Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rita Luu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rita, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I have two amazing friends Natalia and Candace. We share our suites together and they are just the best people I’ve ever met. They are so selfless and our dynamic compliments each other so well. I have never had women in my work place that didn’t leave everything to me. This was the first time ever that I didn’t have to buy all of the supplies or contribute more than I had to. They both contribute so much to make Mouk Rituals happen. My sister Amanda has done so much kind things for me to help establish my business. These 3 individuals have made the process go smoothly and their kindness has forever made me want to be even more selfless.

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 am a first gen Cambodian American, both my parents and their families arrived to the Unites States as refugees after the Khmer genocide in the 70’s-80’s. My cultural heritage inspired my business name Mouk Rituals, “Mouk” translates to “Face” in English and the definition of Ritual is an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner. Cambodia has a deep rooted history with ancient remedies and sacred rituals, this was my way of sharing knowledge of Cambodia to the world.

I grew up in Philly, the city of brotherly love – on the East Coast. I studied Visual Arts in High School and afterwards took an interest in Photography and did some traveling to do Senior Portraits – I even had the chance of working in a photography studio. Later on, I decided to take a different approach with my work and was nurtured by a wonderful mentor who taught me everything I needed to know about Accounting/Bookkeeping/ Management. I did that for a few years and during that time I had a realization that I wanted to do something that I truly felt passionate about, it was Skincare.

To me Skincare is art, it has to be crafted and you have full creativity of how you do it. Before leaving Philly I was a licensed Esthetician and studied at Belle Academy in 2019 – when I moved to San Diego I restarted my schooling at Bellus Academy and as of May 2022 I am now a licensed Esthetician in California.

I am now a 2x licensed Esthetician and had the lovely opportunity to be mentored by someone who was dual (Licensed Esthetician & Massage Therapist) and studied holistic health/ pressure points. With my mentor’s knowledge, I was able to learn and apply her skill sets to my own services. I am so excited to learn more throughout my lifetime being a professional Esthetician. I currently have two locations, both are in The Phenix Salon Suites. One is in El Cajon, at Parkway Plaza Mall & the other is in Mission Valley, Mission Valley Mall.

I am very passionate about my services, I truly give it my all. I have curated a few facials that really emphasizes what I offer:

Mouk Signature Facial:
The Mouk Signature Facial is our most special service. This facial features an amazing facial drainage technique that is also applied to your neck, shoulders, back, legs, feet and arms. It is an invigorating experience and especially recommended for those looking to destress and step away from reality for a brief moment.

Solar Return Facial:
The Solar Return Facial is a holistic healing experience facial. You will be immersed with sound therapy and crystals to ground you. This facial is perfect after the celebration of your birthday.

Lash Memberships:

Lash Membership- Our lash membership includes a fresh new set of lashes of either classic or hybrid set and two lash refill sessions. This membership must be used within two weeks of the 1st refill date. No extending to months or years of refills. Cannot be shared with others, can only be used with the one individual who received a lash set or refill set.

Lash Refill Membership- Our lash refills membership includes 3 refill sessions, must be used consecutively after each refill (every 2 weeks). This membership is recommended for those who already have a full set and would prefer to do the Refill membership instead of paying for each session. Cannot be shared with others, can only be used with the one individual who received a lash set or refill set.

Afterpay is available for all services (options to pay in 4 installments).

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

The most helpful success is 1000% surrounding yourself with people who aspire for the same goals or even greater ideas. Anyone can obtain knowledge or training but to be around the same people who offer the same vibration frequency as you can lead to so many opportunities. I think a lot of people forget that it is not just about the money in this field, it is a livelihood, we are still human. I’ve seen so many people stubbornly want to go through this field alone and it shouldn’t be that way. It is totally okay to accept advice even if you think you don’t need it. Connections are important.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You absolutely cannot please everyone, even though you want to. I had to unlearn that not everyone is nice or has good intentions. I’ve had two experiences that I am still recovering from. What I’ve learned from both these experiences is that it is out of your control whatever is going on in someone else’s life. One experience is with an ex suite mate. The lesson that I’ve learned in that situation is that people will use you to your advantage and will retaliate if they are feeling intimidated or not in control. The best thing that I did for myself was to take control of the situation and leave with good intentions. I left and ultimately rented a suite on my own. The second experience is with a client whom I’ve been servicing for a few months. In this lesson I’ve learned that people are fake nice and can change as fast as a light switch. Us estheticians are human too, we know when you are in a good mood or bad one. We absorb what you are feeling as soon as you walk into our suites. We are here to cater to your servicing needs and provide you with excellent service. I’d say this lesson has a lot to do with miscommunication and blaming. It is okay if you lose a client, it just wasn’t a match.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moukrituals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthetician.rita/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/moukrituals/

Image Credits
Amanda Colorado