Feb 2022, Q & A

Esthetician Spotlight

February 1, 2022 | by LNE Magazine

With Cecilia Ramos

from CiCi Skincare located in Miami, FL

Can you give a little information about your background as a solo esthetician?
My background as a solo esthetician began at the College of Natural Health where I received my initial training in aesthetics. After graduation, I made it my purpose to work in the field and continue to gather knowledge and experience. The journey began at Ulta Beauty working as the skinbar specialist with Dermalogica. Once I felt confident in my growth as an esthetician and limited by being in a corporate beauty environment, I made the decision to venture out on my own. The decision to become independent led me to live my most fulfilled life as a business owner and employer.

What inspired you to become an esthetician?
It feels like a lifetime ago but at the time I was working a corporate job and felt unfulfilled in my career. I’ve always had a passion for all things beauty, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and start over in a field that genuinely inspired me. My wonderful clients inspire me every day to continue to learn and grow in this field because it’s ever-expanding. I want to always provide the newest techniques and products so that they can benefit from results-driven treatments.

What skincare philosophy do you stand by?
I am a firm believer in double-cleansing. In order for skincare products to work their magic, it’s important to start out with a clean base. First, melt away the day with an oil cleanser, and follow this with your favorite cleanser. This technique has changed the game for many of my clients.

What is your signature treatment?
At Cici Skincare every facial is customized to the client’s skin’s needs so not a single treatment is ever the same. My signature treatment at Cici Skincare is the Radiance Reveal Facial, which entails reducing the appearance of premature aging, sun damage, and uneven skin complexion. This treatment includes ten minutes of Oxygen to revitalize cells and promote collagen production to leave you with vibrant youthful skin.

This treatment goes great alongside dermaplaning which is our most requested enhancement. Dermaplaning is a highly effective form of physical exfoliation. It removes the top layer of dead skin in addition to the fine peach fuzz on our skin. This treatment will make your skin look smooth, bright, and refreshed.

What brands do you use and why?
We are constantly searching to partner up with brands that deliver clinically proven results. We aim to provide our clients with only the best so we adhere to medical-grade skincare. Cici Skincare is currently working with iS Clinical, Circadia, Herbal Skin Solutions, and Environ.

These products are incorporated during the treatments. In addition, we also provide our clients with guidance in creating a personalized skincare regimen that they can incorporate into their daily routine. The results and progress we have seen in our clients have been really rewarding

What is your specialty? What is your favorite skin type to treat?
My specialties are age management and acne control. I am a multicultural skin specialist, so I don’t have a preference in skin type but I do love a challenge. When a client comes in with a lot of black/whiteheads and acne and acne scars I create a personalized plan that can progressively improve the skin barrier and target the root of the problem for long-lasting results. I follow the same approach with women and men looking to rejuvenate their skin through a controlled and progressive process that will guarantee the best results.

What is your favorite part about owning your own business?
The best part about owning a business is having the freedom to set your own boundaries and rules. As an esthetician, this is wonderfully liberating because I can treat my clients the best way I see fit.

With products and treatments that I curate for their skin’s progress without being limited by a manager that is not even aware of what the client might need. Another part about owning a business that has been immensely rewarding is bringing together a team of talented and empowered women whose mission aligns with that of Cici Skincare.

What did it take for you to open up your own business?
Cici Skincare has been a dream of mine ever since I embarked on my journey as an esthetician. It took a lot of time, planning, and determination. Throughout this journey, I’ve rented rooms in spaces that weren’t my own, and although it was rewarding to be doing what I loved, it just wasn’t me.

Nonetheless, it was all worth the effort because I had a very clear image of what I wanted to create. I just kept working until I had the means to afford the creation of my very own studio, the responsibility of having employees, and the courage to set out what I was meant to do.

Any tips for estheticians wanting to do the same?
To set high standards for your work. To set your own prices and never undersell yourself in an attempt to bring in new clientele. The truth of the matter is that if this is your passion and you are dedicated to your craft, then the right clients will find you. The opportunities are out there. You just have to love your craft, hone it and never stop learning and improving on your skills.

What are some challenges you have faced and how do you overcome them?
Owning a business definitely has a lot of challenges. I would say the hardest part of it is making time for myself. I run Cici Skincare, where I am blessed to be fully booked for the foreseeable months ahead. Simultaneously I’m in my last year of school where I am pursuing a Masters’s in Acupuncture.

Time management is extremely challenging when trying to find the right balance between work, school, and time for myself. I used to have two days off, but because my schedule is so limited due to my classes, I have adjusted to having one day off to still treat my loyal clients. It’s all about having patience and a clear vision of what you’re doing it for.

What does the future have in store for CiCi Skincare?
The future of Cici Skincare is really exciting. My hope is that it continues to grow as we expand the services that we provide in the studio. As I previously mentioned, I am in the process of obtaining my Master’s in Acupuncture which would be incorporated into my craft once I am licensed.

I’ve always been a believer in the balance between Eastern and Western medicine. As such, I’m really excited to see all the possibilities and benefits that the addition of acupuncture will have on healing the skin barrier and age management in combination with our results-driven treatments. I am thrilled for the future, and I’m forever grateful to every single individual that has been a part of my journey as a client or supporter.