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

Rosa , appreciate you joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

Using high end products, or medical grade skincare should be only the way to approach your skincare concerns. Although, yes, we may get better results using medical grade skincare products, not everyone can afford expensive routines which may deter a large group of individuals to basic skin care/education. Everyone’s budget and schedule is as unique as their own skin. I feel like the most important question to ask is how consistent will your client be and what their schedule/budget will allow including the monthly facial. After all, estheticians are only 20% of the regimen, the other 80% is our clients at home routines.To achieve results it really is a joint effort and this is something I believe all estheticians can agree on.

While working as an esthetician I noticed that many of my first time clients all had a similar issue: they were completely clueless with what they should be doing in their routine, wanted a simple and inexpensive product, and general education on basic skin care. Educating your client on realistic time frames, starting them off with a convenient and inexpensive product to get used to a routine, and slowly building from there has been the most successful approaches to skin care for beginners in my experiences.

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 was born and raised in Los Angeles, my mother immigrated here during the 1980’s from El Salvador in the midst of a civil war. My family and heritage are very important to me which is why my small business has been a homage. From the hidden flor de izote hidden in our logo to my mother’s framed cosmetology license from the 80’s in our waiting room. I would have not made it to where I am now without the love and support I had from my family and friends.

My background comes from retail and e-commerce. As my ranks climbed so did the stress and my dependency of caffeine, which resulted in my skin to suffer. My passion for skin care began when I saw results, inspiring me to leave my previous career and pursue an education as an esthetician. Once I obtained my esthetics license, I worked freelance as well as some franchise establishments. I quickly began recognizing a pattern with new time clients, they were completely clueless or overwhelmed with misleading information from social media platforms and just wanted a simple but effective routine. This is where I would come up with a basic 4 step routine for them and began the coined term: The Bare Minimum. I knew I was on to something marketable. The Bare Minimum Facial Bar Focuses on 30 -60 minute facials each custom blended to target each clients unique skin type and concerns. I am most proud of the positive feedback as well as the progress I have seen from each of my returning clients. I am most proud of providing facials to the clients and volunteers at Peace Over Violence. It has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I am grateful to say I was a recipient of the CA Dreamfund grant. This helped pull the initial capital I needed to start my business. After leaving my last job as an esthetician, I was looking for new job opportunities and in the midst of sending resumes to establishments that didn’t really excite me, I began to day dream about owning my own establishment and how I would approach it differently. This is when I began doing my research on available grants and requirements for owning and operating my own small business. I immediately connected with SBDC, and was connected with a brilliant small business advisor that helped guide me through the basics and what was needed in order to qualify for this one time grant. After a couple of weeks of required courses and some very helpful information on how to maintain a business, I was on my way to securing the CA Dreamfund Grant. With how quickly the process went there are some times I feel as if it were all a dream and I would wake up still applying to jobs. Fortunately, I was well supported by friends, family, and a one time grant. I get to wake up each day ready to challenge the traditional industry standard of esthetics and make skin care more accessible and affordable.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I am a fan of unconventional marketing; social media is king when it comes to promoting your business, but there is something about speaking to someone in person to promote your business/product that I feel is unmatched. I try to do pop up events when possible. Doing a quick and free skin analysis with a woods lamp at your favorite bar was one of my favorite marketing methods. A woods lamp emits a black light which when it shines on the skin can be used to show areas of discoloration, congestion, or dehydrated skin. This opens dialogue, gives you an opportunity to show and tell your potential clients their skin concerns rather than them just listening.

I have worked with nights like Alejandro, She’s in Parties, Filthy Wax Wednesdays, and recently Scorpio Bash, a party in DTLA. I have done free analysis and offered an opportunity to purchase facials at a discounted price the night of the event. Their purchases are redeemable at their appointments making it more appealing as they can book at their leisure. These methods have been great. Not only was I able to connect with folks with a discussion on skin care but it also opens the opportunity for a sale, a follow on social media, a booked appointment later in the line, or at the very least an email for our newsletter.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thebareminimumfacialbar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebareminimumfacialbar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebareminimumfacialbar/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bare-minimum-facial-bar-los-angeles
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebareminimumfacialbar

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/ivky.shots