Today we’d like to introduce you to Estrella Jones.
Hi Estrella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for skincare started with me watching my grandmother and my late mother. I would always be around them when and watch them do these mysterious rituals .My grandmother used coconut oil on her skin and hair that she made herself from our coconut trees, she would also use. ‘gugo’ an all-natural hair cleanser made from a tree bark that lathers like a regular shampoo, etc. My mother instilled also the importance of looking good and presenting your best self to the world as a form of self-respect. I love smelling her Pond’s cold cream cleanser and her Oil of Olay. I was 10 years old when I saw my first issue of Vogue and the glamour of seeing beauty in those pages left a mark on me.
I became a makeup artist for 15 years after I left my job. This longing to be in the business of making women look and feel good as just too strong. As I began my career then, I always tell my clients especially the would-be brides to go and book their facials leading to their wedding because it will help with their makeup and also help de-stress them. Flawless makeup starts with good skin. I always emphasize it with the people I work on. I carry exfoliating products along with my makeups and brushes and do an impromptu, quick mini-facials so the foundation and makeup will perform better. I myself used to go for my own monthly facials because it’s my way to relax and be taken care of.
It was my husband who suggested I should study to become an esthetician, since I love making people look good and I love skincare too much. Our bathroom, vanity, medicine cabinet is filled with my stuff and he has what maybe 3 items. His suggestion was an a-ha moment and I enrolled at Career Academy of Beauty located in Garden Grove, Orange County. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had a stint at Mr and Ms Day Spa, worked as a sugaring place and also at a national chain of a popular spa/clinic.
When the pandemic hit and the place I worked for closed, it was again my husband who suggested I should try working independently. I was skeptical and wasn’t keen on the idea striking on my own. But once I decided to give it a try I had only a month to finalize the contract on the lease of the suite, order everything I need and create the kind of facial services I want to offer. It was a scary and exciting time looking back.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Establishing myself wasn’t easy. In Long Beach, competition is stiff with facial places left and right. I did a lot of networking with women’s groups here giving my calling cards, donating gift certificates. It was really slow picking up for six months or so. But I continued getting additional education by learning and getting certified with new services like Nano Infusion, Dermaplaning, and Gua Sha, because I want to continue honing and getting better for my clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I treat my work like it’s a mission. I really love making people look and feel good with a personal touch. I offer advanced facial treatments that deliver results but I make sure my clients feel relaxed as well. Sometimes in their busy lives its their only ‘me-time.’ I love taking care of them. I love the healing part, aspect of my work. Human touch is really healing. I remember my teacher, when she said she went to a famous esthetician where the Hollywood A-Listers go and she paid a lot so the owner herself will work on her. She said she used all those state-of-the-art gadgets, and machines, but it left her wanting for more because it just felt impersonal. She barely used her hands on her face. To others probably its not an issue. It still resonates with me. I may offer Nano-Infusion and in some places its a quick service just like Dermaplaning (some offer it for 30 to 45 min. max) but I go beyond-you’d still get a mask, massage, hair and scalp massage, arm massage. You will never feel that my clients service are rushed. I am proud that my clients have referred their family and friends. Word-of-mouth is the best advertisement and their honest reviews are testament that I am doing something that actually helps them and it matters a lot to me.
I have a loyalty program with birthday discounts, frequency discounts, and referrals.
My most in-demand services are The Ageless Facial-it includes Microcurrent, Led, Oxygen Infusion, Hydro-jelly mask. The Dermaplaning Facial, The Nano Infusion Facial and The Signature Facial, most of all because it is customized according to your skin at the moment. I also have a Facial of the Month, which is always different each month.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Our city is a melting pot. I got to work with all skin ethnicity which is exciting! Young and old, men, women from all walks of life.
It would be great to see less trash on the streets.
Pricing:
- Facial of the Month $90-60 min.
- The Signature Facial $,115 -75 min.
- The Ageless Facial $165 ,-90 min.
- Nano-Infusiion Facial $135-75 min
- The Brazilian Bombshell $65
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beautypriestess.com
- Instagram: @the_beauty_priestess
Image Credits
Estrella Jones
