We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Marquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The Story Behind the Mission of ABQ Beauty Lounge
At ABQ Beauty Lounge, our mission is to deliver natural, confidence-boosting aesthetic results with integrity, clinical excellence, and a deeply personal touch. But the “why” behind that mission runs much deeper than flawless skin or smooth contours.

This journey began with a simple but powerful truth: confidence changes lives.

As a Nurse Practitioner trained in pediatrics, I spent years caring for families and observing something that stuck with me—parents, especially mothers, consistently put themselves last. I saw the exhaustion behind their smiles, the way they poured endlessly into others while quietly neglecting their own needs, including their self-worth. It wasn’t about vanity. It was about identity, about feeling human and whole.

That experience ignited something in me: the understanding that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. When parents take time to care for themselves, even in small ways, it refuels them. It allows them to show up more present, more joyful, and more confident—not only for their children, but for themselves.

I created ABQ Beauty Lounge to be more than just a med spa. It’s a space of safety, empowerment, and artistry, where science meets soul and where every client is treated like a whole human—not a template.

Our mission is meaningful because I know what it’s like to feel unseen, to downplay your light, and to carry the weight of self-doubt. And I also know the magic that happens when someone sees themselves—truly sees themselves—and thinks, “Yes. This is me.”

We exist for that moment.

Whether it’s through subtle enhancements, education, or meaningful connections, our team of two shows up every day to create those moments. We lead with empathy, elevate with intention, and empower our community to own their beauty boldly and authentically—because the world needs more people who feel at home in their skin.

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.

I got into this industry because I was the person who needed to feel better in her own skin. After years of school, building a career, and raising babies, I found myself feeling disconnected from the woman I used to be. Self-care—real, intentional self-care—was the lifeline that helped me reconnect with my confidence and sense of self. And once I felt that transformation, I knew I wanted to help others experience the same.

That’s what led me to create ABQ Beauty Lounge—a place where clinical excellence meets compassionate care, and where every treatment is designed to help you feel more like you.

We offer a range of medical aesthetic services, including:

Neurotoxins (like Botox and Daxxify) to smooth lines and wrinkles, correct facial asymmetry, and even help with headaches, TMJ, and excessive sweating

Microneedling with SkinPen to improve texture, tone, and acne scars

Medical ear piercing—a unique service rarely offered in a true clinical setting, especially by trained medical professionals who can also manage any complications

PRP and PRFM for skin rejuvenation and natural collagen support

Dermal fillers for contouring and subtle tweaks that bring harmony to your natural features

Customized skincare to target issues like pores, pigment, acne scars, and more

What sets us apart isn’t just the menu—it’s the mindset. At ABQ Beauty Lounge, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all beauty. We believe in listening deeply, treating individually, and building long-term relationships with our clients. It’s about artistry, science, and connection.

I’m proud to say we are a woman-owned, mom-run practice. We’ve grown slowly and intentionally, choosing to say “no” sometimes so we could avoid debt, keep our values intact, and always prioritize quality over quantity. We’re known for our follow-up, our honesty, and our commitment to delivering results that feel natural, empowering, and uniquely you.

If you’re curious about aesthetics but hesitant, we get it. We’re not here to change you—we’re here to help you feel more confident in your skin. You deserve to take up space, feel radiant, and invest in yourself without guilt. That’s the heart of everything we do.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

The story of ABQ Beauty Lounge wouldn’t be complete without the story of us—two nurses, moms, and go-getters who started as colleagues and grew into business partners.

Jenna and I met at the very beginning of our nursing careers while working in the NICU. There’s something about caring for the tiniest, most vulnerable patients that bonds people for life—and that’s exactly what happened with us. Even after we each left the NICU to pursue new professional and academic paths, we stayed close. Our friendship grew stronger over time, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a whole lot of hustle.

We’ve always had that entrepreneurial spark. Neither of us can sit still for long—we’re always looking for ways to grow, learn, and elevate our craft. Jenna is brilliant with numbers and business operations. I thrive on creative vision and fresh ideas. We’re both passionate about follow-through, hands-on training, and delivering exceptional results with confidence and care.

And then there’s the fun stuff: we’re both moms with similar parenting styles, and—wait for it—both of our husbands are named Andrew (yes, seriously). They are eerily similar in personality, and they both think we’re just a little crazy for diving headfirst into business ownership while juggling motherhood, schedules, and endless ambition. But they cheer us on anyway—and probably know better than to get in the way of a good idea when we’re fired up about something.

Jenna has this incredible ability to sense when something’s wrong, even when I haven’t said a word. That intuitive connection is rare, and I feel so lucky to have her by my side—not just as a business partner, but as a lifelong friend. I deeply value her wisdom, her calm energy, and the way she elevates everything she touches.

Building ABQ Beauty Lounge together has been one of the greatest joys of my life—and the fact that we get to do it with heart, humor, and a whole lot of hustle? That’s the magic.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly? Consistency and connection.

Social media has been a huge driver of growth for us—but not in a quick, viral kind of way. It takes time, effort, and intentionality to create content that resonates. Taking the time to make posts, share behind-the-scenes moments, educate clients, and showcase real results has been one of the most effective tools in building trust and visibility. It’s a slow build, but it’s so worth it.

That said, word of mouth will always be our secret sauce. When a client leaves feeling genuinely seen, cared for, and confident in their results, they talk about it. Whether it’s someone thrilled with their natural-looking results or parents absolutely in awe of the calm, professional experience they had getting their baby’s ears pierced—those stories are powerful. One positive experience turns into five more because people remember how you made them feel, and they share that with others.

We also put a big focus on follow-through:

Consistent posting

Promptly responding to DMs and texts

Following up after treatments

Quickly addressing concerns if they arise

It all builds trust. Our clients know we’re not just here for a single appointment—we’re here for the long haul, to build relationships and be a steady presence in their self-care journey.

At the end of the day, it’s about showing up—on social, in your client interactions, and in your community. That’s how we’ve grown, and that’s what continues to bring the right people through our doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abqbeautylounge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rach_the_aesthetics_np
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/abqbeautylounge/
  https://www.tiktok.com/@abqbeautylounge