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

Rachel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

There was a receptionist at one of the very first salons I worked at as a new Beauty Industry Professional. We called her Ms. LaVerne. I was a young mom with 2 small children, going through a divorce. I was working hard to figure it all out while building my clientele. Ms. LaVerne was paid individually by every independent contractor who rented a booth but when I tried to pay, she would not accept my money. She said she wanted to help me. Ms. LaVerne would schedule my appointments weekly for no pay so I could get on my feet. I will never, ever forget her genuine love and kindness she showed me and my children especially at such a pivotal time in my life. Ms. LaVerne and I are still great friends to this day and she holds a super special place in my heart forever.

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?

I’ve been a Beauty Industry Professional for over 20 years. I absolutely love helping people feel beautiful by improving the skin they’re in, whether that’s with a facial, waxing, Body Sculpting, etc. It’s an absolutely joy to serve people in this manner. Now that I’ve been offering Post-op Care following cosmetic surgery, I get to really pour my compassion onto my clients and compassion and empathy are vital characteristics to have when you’re helping with someone’s healing. Healing and recovery is more than just physical, it includes emotional and mental well-being as well. I pride myself on providing a safe place for clients to heal. Clients will come in to their appointments and tell me their life’s stories, their triumphs, and their places of hurt and brokenness. Oftentimes, it’s the release that’s needed in those moments and I am grateful to have a space for that.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Oh for sure! This industry is MY JAM! I could not imagine myself doing anything else. I actually tried a few times and I was MISERABLE!

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

I believe networking is imperative. You could be the Albert Einstein in this industry but if no one knows anything about you or who you are, it’s really a lost cause. Getting out to shake hands and kiss babies definitely helps you to meet people in your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glamazonbody.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/glamazonbody
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/glamazonbody
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glamazonbody
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/glamazonbody