Conversations with the Inspiring Marissa Duarte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Duarte.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was inspired by a friend who is a medical aesthetician to become an aesthetician myself. Prior to this, I taught high school students and I wanted a career where my passion for educating others as well as my love for caring for others could be utilized. I worked at the front desk in my friend’s med spa while in school and also became laser certified during this time. Upon graduation, I found a space for rent at a salon in Tucson (most people thought I was insane because I would be going out on my own pretty much right out of school). I was never afraid, I’ve always tried to avoid living my life in fear, I trust the universe and try my best to trust my head, heart and gut feelings, I just knew I had to do this.

I loved the space I was in and the women I worked with and after about six months I knew it was time to go out on my own. I wanted to create a space with similar energy to my friend’s med spa. When I walked into her space I felt safe, it had a beautiful energy. I also wanted a space where I could work on a sliding scale. I have to give back… it’s what I was put on this earth for. Maya Angelou once said, “when you give you get and when you learn you teach.” I knew I had to do both. Women who empowered me are women who can’t necessarily afford skincare treatments let alone routinely treat themselves. I felt compelled to give back to those who allowed me to stand on their shoulders. I was raised by a single mother and single mothers were the ones walking into my room seeking advice for severe acne issues. So there I went on my next adventure of opening Beauty Republic.

I didn’t find our space, our space found me. I was driving down the street in a hypnotic like state through traffic and happed to glance at the sign. Keep in mind that I never drive down Speedway at this time of day but I was headed to pick up my step daughter from art camp across town. I made a quick U turn, called the land lord and viewed the building a couple of days later, following that I signed the lease just a week after.

Our amazing team came together and the rest was history. Vanessa is one of my dearest friends in the world. She and I met at a previous salon and I knew that I had to know these women. She has a warrior spirit and I’m so blessed to work alongside her. My best friend Brittney was brave enough to move out here after living in Yuma with her fiancé to work and get this amazing project rolling. We have some of the best laughs while here at work. It rarely feels like were working. Jessica and I have known one another for a few years, she was my nail artist and when the salon she was working at closed she moved over. I had been praying that one day she could be her own boss and share space with us. Our marketing director, Renee is a light of amazing energy, I adore her and can’t thank the universe enough for sending her to us. Paula and I would trade services prior to me opening this space and I’m so blessed that she chose to be a part of our team. Her facials are amazing!! Kristina and I just “get” one another we vibrate on similar frequencies and for that, I’m blessed. I honestly know that grace is in our presence. Because I didn’t allow fear to cloud my feelings grace guided me in this process. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because of how blessed we all are.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have to say that nothing compares to being a teacher, I have the utmost respect for educators. My job prior to this as a culinary arts instructor prepared me for almost anything. I wasn’t just a teacher, I was a nurse, an accountant, a counselor, you name it. This journey has been a lot smoother. I loved my students and now I have the privilege of loving our clients. My biggest struggle thus far was finding products that I believe in. Don’t settle, and don’t be driven by money. When your well intended and you do your homework the universe has a funny way of taking care of you.

What should we know about Beauty Republic? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I work with clients suffering dealing with the troubles of acneic skin, as well as women who are practicing age management. I love microneedling as well as working with fruit enzymes… I also enjoy my SkinSheek machine, which helps remove skin irregularities such as skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia and spider veins.

As a group of women, I’m most proud that we’re committed to creating authentic and relevant experiences. People can choose to go anywhere and we’re aware of that. Therefore, we’re all committed to furthering our education by attending continuous training. As well as personal self growth. We’re all open to self improvement, this is what keeps us so engaged in life.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom is my rock. She has taught me never to live in fear and gave me the space I needed to become the woman that I am today. My grandmother taught me that it’s not about us, it’s about what we can do for those around us. She taught me what it means to be selfless.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2000 E. Speedway Blvd. #1
  Tucson, AZ 85713
• Website: https://www.beautyrepublicaz.com
• Phone: 520.329.3777
• Email: skincare@beautyrepublicaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyrepublic_a/

Image Credit:
Danielle Harris

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