Conversations with the Inspiring Tina Marie Arvizu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Marie Arvizu.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Little did I know, my childhood and teen years would lead me to where I am today. As a child, I remember my mom loving makeup and she would never leave home without it. Now looking back, she was very talented with her application. As a teenager, she would have Mary Kay parties and my interest started to peak. Fast forward to my very first job as a makeup artist for Chanel Cosmetics, I had landed my dream job. I was nervous because I had never really applied makeup on other faces, but what I did have was an eye for detail and passion for helping others. My nine years with Chanel came to an end with me holding the manager position at one of the largest volume producing counters in Scottsdale, AZ. This was a huge stepping stone for my future. I left Chanel to become the product specialist of AWAKE Cosmetics in Nieman Marcus. This position launched me into the world of skincare. I traveled to Japan with the company where I had the honor in meeting the president of Kose, sat in board meetings and went to manufacturing. What I discovered was I had a love for skincare and a love for educating others. You never know what the next season in life has in store and for me, it was a divorce that brought me back to Tucson. Despite my personal life crumbling, I was about to embark on a new journey. I assisted in opening the Bobbi Brown cosmetic counter in Park Place mall, this is where I was able to use my skills in education. Bobbi Brown wasn’t about just putting makeup on others it was about teaching, educating and making others feel pretty powerful. This embodied my philosophies.

During my career at Bobbi Brown, I decided to go to school to become an aesthetician. I didn’t let the fact that I was working full time, and I was a full-time single mom of a 6 and 2-year-old, stop me. Sacrifices had to be made my girls and I had to move into a bedroom at my mother’s home in order for me to achieve yet another dream. Well, I did it in 2007, I became licensed. I continued to work for Bobbi Brown and started my new job as an aesthetician at a local resort, during this time I was asked to freelance and open the Bobbi Brown counter at Blue Mercury at La Encantada. I remember my education manager asking me how will you handle it all. I told her with confidence I can and will. I’ve never been one to turn down an opportunity because you never know where that road will take you and who you’ll meet. After some time, I did let go of all three jobs and decided to start my own business. I was renting a room out of a family practice office. Boy, did I fail! I wasn’t ready for what was to come with having your own business but so thankful for the failures and mistakes in life, its an opportunity to be taught so many lessons. I went back to Bobbi Brown as a makeup artist and after a year that’s when it happened! I was talking to a co-worker about her becoming an aesthetician and I was giving her advice on continuing education, skincare lines and anything else she needed. She then told me her school Pure Aesthetics Natural Skincare School was in need of an instructor. My ears perked up and I immediately looked into it. I didn’t know the requirements, I didn’t know what was expected but it didn’t stop me I applied anyways. I was hired but couldn’t teach until I obtained my instructor hours and license. What may have seemed like a roadblock was just another opportunity to show my determination to learn, and grow in the field of aesthetics.

In 2013, I had become a licensed aesthetic instructor and immediately began teaching students of all ages who were excited, nervous and some very inquisitive. I think initially I was a deer in headlights here are these adults looking to me to educate them and turn them into the best aestheticians they can be. What did I get myself into? What I did know is I was determined to give these students the best experience along with education I could. I put a lot of expectation on myself to make it fun, but also for them to obtain what I missed in my education which was confidence. I can’t express enough how these four years as an aesthetic educator has changed me as a person. I met so many amazing women and a few men who all had their own personal story as to why they wanted to become an aesthetician. From the very first class to the very last, I poured my heart and soul into them and I feel like I’m the blessed one, I’m the one that learned the most. I always told my students I expect only three things: 1. Allow yourself to make mistakes 2. Give yourself grace 3. Don’t compare your journey to others. I not only had the opportunity to educate those who wanted to become aestheticians I had the honor of becoming the Lead educator and mentored other aesthetic educators. During my four years of educating I continued my independent work as an aesthetician. As my girls started to get older and my time with them was becoming less, I realized I couldn’t burn the candle at both ends any longer. So, I had to make a painful decision. I decided to quit teaching and start my business. Remember I had tried this once before and failed, I was also leaving behind a stable job with pay, vacation, insurance, and retirement. Was I crazy, maybe a little, but I knew if I didn’t take this leap of faith now, I would always wonder what if. I also wanted to show my girls life isn’t about being complacent and just barely getting by it’s about following your passion, trying even if you fail, my favorite quote is by Erin Hanson “What if I fall? Oh but my darling What if you fly?”

So, where I am now. I am apart of an amazing team at Pure-Mettle in Tucson, AZ.

The best part is although I’m not in a classroom setting I still have the opportunity to educate on a daily basis whether it’s my clients or graduates reaching out.

Having had my own business now for over two years my biggest advice is education, education education. Never compare your journey to others, never give up. Give yourself grace and enjoy the ride!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road hasn’t been exactly smooth. Some of the struggles have been learning to value myself and not feeling like I have to always discount my services. Learning how to handle the slow times, having to learn the business side along with marketing. Learning not to compare my journey with others.

My advice is if you want to start your own business take classes, learn from others who are successful, never let fear guide your decisions, be ok with making mistakes, give yourself grace, enjoy the process. Empower others, don’t be afraid to share your knowledge, skills, and ideas with others. Always be grateful!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a licensed aesthetician who holds certifications in lash extensions, dermaplaning, Microneedling, Chemical peels, and henna brows. I also offer corrective facials, lash lifts, and waxing. I am currently working on becoming an acne specialist with Face Reality.

I also have the privilege of working with esthetic advisor laser academy training other aestheticians on Microneedling with Skin Stylus.

I currently offer certification classes in dermaplaning and Lash lifts.

I am most proud of the continuing education I have received and continue to receive.

What sets me apart from others is my passion to help others achieve their goals whether its to feel better, look younger or correct a concern. I am also very proud of the fact that my graduates continue to seek me out for advice I am honored that they value my opinion.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I have a few women in my life that have inspired me. My grandma, my mother, my best friend of 30 years, Delia DeFreitas and Kellie Kongnso former student who is now a friend.

My grandma inspired me because she was a very independent woman, she was a woman of faith that didn’t worry or let life’s hardships bring her down. She was always willing to help others.

My mom inspired me because she showed me what it is to never quit. She hasn’t had the easiest life but has always put herself last making sure those around her were taken care of. She taught me what it means to have integrity, a strong work ethic and to truly be a selfless, strong woman.

My best friend inspired me because she is one determined woman! She overcame a lot as a young girl and didn’t take no for an answer when a door would close she always found a better one that was open. She is one hardworking woman who showed me what it’s like to treat others as equals. She also showed me how to enjoy life and not take things too seriously.

My other friend is an inspiration because as my student I saw her go through a difficult situation and yet never skip a beat. She sets her mind to something and achieves it. She has confidence like no other which I admire. Fear has never stopped her. I also witnessed my friend go through cancer and despite that she didn’t let it slow her down. She beat cancer and in the midst of it instead of feeling defeated she turned what was an unimaginable event in her life into a journey of becoming an overcomer and expanding her Lash business into a success.

Pricing:

• Lashes- classic 150, hybrid 175, volume 200, volume plus 250
• Microneedling 249.00 with dermaplaning 299.00
• Dermaplaning 59, with peel 89
• Customized Corrective facials 85.00
• Lash lifts 65.00 85.00 with tint
• Henna brows 45.00 with brow shaping 55.00
• Chemical peels 85 and up

Contact Info:

• Address: Pure-Mettle
  103 N. Park Ave
  Suite 107
  Tucson, AZ 85719
• Website: Pure-mettle.com
• Phone: 520-269-9607
• Email: greatskin101@gmail.com
• Instagram: Facetrainer_tucson

Image Credit:
Lance Thorn photography

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