Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Pieri Ruiz.
Claudia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From Survival to Purpose: My Journey
My journey is one of resilience, healing, and grace.
I began my career as an esthetician in Brazil at just 21 years old, never imagining I’d one day rebuild my life from scratch in a new country. I came to the United States with $300, no English, no family—only a dream for a better future and the hope that love would guide me. I moved here because of a boyfriend, who would later become the father of my son.
In the beginning, I worked as a housekeeper and nanny. While working as a housekeeper, I became pregnant unexpectedly. I did everything I could to survive—cleaning homes, caring for children, and even living in my car at one point. Those were some of the hardest days of my life.
Later, my son’s father took him to Brazil for what was supposed to be a short, three-week vacation. He told me he was going to buy a restaurant, a dream we had due to having experienced that prior coming to US. He asked me to send money to help. I worked tirelessly and sent him everything I could. Then one day, his mother called me—and the truth unraveled. He had spent all the money, was living with another woman, and she was pregnant. I was devastated. But I didn’t give up. I fought in court for two long years and eventually brought my son back home. That experience taught me the unstoppable strength of a mother’s love—it truly can move mountains.
Life seemed to settle briefly, but another chapter was waiting.
I met someone new—the man who would become my daughter’s father. At first, he seemed like a kind, intelligent person with so much potential. But over time, I discovered he was struggling with drug addiction. In trying to help him, I fell into addiction myself. I spent two painful years battling to get clean. When I became pregnant with my daughter, I knew something had to change. At just three months pregnant, I left the relationship and entered a one-year, all-women’s rehab program. That decision changed everything. My daughter’s name is Grace, and that’s exactly what she is to me—a blessing from God. She saved my life.
When Grace was almost two years old, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was yet another moment where life forced me to pause and fight. I had to stop working for nearly a year. But even in that dark time, something good happened: I was looking for a big brother for my son through a program because his father was not around and that’s when I met the man who is now my husband. We were friends for a long time first, during one of the hardest seasons of my life, he was always supported, patience and kind. He encouraged me to go back to school and reignite my passion for skincare. His belief in me helped me believe in myself again.
He also stepped into my children’s lives with love and strength. Today, he is not just my husband—he’s the father my children needed and deserved. The biological fathers are no longer involved, but my kids have a strong, steady, loving presence in their lives. I couldn’t ask for more.
Now, I’m clean. I’m healthy. I’ve healed, and I’ve returned to the field I’ve loved, since I was 21. Taken everything life has thrown at me and turned it into something meaningful. Today, I get to help others feel confident in their skin and find moments of peace and care—just like I fought so hard to find for myself.
I kept going through heartbreak, addiction, recovery, and even a brain tumor that left me with physical challenges and emotional scars. But I refused to let those experiences define me.
Through it all, I held on to my passion for skincare. Helping others feel beautiful and cared for reminded me of my own worth. Little by little, I rebuilt my life—emotionally, physically, and professionally.
I worked for over two decades at a spa I loved. When the owner retired, I knew it was time to create something of my own. That’s how Brasilian SkinSoul was born—a space where skincare goes beyond surface beauty and becomes a
form of healing, confidence, and self-love.
Today, I’m not just an esthetician—I’m a mother, wife, a survivor, and a business owner with a mission to help others rise, just like I did.
Every part of my journey—every heartbreak, every setback, every small victory—led me here. And I’ve learned that sometimes, grace doesn’t just show up—it saves you.
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?
I Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been a long, winding road filled with challenges I never expected to face.
Coming to the U.S. with no English, no money, and no support system was already difficult, but what followed tested me in every way. I worked jobs that left me physically exhausted and emotionally drained. I lived in my car for a time, worked as a nanny and housekeeper, and cleaned houses while caring for my baby.
I fought a legal battle for two years to bring my son back from Brazil after he was taken from me. I went through heartbreak, betrayal, and a season of addiction while trying to help someone else. That journey led me to rehab—pregnant and scared—but determined to change.
Later, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery left me with partial facial paralysis, hearing loss, short term memory and balance issues. I couldn’t work for a year and lost my home and car. It felt like life kept knocking me down just as I was trying to stand.
But every struggle taught me something. I learned how strong I really am. I learned to ask for help. I learned how skincare and healing are deeply connected—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
It’s been far from easy, but every obstacle shaped me into who I am today. The road wasn’t smooth, but it made me resilient—and that resilience is now at the heart of Brasilian SkinSoul
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
About Brasilian SkinSoul
Brasilian SkinSoul is more than a skincare studio—it’s a place of healing, transformation, and deep care. I offer a wide range of customized treatments, including facials, body treatments, waxing, acne solutions, and skin rejuvenation therapies.
Some of the specialized treatments I offer include LED light therapy, cold plasma, Therma Lift, microcurrent, eye lift treatments, gua sha, Japanese facelift massage, and reflexology. Each service is carefully designed to support not just outer beauty, but inner well-being.
What sets Brasilian SkinSoul apart is the intention behind everything I do. I don’t just treat skin—I care for the whole person. Clients often say I have “healing hands,” and I believe that’s because I approach each treatment with love, purpose, and prayer. Before every session, I quietly pray for each client—asking for peace, healing, and whatever their soul may need in that moment.
I want readers to know that this is not a place of quick fixes or surface beauty. It’s a space where you are seen, heard, and cared for from the inside out. I’ve walked through pain, and now I help others feel comfort, confidence, and renewal—one facial, one soul at a time.
What I’m most proud of is the heart behind my brand. SkinSoul has is about the deep connection between how we look and how we feel. When you leave, I don’t just want your skin to glow—I want your spirit to feel lighter.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I Like Best About Our City
What I love most about our city is the diversity and sense of community. People here come from so many different backgrounds, and yet there’s a shared spirit of resilience and kindness. I’ve met clients who’ve become friends, and strangers who’ve offered support when I needed it most. It’s a place where dreams can grow—where someone like me, who arrived with almost nothing, could rebuild a life and a business.
I also appreciate how the city is open to wellness and healing. Clients come not just for beauty treatments, but because they’re looking for peace, connection, and care—and I’m honored to offer that.
What I Like Least About Our City
What I find most challenging is the cost of living. For many families, including mine at times, it can be hard to keep up. Housing, transportation, and even doing something as simple as starting a business can feel overwhelming financially. I wish there were more support for small business owners and single parents trying to make a fresh start.
But even with its challenges, this city has given me the space to grow—and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brasilianskinsoul.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudiapieri_skincare?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/YnvJnB62cn
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?authuser=0&hl=en&sca_esv=7b3c1abe80065397&cs=0&sxsrf=AE3TifN6LFYEJjLQDbugZelCVms6APsy1w:1750111026871&q=brazilian+skinsoul+by+claudia+pieri+reviews&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjV2cvQ9_aNAxWsle4BHZuMHNoQBSgAegQICxAB&biw=504&bih=855&dpr=3#trex=m_t:lcl_akp,rc_f:nav,rc_ludocids:15240927514738503807,rc_q:Brasilian%2520SkinSoul%2520by%2520Claudia%2520Pieri,ru_q:Brasilian%2520SkinSoul%2520by%2520Claudia%2520Pieri,trex_id:geP2Qd
Image Credits
Photo by Claudia Pieri Ruiz and Gisele Queiros
