We were lucky to catch up with Monica Vidrio recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Monica, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Yes, like most business owners in my industry, 2020 was a defining moment for me personally and professionally, In March 2020, I closed my business for what I thought would be just 2 weeks, the lockdown ended up extending for 10 months. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I tried applying for a PPE loan but was quickly denied. I am not a stranger to overcoming challenges. I knew if I wanted to avoid permanently shutting down, I would have to pivot and work through the challenges. I had been procrastinating on updating my website to sell retail, but the pandemic ultimately pushed me to create an online retail store almost overnight. It was such a blessing because all of my clients were able to sustain their clear skin with their home care products and routines. While we waited for the reopening of in spa treatments. Prior to being locked down, my partner and I decided we wanted to expand our little family. My second week in lockdown, I found out I was pregnant. I was so elated but terribly sick. I felt so grateful to be locked down because I honestly do not think I would have been able to work with the morning sickness that lasted all day. Preparing to be a mom, I knew I wanted to spend more time at home with my son especially his first year but also keep my business that I worked so hard on. I did not want to let my clients down, but it was also important for me to show my son resilience, hard work and independence. I wanted to show my son that his mom has worked hard to create something special that truly helps others. The virtual retail store has made is possible to work in office just few hours a week, virtually and still get to be a full-time mommy. 2020 also changed me in a deeper way. I have been on a 6-year spiritual journey prior to the pandemic. Getting to know myself and understands certain subconscious patterns. 2020 was such an impactful year for all of us. In my opinion it allowed everyone the time and space to go within and heal spiritually. When I returned to work on my clients, I no longer felt the need to enhance my client’s physical appearance in a superficial way. My philosophy was aligned with going within ourselves and enhancing our internal health. Discovering root issues to our physical ailments and healing ourselves as a whole. Each session I will go over the importance of mental health and what stress can do to our physical body (skin included). I no longer encourage my clients to achieve the “perfect” or “flawless” complexion. Rather I encourage my clients to release and let go of what is no longer serving their higher good and learn to completely love themselves as they are. Through that love comes healing and naturally their skin follows suit.
Monica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Esthetics By Monica is a skin care studio and acne clinic. We just launched our online retail store.
During my 12 years in the industry, I have achieved multiple certifications.
Studied Psychology at University of Phoenix 2013
Trained in Medical Esthetics 2014
Certified as a Face Reality Acne Specialist 2016
Certified in Sculptural Face Lifting with world renown Yakov Gershkovich 2019
Reiki Level 1 Certified 2021
I work with two major skin care products: Face Reality Skincare and Image Skincare. I am most proud of the dramatic transformations of the acne program. My goal is to treat real skin disorders that cause psychological and emotional distress. I work with clients of all ages that are suffering and seeking help in treating skin ailments such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and aging. I feel that it is extremely important to focus on healing the emotional aspect of having a skin condition that causes depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The acne clinic is a 3–6 month program that changes your diet, supplements, and home product routine. We do chemical peels twice a month for 3-6 months or until your skin is completely clear.
The online retail store offers skincare products on my website that we customize during our one-on-one consultations.
What sets my spa apart is the relationship that I build with my clients, the intimate setting, and individual care that I offer. I truly love what I do and can’t help but exude that. My spa is healing, relaxing, rejuvenating but also results driven. So, although there are clinical aspects of the treatments, I also offer a safe space and environment that condones self-wellness. I want every single client to know that they have the power to heal themselves and empower them to do so. We also have something no spa can ever compete with… my Jango. He is our super adorable and sweet emotional support puppy. Everyone loves him as much as I do. He gives the spa a special calming vibe.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have been in business for almost 6 years. Most recently I hired on @herbellomarlifestyle to help rebrand my social media, website and bookkeeping. I feel a level of success I have not felt before, I am so grateful to have sustained my business though many obstacles including a pandemic but looking back on the hard times make the good times that much more rewarding. I will never forget the days of starting my business from scratch. From living on a couch for 6 months, to struggling to pay my phone bill, to working 14-hour days to hustle for clients. I knew NOTHING about business. just knew failure was not an option. I had just enough push to get me on my own and it was the best decision I have ever made.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Definitely! I love so many things about the skincare industry. I love meeting every single person who walks through my door and being a part of their healing journey. I love to see better mental health as devastating skin conditions start to subside or clear up. I love seeing skin not hold anyone back from living their best life or making an impact in the world. I love being a part of the most special events of my clients’ lives. or sometimes the hardest days of the world. I love figuring out what my client needs and how to achieve the best results. I love the treatments and products. I love the group of powerful women in the industry! I love the friendships, as well as the mentors I have come across along the way. I am so grateful. I love so many things about my industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estheticsbymonica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estheticsbymonicasd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estheticsbymonicasd
- Other: https://pin.it/3KcrHuf