We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Esther Alvarez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Esther, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My mom always tells others how I would substitute a barbie for makeup when I was little. When I reached my pre-teens, my mom taught me how to take care of my skin. That is how my love towards skincare started. I had something in common that I could share with my mom. As I grew older, my love for makeup became evident and started offering makeup for free to those who could not afford it. I found so much joy seeing how their confidence grew when they saw themselves in the mirror. I became a middle school teacher, but I never stopped doing freelance makeup. To tell you the truth, I did more makeup for free than I actually charged simply because I enjoyed doing it and knew that most of the women couldn’t afford it. The more I did makeup, the more I learned that not everyone knew the power of a good skincare in order to achieve a flawless makeup look. I wanted to go back to school to study to become an esthetician, but I thought I was too old to start a new career. I suffered four physical assaults during my 10 year teaching career. I loved teaching, but I slowly lost the passion and it was getting dangerous for me to continue teaching. After a coffee date with a friend , a former teacher who is now a waxer, motivated to start esthetician school. I researched if there were any grants/loans so I could go back to school, and I was fortunate to be able to get student loans to cover half of my tuiton. My family supported me and paid the other half. I worked as a full-time teacher and became a part-time student at age 33.

I opened my small business on February 23,2023 using my savings and credit cards. I continued working as a teacher and after school I worked full-time as an esthetician. I quit teaching in May 2023 in order to use the teaching retirement fund to pay some of my credit cards, purchase things that I needed for the suite, as well pay for my suite rent for when I had no clients. It’s been challenging, it is not easy to start with zero clients, starting with the basics, and leaving my full-time job after three months of opening my spa suite.

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 spa is making a positive impact by creating an oasis for people to escape their daily stresses and achieving skin goals. Every client always mentions how they look forward to their next session, how they have a wonderful relaxation experience and see how their skin transforms.

My inspiration comes from the ability to enhance people’s self confidence by improving their health and appearance of their skin. Being able to offer a space where it is not only aesthetically pleasing, but full of positive energy. Where clients can feel welcomed and accepted. Providing better services to each person who walks inside Atzin Beauty & Skin. As society’s standards of beauty become more unrealistic, I strive to help other women feel empowered to redefine beauty and self-love.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting a business without an existing clientele can be challenging. You will need to focus. I stay motivated by celebrating small wins and remembering my why. Seeing how my spa is making a positive impact definitely keeps me going.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I remember starting off my business offering several services. I soon realized that I had to change my services and offer less and not more. I focused in what I truly loved, which was doing facials. I took more classes and perfected my massage techniques. My massage has gradually become better that it has become one of clients favorite time during a facial. They enjoy it so much that they fall asleep.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://atzinbeautyandskin.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/atzinbeautyandskin
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/atzinbeautyandskin