjoying our day at the pool and indulging in some margaritas I came across a listing for an esthetics suite that had become available. Remember: it’s 2020- peak covid- I have no capital for a new business as I’ve been working in a spa during covid.
The real risk happened when I reached out and inquired about the suite. This was the true moment of being terrified and not knowing if this was the most sound financial decision. In that moment I didn’t care. I skipped my credit card payments that month and decided I was going to open my own suite. After sharing the information with my family a few of them offered to help with product and I opened doors in November of 2020. Now, a maternity leave and a suite change later I’m still open and happily accepting new clients.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Drea Quintero. I’m an empath, healer and skin nerd! I offer relaxing and education based skincare services that are result driven. The servicesI offer include customized facials, full body waxing, advanced exfloliation, lash lifts, tinting, microneedling, dermaplaning and chemical peels and more. I specialize with clients that are focused on taking the reins on their skin health. It doesn’t matter if you’re a skin care newbie or seasoned veteran. I work with you to help you achieve YOUR goals.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Integrity and education. A lot of times I work with clients that have usually seen a dermatologist or other esthetician and paid so much money to not see the results they were hoping for. I make it a point to keep it real with my clients and I set that expectation upfront. The education piece is also important because most clients are usually too relaxed during their facial/service to remember what we talk about so I make sure to offer information that’s going to stick with them afterwards and that will help them feel more confident with their regiment.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I absolutely have methods of paid and unpaid advertisement. However, word of mouth is the backbone to any business and has been huge as it has pertained to growing mine. I always ask my clients to share their experience with others if they’ve enjoyed it and I offer a referral credit for clients who refer new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aestheticalchemyaz.com
- Instagram: @aestheticalchemyaz
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aesthetic-alchemy-tempe