Meet Ayla Aguirre of Real Beauty in Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayla Aguirre.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The path to owning my own salon was not always easy or straight forward. Growing up, my life had many unexpected twists and turns. I honestly think that my challenges in early childhood helped me to become strong, persistent, and able to easily overcome obstacles. My older sister, Erika, always had a passion for the beauty industry. Occasionally, I would follow her into Sephora or Ulta to see the latest trend.

Over time, I found myself trying different products, using makeup, and learning more about treating my occasional acne breakouts. When she started beauty school for cosmetology and recommended their aesthetics program, it seemed like a natural progression for me, and I also enrolled. I found myself intrigued by how our skin worked and wanted to learn as much as possible to be able to help others achieve a beautifully clear complexion. I moved back to Tucson from California after graduating from beauty school and began to pursue my aesthetics career. It was definitely a challenge trying to find a job since I had no actual industry experience. I finally came across a commission position with a local salon. While I loved being hands-on and seeing clients, there was no chance for advancement or growth. I continued back on the job search to find something that gave me a chance to learn more, grow my clientele, and gain valuable experience towards owning my own business.

After several months, I started to lose hope. I found an intermittent job at a Pizza place and continued applying at salons and clinics. One of those job opportunities finally pannedout, and I was hired by a popular chiropractic office/wellness clinic who needed an esthetician to perform body treatments.  I now have been a part of this business for five years. I am so grateful I found this job. Not only have I made lifelong friends with the owners and my coworkers, but I also got to learn parts of the business and management side. I received training in both nutrition and skincare and gained the title “wellness coach” alongside  the of being an esthetician. After two years of working at the clinic, I missed being able to perform all the aesthetics services. I came across a Christian beauty salon that had available space and that’s when my journey really began. I decided to take a risk and start as an independent contractor with only about 5-10 clients who were my close friends and family. I offered services from full body waxing to facials and more.

Fast forward to two years later, I had grown my clientele and started “Real Beauty.” I have since opened my own location in the Healthcare clinic and now divide my time between the two. I love being my own boss, helping clients become more confident, and the chance to enhance their Real Beauty.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The challenges I faced while opening my own studio were numerous. Being in the beauty industry is not easy. There is so much competition out there, and to make myself stand out I had to find a niche and be amazing at what I do. My biggest struggle was growing my clientele. Some days were slow, some days were busy, and some days I had no appointments. So many times, I wanted to give up, but my dad always taught me to never give up and to always keep going. Day by day I put my faith in God and I let him guide my path. Nothing in life is easy, and we must work hard if we really want it. I trusted God and trusted my father’s guidance and it has been an amazing journey. Five years later, my business is growing and I couldn’t have done it without all my loyal clients, friends, and family who have supported me since day one. I’m truly grateful and blessed.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Real Beauty – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As I began my studies in beauty school, I was especially drawn to waxing and brows. To me, it was like Art and when I was younger, I loved to draw. My work always stood out from my peers, and some of my instructors commented that I had great patience and attention to detail.  When I graduated, I knew I wanted to specialize in brow waxing/shaping. I have since been trained in brow tinting and microblading.  It makes me so happy to perfect a client’s brows to frame their face, and with the addition of a brow tint, I can give them the fuller look that is so popular now.  I have had several ‘brow challenge’ clients that were a work in progress but with my magic touch, I am able to create a look that my clients love. 😉 I am still constantly evolving and honing my skill in the brow industry because as we know, we make “brow contact before eye contact.” Ha

I’m well known for brow shaping and tint due to my perfectionist skills. My clients say I’m a “natural.” I always take my time with each client doing by best to give them their desired look.

Pricing:

• Brow shaping/tinting $26
• Lash lifts $60
• Facials $35-$200
• Microblading semi-permanent tattoo (hair like strokes) special offer $200

Contact Info:

• Website: http://realbeautyllc.skincaretherapy.net
• Phone: 5623225959
• Instagram: @realbeautyllc
• Facebook: @realbeautyllc

Image Credit:
Chloe Rivera IG- @snapsbychlo

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