Meet Bianka Grijalva | Solo Aesthetician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bianka Grijalva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bianka, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my business was always focused on the idea of doing something I love, making it mine, and sharing it with others. Skincare was something I was always passionate about, and I remember looking at estheticians and thinking, wow, what a fun career. When I finally took the leap of faith and went back to school to become an esthetician, I knew that I was doing it solely for myself. I was not doing this to work for someone else. I wanted to open my solo practice, gain my own clientele, and set my own schedule and prices. I wanted to share my passion with my friends and family and anyone who came to me with trust. I slowly started to plan ahead. I bought all my equipment before I even graduated, rented an office space, and set it all up. I kept working my 9-5 job to help fund this dream. I managed to create a schedule that works for my business and my job while I continue to grow and learn. By the time I graduated and received my license, I was completely set at my location and ready to start providing services. I started with my friends and family and made sure to always market myself on social media. Instagram and Facebook helped me alot in gaining clients and also word of mouth. To this day, I continue to work at my own pace, I continue to learn new things and I implement everything in my practice and continue to enjoy what I do to the fullest while learning “business” and everything that comes with it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Bare Beauty Aesthetics opened it’s doors 2 years ago in the summer of 2022. With 0 clients, I knew it would not be easy, I knew it would take time, and I knew that if I wanted my business to be successful and grow, I would have to have patience and discipline.

What sets my business apart is that I don’t give a “medical” feel to my studio. It has a “homey” vibe, It’s cozy, and it’s me!
You will even sometimes be greeted by my little dog, Ollie, who will occasionally go with me and hang out.

I am very proud of how far I’ve come in the last 2 years. I have funded all of my own schooling and continued education. I received my Manual Resurfacing certification first, I then went back to school for Chemical Peels, and my next goal is lasers! I have been futured as the Esthetician of the Month for SkinScript, I’ve been featured in Soeleish Magazine Denver and now getting recognized in Shoutout Colorado. It has truly been an amazing ride! I am excited for my future and I hope to provide employment opportunities for people someday and open a store front.

I have gotten to where I am today in my business by being true to myself. I know when I need to take a break and take care if my mental health and well being. I always put myself first because If I’m OK, my business is OK.

Bare Beauty Aesthetics’ mission is to help men and women achieve their skin goals by providing them with the tools and knowledge to help them sustain healthy, beautiful skin for the long run. In a world of technology and filters, Bare Beauty Aesthetics empowers all people to put their best face forward! Take good care of your skin don’t just hide it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting from out of state I would start by taking them to some of my favorite breakfast spots like The Original Pancake House, Sam’s #3, or brunch at Fogo de Chão. I would then introduce them to downtown Denver and walk around 16th Street Mall, Union Station, Market Street and RiNO Art District.

A trip to Colorado is not complete until you visit the beautiful outdoors! I would drive to Cañon City Royal Gorge for some White Water Rafting. Take the Gondola ride across the Royal Gorge Cañon and take in all the views! I would visit the Garden of the God’s, Rocky Mountain National Park, Strawberry Park Hot Springs and a night at the casinos in Blackhawk! The Monarch and Ameristar casinos are a must!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother! My beautiful mother, Imelda, has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. She pushed me when I wanted to give up and she reminded me every day that I could do it. My mom lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and when I was ready to give up because I couldn’t find a school within my budget (or that didn’t have a waitlist for a year) she searched for an Esthetics School in Mexico and she called me and said “come to Mexico and take the classes here, see if you like it first before you spend thousands of dollars in the states” she knew I couldn’t loose my momentum. I listened to her and did just that! I went to Mexico and received 1:1 training with the teacher and I fell in love with esthetics! When I came back to Colorado I was ready to start! I found a school, enrolled and started right away. She is my #1 fan. I love you mom!

I also owe a lot to my father, my brothers Miguel, Andres, and Danny who helped me put my studio together. My sister Valerie, who has always been there to provide a listening ear and give me advice. My amazing friend Andrea who also became a loyal client and has always believed in me and encourages me. Last but not least, my wonderful clients who trusted me from day 1. They knew I was new to this, and they continued to support me by scheduling every single month. They could have gone anywhere else or with someone with alot more experience but they chose me and continue to choose me. My gratitude for them is more than I can put into words and for all of them I am grateful.

Website: https://barebeauty.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: _bare.beauty.aesthetics_

Facebook: Bare Beauty Aesthetics

Yelp: Bare Beauty Aesthetics

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@barebeautyaesthetics1647?si=xmW5Ri3qiT93NWUD

Other: https://blinq.me/GJcAePDMsdP8KTueTMyU

Image Credits
Consuelo Villegas