Life and Work with Esmeralda Gonzalez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmeralda Gonzalez.

Esmeralda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised here in Phoenix. Both of my parents came from Mexico at a young age to find a better place to grow up and to eventually have their own family. I am the youngest of three, as I was growing up, I knew that I wanted to do something that had more meaning to it. Something where I could be my own boss and help my community in some way. I have always struggled with being told what to do, I guess you can say I was the rebellious child. In middle school, I was the target for many bullies, but I think that being pushed down so deep into the ground, it forced me to reach for the sky. It definitely made me second guess myself and I felt as if I was predestined to fail. I was not okay with that, I think that’s where my rebellion comes from, I never liked to be told what I could or could not do.

My parents have a huge impact on my life, not just because the gave me life, but because they have always worked so hard and have always told me to never stop learning. My parents did not get the opportunity to finish their schooling, so they were forced to work in order to survive. My dad taught me to never stop fighting for what you want. Since as long as I can remember, he wakes up at 4 in the morning to start working, it has made me realize that there are only 24 hours in a day that you really have to take advantage of. Time doesn’t stop for you, it keeps on going and if it’s not being used wisely, it’s being wasted. My mom is such an inspiration to me because she has shown me that being a woman is not a weakness for anything. When she moved out here to Arizona with my dad, he got a job building houses. My mom was determined to help my dad, so she too got a job building houses, she did all the electrical work while my dad built the house frames. She was the only woman at work. She was intimidated and was told that women’s work was not good enough. She proved them all wrong. That is where I get my passion for gender equality. With two amazing parents, I knew that one day I had to work just as hard as they did. I want to be able to repay them for all the sacrifices they made.

As I got older, I always felt lost, every single time I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up” I felt an overwhelming discomfort because I did not know. It was scary, every else around me already knew. I knew I loved marine life, and in high school, I took a life science course that touched the basics of marine biology. From then on I wanted to be a marine biologist. That dream only lasted about five months because I found out how much math and science that career actually took. Sadly for me, I did not grow up with really great math or science skills. I knew if I worked hard enough I could do it, but I felt that I wasn’t going to be happy with that. So, I researched more careers that would entail marine life. I found one that I knew I would love! Marine Life Photography. In highschool, I would always edit photos and had a niche for video editing as well, so I thought this was it. I finally found what I wanted to be! Then, I hit a brick wall. All the great marine life opportunities were in states with oceans and of course, I lived in the driest state of the US. I was not ready to move out of state on my own, I’m a homebody and I felt that it would be impossible for me to leave my family behind and pursue that dream. For the sake of my family, I decided to leave that dream behind. In between all of this decision making, I was doing a lot of fun research about the cosmetic industry. I became a self-taught Makeup Artist. But I never saw it as a career. It was simply a fun thing I did to escape the real world that was filled with a lot of hardships. As I researched videos on YouTube, I said to myself, well why don’t I just become a Youtuber/Social Media Influencer. I could still edit pictures and videos and do what I already love, which was makeup. This was the dream I knew could work out because I could be my own boss, do makeup, and still be close to my family. That is when I really started to feel me again, I didn’t feel lost anymore. I fell in love with the art of makeup. More importantly, I felt like I could make so many people happy with this choice. Every time I did makeup on a client, the way their faces lit up once I showed them the end result, it made me so happy. I knew what depression felt like and all I want is for those around me to be happy and I never want anyone to feel like they are alone.

So then, I pursued this dream. I researched different makeup schools and I came to the realization that with good skin, makeup applies way better. This led me to research skin care and different procedures that would help the skin look healthier. Since I was 13, I always struggled with really dry skin and I had a lot of acne. I still do to this day. I popped every single pimple and blackhead I would see, which left me with a whole lot of scars. In 2016, I made the decision to go to Esthetics School, this was more of a selfish thing than anything. I was tired of being put on medication that helped my skin with the acne but always caused havoc with my stomach and getting bad skin reactions. So, I wanted a more topical solution, which led me to facials. At the time, in 2016, I really could not afford the school I wanted to go to, I decided to put a pause on that dream and get my Associate’s degree in General Studies at Estrella Mountain Community College, which I graduated from in December 2018. I think it was an eye-opener because I felt lost again as I studied at the community college. Learning is such a great thing. But sometimes, I just feel like literature, math, science and any subject for that matter can really discourage students.

Now, I am in esthetics school at The Studio Academy of Beauty. Which is very different from traditional school because it is all mainly hands-on work. Which is the best way I learn and I found that is why I felt lost because reading a textbook is definitely not my style. The school will not only help me learn all there is about skincare but it is also prepping me to be able to pass my licensing exam. I am currently halfway done with esthetics school and I am already taking clients! This is so exciting for me because I finally found my dream and currently, my own spa is in the works and I have lots of amazing announcements coming real soon. I will be done with school in July 2019 and I will keep learning each and every day on how to better my techniques as well as spread happiness to those around me.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has definitely been anything but smooth, it’s been a rocky and curvy road. But I think this is a good thing because, at the end of the road, you will appreciate yourself and your accomplishments way more.

I think the hardest part about my road has been not knowing myself and not realizing the power within me. I am my biggest struggle. Growing up, I was bullied and I let other peoples words define me, instead of letting myself define who I am. I was never surrounded by a lot of people, this made me overthink a lot. My journey is definitely not over but I’ve come a long way.

I never knew who or what I wanted to be, it was really difficult for me to find my niche. It’s really scary, especially having every single teacher and every single person around you ask you “what do you want to be” I never knew what my “thing” was. I was discouraged because everyone around me seemed to have been born with a niche. From a young age, maybe six or seven, I could tell that my classmates were born with their niche. And then there was me. Everyone around could sing or dance, do sports or were mathematicians! I definitely could not sing, even if I told myself I could. I could not dance and be always afraid of any kind of ball and I was always the kid at the back of the track hyperventilating during the mile run. So, there goes sports. And math, oh no, I was TERRIBLE at math. Sometimes, I think it’s a miracle I can count! I just felt lost all the time.

On top of feeling like I didn’t know who I was, I was the target for bullies. In middle school, junior high, and high school. It was almost like there was a big red target on my forehead. It was just terrible. When I wanted to fit in, it was like I was not “allowed” to. I shut myself out and I basically shut down. I was shutting out the world because I feared it. I wish I could go back in time and tell young me to defend herself, to not allow mean people to define her or to lay a hand on her. I wish I knew that I feel like I would be more confident and have higher self-esteem.

To this day, I still struggle with confidence and self-esteem. It’s a daily struggle. It really took a toll on my mental health. But I definitely have gotten much better at not allowing my mind to go to those scary places. If I had to give any one, any women, specifically young women, I would definitely have to say that as girls we need to empower each other not bring ourselves down. Stop bullying, cyberbullying, and even manipulative behavior. It’s not doing you any good or the victim. I know a lot of women can relate to this which is sad, but we all just need to hold each other up and be powerful women together.

To Women & Men:
You are more powerful than you think, Please do not allow anyone to victimize you, you are the only person who can define you and your worth. Hold your head up high, even if somedays it feels like the world’s weight is heavy on your shoulders. Push through, even if you have to fake it, don’t allow people to see you as weak. You are strong, you are very strong. Believe in yourself and fight for you. At the end of the day, no matter what path you are on, you have to trust yourself and trust your worth.

When you find the path you want to take, do not be discouraged if it looks rocky. Trust me. amazing things don’t happen on easy paths. You can do anything you put your mind to. When I started school finances were definitely a huge factor. It put my path to a halt for two years, and although I still can’t afford it fully, I’m doing it anyway. Sometimes, it’s the only way. Just think about the future, once I have my license, I will have my own business and I will be able to not only have income for myself but for my whole family. It’s them that motivates me every single day. Find your motivation even if it’s simple, go for it! Have multiple motivations if you need, remember this is for you and your life.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Skincare by Esmeraaldaa – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I started school specializing in makeup, but I found myself loving all things facials! Specifically Extractions, which is basically popping pimples during a facial. All of my classmates know me for loving to pop pimples. I don’t know what it is, but something about the popping is so satisfying to me. I love doing facials, bringing relaxation through facial or back massages, makes me feel like I’m doing this for a reason. People have ruff days sometimes, and theres nothing better than hearing my clients say “I really needed that, thank you”. I believe that a person vibe can transfer, so I always strive to have a positive vibe that I can transfer through the touch of my hands.

I was honored to be one of 15 girls that were picked to be Brand Ambassadors for Image Skincare, specifically for their World Wide Launch party in March. I learned so much about the brand itself and the amazing people behind it all.

What sets me apart from others is my drive and passion, my patience with my clients and taking my time during a service. I am great at learning new things specifically technology and esthetic tools. To challenge and push myself, I set personal goals and strive to exceed them.

I think after being told that I can’t so many times, I realized that nobody can control me or what I can or cannot do. I will prove to myself that I can. My brand is not fully developed quite yet, but I am making progress. I am proud that I finally have a social media presence, as well as clients that have rebooked with me. Honestly, I am just proud of myself for finally doing what I enjoy.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Yes! It’s a little corny, but I love to watch any kind of motivational video on YouTube, specifical ones with Dwayne Johnson, Jim Carrey, Tony Robbins, and my favorite Will Smith. I don’t know why they are all male figures, but I just feel that their words are so powerful, they get me through any kind of funk.

Honestly, I use Pinterest a lot too. I make boards filled with quotes or I make a dream board. I’ll even make a board for things I don’t want. It just reminds me of my path, for example, I never want to be greedy, so I’ll put quotes that will keep me humble and remind me to be thankful for what I have. I listen to Londrelle’s music for motivation and relaxation as well.

I mainly love to listen to other peoples stories or watch videos of things I want to do, for example, massage videos that I can integrate with facials or different masks that are new to the market.

Contact Info:

• Email: esmeraaldaa.mua@gmail.com
• Instagram: @skincare_byesmeraaldaa

Image Credit:
Milan Photography – Jose Luis Medina

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