Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Diaz.
Hi Kayla, 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 graduated from beauty school and pursued my cosmetology license in 2013. I always knew I was passionate about the beauty industry but at that time everyone around me, including family and friends, considered the beauty industry as a hobby or a side hustle and not a career. Sadly, for years I treated my passion as a side hustle and never put my full time and attention into it. After having my son in 2017 my entire perspective changed. I fell in love with motherhood and if I were going to leave my son to work then I was going to make sure I loved my job. I went right back into my passion and started taking every class I can take on skincare because I knew that’s what I wanted to expand my knowledge on. After having my son’s makeup became time-consuming but I was insecure about my skin. I had an uneven skin tone; a dull appearance and I was so dependent on makeup for so long I never thought about taking better care of my skin. Taking these classes helped my personal skincare journey. I gained my confidence back, I felt empowered and I knew I wanted to help other women feel the same. After taking classes and becoming certified in acne and rosacea, I decided to pursue my first job in the beauty industry but I still had so much to learn. For that reason, I wanted a job that I knew would continue to train me. I interviewed at Ulta Beauty and they gave me an opportunity as a skin therapist. That had to have been the best thing that could have happened to me. The training I’ve received there and the product knowledge I’ve gained have completely shaped the facial specialist I am today.
After COVID hit, unfortunately, I wasn’t called back to work as skin services were temporarily canceled. I had clients constantly reaching out and asking me for my advice on their skincare. I didn’t plan it but I ended up opening my skincare studio in the middle of a pandemic in order to continue to help my clients. I love what I do and I’m so grateful for how it turned out. I get to help people every single day. My studio is usually booked two months in advance and it’s all because of the support of my clients and followers on Instagram.
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?
There were so many struggles along the way! Being that my fiancé has an unpredictable schedule at work, my son’s schedule is completely my responsibility. I had to figure out how to pursue my dreams while also making sure my son was getting dropped off and picked up at childcare. Childcare alone was an issue for months. Trying to find the right place for the both of us was a struggle. And praying that I found a job that would work around my sons’ schedule was also stressful.
Then COVID happened and I lost my job.
Then when trying to find a place to open my business I was getting denied for every place I applied to. I had no experience in running my own business, and I had no proof of income.
When I finally found a suite, the rent was completely out of my budget. I had NO experience and I had no idea how well my business would do. I committed to 1200 rent without having a consistent clientele.
I knew failing was NOT an option.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bare Beauty Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My studio offers skincare services, brow services, bikini waxing, and lash lifts. I am most known for my custom facials and my acne treatments. I specialize in acne and hyperpigmentation. I am passionate about helping people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Healthy skin and beautifully shaped brows will make anyone feel more confident! The most important thing to me is making sure when people come into my studio, they feel welcomed, safe, and comfortable. I know how it feels to have insecurities so it’s a priority that I create a safe environment for anyone who walks through my doors. The energy in the room is the most important and I think that’s what sets me apart. How you feel comes first and everything else is second. I want readers to know that once you receive a service at Bare Beauty you become part of a family. You will forever have me as a guide towards your skin goals.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Creating a safe and comfortable place took on a whole new meaning because of Covid. Originally, it just meant that my clients will know they will never be judged and they will always feel welcomed. Now it means all of that plus taking extra safety precautions for all of our health. Most importantly COVID has unfortunately created a divide due to differences of opinion. So even more so, it’s important that the divide doesn’t enter my doors. Everyone’s opinion is valued and respected and everyone is loved and welcomed. I’ve learned how important it is to keep the peace in a time like now.
Pricing:
- facials/ skin treatments range from $65-$225
Contact Info:
- Email: Kayla@barebeautystudios.com
- Website: Www.BareBeautyStudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barebeautystudio_/
