Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Cardenas.
Hi Amber, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was in my college going for nursing, unhappy, and stressed with what to do with my life. I didn’t want to be a nurse like I thought, but I didn’t want to disappoint my family. I talked to my mentor about my struggles with school and being unhappy with what I was going for. I knew I wanted to do something that didn’t feel like a job, something that I would enjoy doing every day. My mentor suggested being an Esthetician since I was working at Ulta while I was going to school. Doing makeup was what got me into the beauty world, and I knew this is where I belonged. I figured let me try the program and see what happens. Well easy to say I fell in love, the way you can make someone feel confident in themselves, help clients with their skin concerns, and not feel like it was work it exactly what I had dreamed of. Everything clicked and came so easy with the background I had in science while going for nursing went into Esthetics. It was fun, every day I was so excited to learn more about the skin and the science behind ingredients in our products. I graduated in 2018 eager to heal some skin and get my hands on some blackheads. My first job was at a chain spa, and well it wasn’t what I expected. I knew it wouldn’t last forever and I would go to a better spa, but I had to start somewhere. After a very long year with ups and downs on the career path I chose, I finally got a job at well-known local spa. I was extremely happy and it was great. Of course, the pandemic hit, and everyone suffered it was a struggle after I had built my clientele the pandemic really affected everything. This is when things started to change, and I felt like there was more for me than working for someone. When I was in school, I never thought of having my own business. I always thought I would work at a med spa or a clinic. I feel like you just know when you need a change, and I knew it the beginning of 2022 that I wanted more for myself. I wanted to be able to make my own decisions and have the best for my clients. My family supported this decision and encouraged I just take the leap of faith so that is what I did. The best decision I have ever made, since then I have felt so free and truly happy how far I have come. More than I had dreamed of, and I am living it. It’s the best feeling in the world to know I have something that makes people feel beautiful in the skin they are in. I have now been in business for one year and I wouldn’t be here without the support of my clients, friends, and family. The first year was definitely a lot of learning, stress, but so much happiness knowing this was my own business. All the ups and downs are worth knowing I am growing and building my empire.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since opening my business of course, there is always ups and downs. I have learned to navigate the problems better but, in the beginning, I was very hard on myself. I stressed myself out a lot because of course I just wanted the best for my clients. I felt like was behind even though I had just opened my business, and because I wasn’t busy in the beginning, it would never get better. Little did I know there was a light at the end of the tunnel now, this holiday season I am booked out every weekend and couldn’t be more blessed.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Skincare By Amber LLC?
I am a licensed Esthetician, of 5 years, I opened my business July 2022. I specialize in corrective facial treatments, Brazilian/body waxing, lash lifts, and brow laminations. My motto is to “love the skin you’re in.” I help guide my clients to healthier, happier skin where they will confident without makeup that is my main goal. I don’t just foo-foo facials, I do treatments. I educate my clients on the importance of each step, so they learn and implement it at home. I make sure my clients know what they are using and why they have to use it not just because I told them I am big on educating my clients. For my first Brazilian clients, I have heard the many horror stories and provide a safe, comfortable environment. I talk the entire time with 90s music in the background walking through every step and making sure you are okay. Waxing doesn’t have to be scary, it’s just the environment.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
I wish I was better prepared when getting out of the program, I felt like they didn’t really let us know it would be that hard to find a job right out of school. I would have probably worked at a med spa as a receptionist while I was in school so I could possibly get hired on and learn the ins and outs of the spa. I would tell the ones starting their own business that it’s okay if you don’t have all the gadgets or products you want; you will get there, just keep working hard. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; talk to people locally and let them know what you do. Don’t be too hard on yourself; things will fall into place as long as you work hard and continue to not lose sight of your goal. My biggest advice is comparison is a thief of happiness; social media makes it very hard to not compare trust me. I have, and it’s the worst; once I stopped trying to compare myself to others and be myself, I truly felt happy with my business and myself. Be yourself, and the clients will come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/mhlwvum7m9eh9m/L64BTMT6FRJR4/start
- Instagram: @skincarebyamberllc
- Facebook: Skincare By Amber LLC
