An Interview with Esthetician and GladGirl Retail General Manager, Crystal Garcia
The beauty industry is a vast landscape, filled with opportunities to express creativity, connect with others, and make a real difference in people’s lives. For some, like Crystal Garcia, the journey into this world begins with a deep passion for beauty and a desire to help others feel their best.
A Love for Beauty from the Start
Crystal always knew she was drawn to the beauty industry. "I wanted to be a cosmetologist," she recalls, but the thought of working with hair—where a mistake can be hard to fix—gave her pause. It wasn’t until she began working in an environment surrounded by estheticians that her path became clear. Learning that she needed an esthetician license to work with skincare and eyelash extensions was the moment everything clicked. "I love everything skincare," she says, and becoming an esthetician allowed her to explore this passion in various ways—from skincare to lashes.
The Joy of Helping Others
Crystal’s love for the beauty industry goes beyond a personal interest; it’s deeply rooted in her desire to help others feel good about themselves. "In high school, I was the friend doing everybody’s makeup for prom," she shares. Whether it's her sister-in-law asking for help with makeup for a photoshoot or family members relying on her for their beauty needs, Crystal has always been the go-to person for making others look and feel their best. "I get a kick out of making others feel better about themselves," she says with a smile.
Choosing the Right Path
Deciding to pursue a career in esthetics was just the beginning. Crystal had to navigate the next big decision: choosing the right school. "Location, price, and schedule were important to me," she explains. After touring several schools, she chose one with a 98% passing rate for the state exam—a key factor in her decision-making process. "It had a good reputation, especially for passing the actual state exam," she notes, emphasizing the importance of finding a school that would set her up for success.
California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Approved School list found herehttps://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/schools/approved_schools.shtml
State by state website for finding the right beauty schoolhttps://www.cosmetology-license.com/schools-by-state/
Navigating Beauty School
Crystal’s time in beauty school was eye-opening. While the courses provided a solid foundation, she quickly realized that becoming an expert in any particular service required further education outside of the standard curriculum. "They don’t really go into depth on things like lashes or facials," she explains. "School is more about teaching the basics—sanitation, disinfection, and general knowledge." For Crystal, it was clear that her education wouldn’t stop at graduation. She continued to seek out specialized courses to hone her skills, particularly in lashes, which had always been her passion.
The Appeal of Lashes
Crystal’s journey into the world of eyelash extensions was deeply influenced by her time at GladGirl. Initially unfamiliar with the intricacies of lashes, her interest was piqued after sitting in on Esther’s courses. The hands-on experience and witnessing the artistry involved in lash application inspired her to pursue further education, ultimately becoming a licensed esthetician with a specialization in eyelash extensions. This exposure at GladGirl allowed her to see the potential in this niche and motivated her to develop her skills in the field.
What captivated Crystal about lashes was the unique blend of creativity and relaxation the service offers. "The service itself is relaxing, both for me and the client," she shares. "I love that it feels like creating a piece of art." She treasures the quiet, focused time she spends with each client, where she can immerse herself in the process, listening to music, and crafting beautiful lashes. "It’s like a spa treatment for the client, and I get to be part of that relaxing experience." This combination of artistry and tranquility is what truly drew her into the world of lashes.
Crystal values the quiet focus of lash services but also enjoys the conversations with clients, describing them as "a little therapy session for both of us." This blend of tranquility and meaningful interaction makes her work both fulfilling and dynamic.
Deciding to Go Independent
After gaining experience and building a client base, Crystal faced the decision of whether to work at a salon or go independent. For her, the choice was clear. "I had already built up a clientele, so giving a percentage of my earnings to a salon didn’t make sense for me," she explains. Instead, she chose to rent her own space, a decision that allowed her to maintain control over her schedule and earnings. "It was a leap, but it felt right." Armed with these insights, she began her search on platforms like Instagram and Facebook Marketplace, where she found listings for rental spaces.
The Challenges and Rewards of Working from Home
Initially, Crystal worked from home, but she soon realized it wasn’t the ideal setup for her. "Working from home made me lazy; I wasn’t in work mode," she admits. "I wanted a professional setting where I could separate my home life from my work." Despite the cost savings, Crystal knew she needed a studio environment to feel motivated and maintain a professional image. "It’s about more than just saving money—it’s about building a business and feeling like you’re really in a work environment."
Crystal looked for several key factors when searching for a space to rent for her independent esthetician business:
Advice for Aspiring Estheticians
For those considering a career in esthetics, Crystal has some valuable advice. "Going to school is 100% worth it," she says. "It’s something no one can take from you, and you’ll make back the investment many times over." She emphasizes the importance of touring schools to find the right fit and not being too picky when starting out. "Take any opportunity that comes your way for the experience. You won’t see profit right away, but the experience is invaluable."
Crystal also encourages new estheticians to be patient and not get discouraged during the slow periods. "It takes time to build a clientele, but if you keep putting yourself out there, the word will spread." For those just starting their own business, she advises setting realistic goals, promoting yourself constantly, and always continuing your education to stay on top of new trends and techniques.
The Journey Continues
Crystal Garcia’s journey in the beauty industry is a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can shape a successful career. What began as a simple interest in beauty evolved into a deep commitment to her craft, guiding her through the challenges of building an independent business. Her story offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to turn their love for beauty into a thriving profession.
Over the past five years, Crystal’s dedication has been equally evident at GladGirl, where she began in customer service and quickly rose through the ranks to become the General Manager of our retail store. Her time at GladGirl ignited a fascination with eyelash extensions, leading her to pursue an esthetician license—a testament to her commitment to continuous learning. Crystal’s journey reflects the growth and opportunities that define the GladGirl experience, where a love for beauty and a dedication to customer care can blossom into a fulfilling and successful career. As we continue to evolve, we remain committed to fostering an environment where stories like Crystal’s can flourish, turning passion into professional growth and success.
To book an appointment with Crystal in her studio and view her beautiful eyelash extension work you can find Crystal here. Be sure to say hi to her next time you visit us at GladGirl in Northridge, CA!
Lashing out since 1981, GladGirl brings over 40 years experience to the beauty industry. The Eyelash Extensions Blog is our contribution to the advancement of professional skills and industry standards. Here you will find salon business articles, training resources, beauty tips and general health and wellness content.
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