Rising Stars: Meet Joann Vanié

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joann Vanié.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an afro-latina puertorican woman born and raised in Puerto Rico. I come from a very humble family in Naranjito, Puerto Rico at a “barrio de campo”. Both of my parents are still together and I have one big brother who’s actually happily married. I grew up in a small pentecostal church where I developed my passion for music, God and the desire to help and love others. Later on, I decided to complete a bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Pierdas campus.

During that time, I experienced major losses in my family and many challenges that led me and my family to move to Orlando, FL. As usual, moving to another country tends to be stressful and the transition is not always easy. I experienced cultural shock and even racism. I started working at schools in positions similar to Social Work but still felt like something was missing. I’ve always consider myself a highly creative person and I don’t want to define me with one single thing. I love fashion, photography, beauty, design and music. I’ve had the honor to sing with amazing christian artists like; 33dC, TBN gospel nights with LiVe church praise team & Tye Tribbett, Jonathan McReynolds, Smokie Norful, Travis Greene, Dante Bowe, Todd Dulaney, BJ Putnam, Donnie McClurkin and more. A few years later, after moving to Orlando and still feeling like something was missing, I decided to quit my job at the time and search for what was missing. It was a great risk. A 30-year-old woman doing a career change. However, I trusted God. Somehow, I saw the word “esthetician” on the internet and in intrigued me. I kept reading and researching about it and it clicked!

I wanted to become an esthetician. I’ve always been passionate about beauty and I also wanted to still help people but in another setting. I found a school in Orlando, Elise Esthetics Institute, where I completed my license as an esthetician. Unfortunately, during that time, I tested positive for COVID-19, which was a huge challenge, but it didn’t stop me. When I graduated, the job hunting wasn’t easy. I had many rejections, closed doors, and “no’s.” I remember one day I was sitting on my bed crying because I’ve just read an email from an employer with another rejection, and while I was feeling sad, I prayed. I told God that although I was hurt by that rejection, I trusted His plan for my life and I knew I would be where I needed to be. Weeks later, Stephanie Ramos, owner of Des’nu Esthetics, posted about an opening for an esthetician position. I quickly showed interest, got an interview and got hired on the spot. Best decision ever! Des’nu Esthetics is a very friendly, peaceful, yet professional environment. Stephanie truly cares about her employees and also our clients. She has become my mentor and also a friend. I’ve grown to learn a lot about esthetics, knowledge, techniques, skin anatomy, products, ingredients, treatments, and more. My favorite part if my job is get to meet different people with diverse backgrounds and ideas. Sometimes my treatment room turns into a therapy session, and I love it! I like seeing my clients improve and how their lives change because of the health of the skin. I am excited to keep growing and getting better at what I do. I found what was missing! And I’m extremely grateful.

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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I struggled a lot with grief, loss and my mental health was deteriorating. I experienced many tragedies and loss in my family and processing those emotions while figuring out life and my career wasn’t easy. I also tested positive for COVID-19, which took a toll on my body. I got many rejections and no’s from employers, but I never gave up and trusted God.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always considered myself a highly creative person and I never want to be known for one single thing. I’m a singer and have had the great honor to sing with many christian artists at live, TV and studio recordings. I am a freelance photographer, I’m currently working on a book, I am an esthetician at Des’nu Esthetics, and I just desire to keep creating and learning. At the spa, I perform skin care services for acne, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation and every skin type. We do microdermabrasion, microcurrent, dermaplaning, facial massage, LED therapy, and more advanced skin care treatments. I don’t want to stop growing, exploring and doing new things! I am passionate about helping others, bringing them up and leading them to freedom, fulfillment, and love, so we can all become the best version of ourselves and accomplish the purpose that God created us for.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think the best advice is knowing yourself and what your value is, this way, you know how to set boundaries and how find a genuine support system in your life of friends, mentors, and people that keep you accountable and lead you to your best potential.

Contact Info:

• Email: joannvanie@gmail.com
• Website: www.desnubeauty.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vaniecomplexions?igshid=1anla9qafoq61