Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Gutierrez.
Hi Dominique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Dominique Gutierrez but everyone calls me Dom. I am a fierce soul, wife & stepmom. My journey started back when I was a beauty supply store manager in South Pasadena at just 21 years old. I was going to school for child development at PCC which I loved but I still didn’t feel like it was enough for me. While at work I would talk with the sales reps bringing new skincare products, showing the before/afters and the journey of skin. And I just fell in love. I’m a second generation so having a career in the beauty industry was still very unheard of in my world. For years I would secretly daydream of a life in the beauty industry getting to be creative and free. Fast forward to nine years later I had the opportunity to finally pursue it all thanks to my number one fan, my husband Jesus.
He pushed me to follow my passion and just go for it. And that’s exactly what I did. I threw myself into the world of skin conditions, ingredients and business. It was the longest year but oh so worth it. Seeing skin change before my eyes, seeing it heal & evolve was just so mesmerizing to me. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss so right away I started taking mobile appts and we had an extra room at home that my husband transformed into my studio! Being a Licensed Esthetician is everything to me. My passion wasn’t just to give facials but instead make a difference in people’s view of themselves. As a girl born and raised in LA the hustle of the “American Dream” was embedded in my mind and soul. Becoming a creative in the beauty industry is truly a dream come true.
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 struggle was definitely being away from my family while in school. I worked multiple jobs due to being a hustler from birth. So I had school 3 times a week and work 7 days a week. My husband held down the fort while I only came to sleep and shower. I knew it was a temporary thing me missing out on everything. Also, I am a horrible test taker, so the stress of state board was killing me. I was sick that whole day of testing. Ultimately the biggest struggle was not letting outside opinions affect my goal. Some people still said it wasn’t a realistic goal to be in the beauty industry but I knew they were wrong. I had to stay true to myself and my purpose no matter what.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Licensed Esthetician & Certified Makeup Artist. My services are Facials, Brow Lamination, Ear Seeding, Cupping and Makeup! I have my home studio and offer mobile appointments as well. A lot of clients that are referred to me don’t want to make the drive so offering the convenience of me coming to them makes all the difference. I am best known for my facials & holistic treatment of Ear Seeding. My clients always say how great they feel and comfortable they are when they are with me. I think I’m most proud of being authentically myself with my clients. I am always spreading that “you’re a badass, you can conquer anything” Diosa (goddess) energy. Seeing their reaction when they look in the mirror at their glowing skin is todo! I love seeing their confidence being in their natural skin.
In all honesty, there’s estheticians everywhere. What makes me different, what makes me stand out is my genuine care for my clients. I’m not just popping pimples, I am asking all the necessary questions to figure out your skin’s background. I like to think of it as intentional skincare. Your skin is a reflection of your daily activities and habits, your diet, stress levels, etc. I ask certain things to understand who you are, what your skin goals are so that when I recommend products and tools, I know it’ll work for your daily routine. I like to think we are healing more than just skin. I am treating your skin needs, educating you on products and fine-tuning daily habits that affect your skin. All of it is intentional. My hope is that you put enough effort into your skin and nurture it because we only get one body.
Some of my services are more holistic such as the Ear Seeding and Cupping. I really wanted to incorporate more into my business because healing starts from the inside out. With cupping, it helps muscle recovery and releasing the toxins and pain from our bodies. Ear Seeding is a form of non-needle acupuncture performed on the ear.
By offering more than one service, I am really able to give my clients a well-rounded healing journey. I want to be the one that helps them realize a facial for their skin health shouldn’t be seen as a luxury but instead as an essential part of their whole health.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I want everyone to know that healthy skin is not perfect skin. There is no such thing as perfect skin. Our skin is always changing, always evolving. Just because you might be dealing with acne, wrinkles or psoriasis, you are still BEAUTIFUL and Worthy. Give yourself some grace. We look at social media and see filtered/photoshop photos which warps our reality of what real skin should look like. Our body reacts to the way we talk to ourselves so be kind to it instead of always critiquing it. Turn your skincare routine into something artistic and intentional like a ritual. Control your breathing, let your mind relax and just be. Nurture your skin and soul babes!
Pricing:
- Facials start at $95
- Ear Seeding starts at $30
- Cupping starts at $75
- Brow Lamination starts at $65
- Makeup starts at $65
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.skinbydominiquegutierrez.godaddysites.com
- Instagram: Skinbydominiquegutierrez