Today we’d like to introduce you to Nari Colón.
Nari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story into the beauty industry is based on what I consider to be true passion and doing what has felt the most instinctive to me in any profession. I was drawn and exposed to the skincare business at a very young and impressionable age. Both my aunts from France are Estheticians so, I spent my adolescent years watching them in their element and being so fascinated and inspired. I was very fortunate to learn from the best and it all came so naturally to me. So, of course I was eager to practice my new found skills. I would have my girlfriends come over and literally wax anything they’d let me get my hands on, then I would end up giving them facials for fun.
Needless to say, the seed was planted early on!
But, I initially went to college for Broadcast Journalism, and while interning for a radio station, I had a change of heart and decided to enroll into beauty school. I knew deep down inside that Skincare was my calling and nothing would bring be greater joy than helping people feel and look their best.
In 2006, I completed school, and as soon as I received my Esthetician’s license, I began training in various methodologies to develop and expand my knowledge. I saw how quickly the industry was growing and the competition was fierce.
I knew that the only way to solidify a reputable career, was to push myself further continue my education.
I attended numerous professional seminars which allowed me to cultivate relationships with many industry colleagues whom, until this day, I’m still in contact with.
Many years of hard work and dedication served well in refining my skills and resume. This granted me the opportunity to work for the industry’s top experts and skincare clinics. In those places, I was able to perfect my craft and create a technique that was truly unique to who I was and the philosophies I believe in. Skincare has always been an art-form me. And , while I was laser focused on mastering by craft, I happened to get approached by a recruiting agent to teach an esthetics program at a beauty school.
I honestly knew nothing about teaching, but I had a tremendous love for sharing my knowledge and was willing to rise to the occasion. Plus, my quest to broaden my career and evolve as a professional would not allow any fear to get in the way. So, I took on the challenge and became an educator for a few years, which was a great experience and eye opening.
And, here we are… 14 years later, You can me in the treatment room, fixing faces and still proudly doing what I love most! The beauty industry is exhilarating and multi-faceted and, I’m extremely lucky that I have been able to explore so much of it.
Has it been a smooth road?
I believe in hard work. Taking that approach to applying it to anything you do in life – it should be the main motivating reason to accomplish goals you set for yourself. I definitely experienced a few bumps in the road, and at times was met with a number of obstacles. But, at the end of the day, I knew that I had stay positive, clear headed and driven- for the world was mine to conquer! Haha!
But, seriously, I do feel that a big part of growing professionally comes with making mistakes… many of them. It is the only was we learn, absorb and process information and utilize it to pave a road to success. Nothing was ever handed to me. Even with having two aunts who are Esthetician’s and successful business owners, I had the option of taking the easy route with working for them. Instead, I decided it would serve me best to fly solo. I actually spent many years working on my own, building a strong network that included industry colleagues and clientele before I finally decided to join my family business. I wanted to know what I would be like to figure things out and the struggle certainly made me stronger and help me navigate in a very competitive world.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Shani Darden Skincare story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an Esthetican at the prestigious Shani Darden Studio located in Beverly Hills, CA. We are a highly sought after, referral-based business that caters to an exclusive and exceptionally sophisticated clientele. We specialize in integrative and preventative skincare and provide services that range from treating complicated cases of acne to advanced anti-aging. Our treatments are truly one of a kind and considered to be results-driven. Each facial is customized by a highly trained professional to meet the individual’s specific needs and concerns.
Our integrity and approach definitely set us apart. It makes me extremely proud to work for a company, who’s philosophy stands strong in the preservation of our client’s overall health and wellness. That is why our treatments utilize the latest in high-end ingredients and state of the art technology. We have curated the finest in retail product selection to ensure our customers receive optimal results and are equipped with the best home care options. Our goal is to always leave a lasting impression and an experience unparalleled.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see our industry growing rapidly and it will only continue expanding further each year. If you simply take into consideration the role social media has played in shaping and guiding consumer spending habits. Then there’s the “influencers” who have capitalized on their fame and recognition with millions of followers who aspire to look/ be like them and will therefore buy any product they endorse. It’s an interesting paradigm.
I’ve also noticed a tremendous amount of new development in the beauty industry- as a whole, worldwide. Everything in our business has become overly saturated, making it challenging to distinguish between good and bad quality. And, in between that- you’ll find amazing companies, who are experimenting with progressive ingredients to breakthrough machines and devices that are becoming readily available to the consumer with a click of a button.
I do think that at a certain point, people will become obsessed with the new fancy gadgets and products that promise a quick fix. They can be quite appealing to most, as they offer a more cost-effective option. However, I have always believed that nothing can ever replace the art and beauty of real human touch and connection. As Esthetician’s those our most valuable tools- our hands!! And the skill and ability to impact a client’s life are immeasurable and profound.
Pricing:
- Menu: Signature 60 Mins/ $400 Signature 90 Mins/ $500
Contact Info:
- Address: Nari Colón at Shani Darden Studio
Beverly Hills, CA - Website: www.shanidarden.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/theskinsaver
Image Credit:
Vanessa Mehaouchi
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
