Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvia Medrano Vazquez
Hi Silvia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in esthetics back in 2019. Before starting school, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my mom to cancer – a life-altering event that shifted my perspective. Her passing made me realize the importance of living life to the fullest and pursuing something meaningful. At the time, I was attending college, but I soon recognized that it wasn’t the right path for me.
I vividly remember sitting at my work desk, reflecting on the moments my mom and I shared. From a young age, we bonded over beauty products and self-care routines. I often helped her with at-home skincare treatments and applied her makeup during her long stays at the hospital or just really difficult days. Those memories sparked a realization: I want to help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, especially during life’s most challenging moments.
Determined, I researched schools and financial aid options to pursue a career as an esthetician. Once I found a school that felt like the right fit, I took a leap of faith and committed to building a career I was passionate about. I graduated in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill.
The shutdowns and social distancing measures made me fear that I wouldn’t be able to start my career. To make ends meet, I took a job at Target to pay my bills and student loans. During that time, I practiced my craft by offering treatments to friends and family in my home. I was incredibly grateful for their support, as it allowed me to build my confidence and refine my skills.
In 2021, I landed my first job as an esthetician at a small business in Chatsworth. Although my primary focus had always been facials & skincare, I developed a newfound passion for waxing while working there. Eventually, I secured a position at a facial spa, where I gained extensive experience, taking up to seven clients a day and growing my clientele.
After two years at the spa, I decided to take another leap of faith and opened my own business, Silvia Aesthetics, located in the San Fernando Valley. Today, I’m proud to provide a space where my clients can experience not only expert skincare treatments but also a sense of relaxation and overall well-being.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to becoming an esthetician hasn’t been easy–it’s been filled with challenges that tested me in so many ways. Pouring all my energy into building my career meant having less time to focus on myself, my relationships, and life outside of work. Even after graduating, I quickly realized there was still so much more to learn–new techniques, ingredients, skin conditions, and even the complexities of running and managing a business.
On top of that, I’ve always battled with self-confidence and insecurities. Anxious thoughts of not being good enough, not succeeding, and worrying that people wouldn’t trust me with their skin concerns weighed heavily on my mind. But over time, I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself. By continuing my education, gaining knowledge from other estheticians, and pushing myself to grow, I’ve built both skill and confidence.
This industry is one where learning never stops, and I’ve learned to embrace that. Most importantly, I have stopped comparing my journey to others because we all bring something unique to the table. I remind myself daily to be kind and patient with myself, trusting that I’m exactly where I need to be. Looking back, all the struggles and challenges have made the journey more meaningful and absolutely worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is a small, Latina owned brand. I specialize in facials, waxing & skincare, with a particular focus on treating acne. While acne is my primary area of expertise, I am also well-regarded for addressing a wide range of skincare concerns. This journey is deeply personal having struggled with cystic acne from my tween years into my early 20s, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find effective, compassionate care.
I moved to the U.S. from Mexico at a very young age, and growing up, I rarely saw people from my culture in spaces where self-care, such as facials, massages, and other wellness practices, was considered normal. Facial treatments often felt like a luxury reserved for others, and that experience inspired me to create a brand that makes skincare more common and accessible, especially within the Latino and Hispanic community.
What sets me apart is my dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality skincare, which is why I offer affordable options for lower-income areas while also providing high-end treatments for those seeking a luxurious experience.
As the sole proprietor of this business, I take immense pride in having built this brand from the ground up. While this is my career and livelihood, my guiding principle has always been to prioritize wellness & self-care above all else, no matter the cost. My mission is to help people, especially those in my own community, feel confident and empowered in their skin.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me the importance of trusting the process and believing that opportunities will come when I focus on what I love. It reinforced that obstacles, while challenging, make the journey more meaningful and rewarding. I’ve learned to practice patience and to avoid comparing myself to others, staying true to my own path. Lastly, I’ve come to understand that unexpected events, like the pandemic, are part of life but do not define failure they simply test our resilience.
Pricing:
- Classic Facial Starts at $95 great for first time clients or maintenance care.
- Golden hour facial $115 best for anti-aging and lots of massage !
- Glow & Restore $155 the works ! Luxury facial
- Brazilian wax $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://silviaaesthetics.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @silvia.aesthetics
- Other: silvia.medrano.aila@gmail.com
Image Credits
Cinthia Rivera
