Local Gem: Stephanie Aesthetics — Future Front Texas

Meet Stephanie, a seasoned esthetician and entrepreneur in Austin. Get to know her in our Q&A below:

Q: What inspired you to start working in makeup and skin care? Did you have any role models
or learn from someone, in particular?

A: It started with my great aunt who was a Mary Kay consultant, and I remember being able to swipe her free samples off her shelves at a young age. Around that time, my mom asked me if I wanted to participate in local pageants and that also led to my awareness of the hair and makeup world. When I got out of high school, I started working with my cousin, Edward Duarte, who is a professional photographer in Los Angeles. With his patience and photos in my portfolio (of the most beautiful models I had ever seen), I was able to land almost any job I wanted. After that I decided I wanted a license and to learn all about the skin I was working with, so I went to school for aesthetics.

Q: Do you have any tidbits of advice for people with passions, in general?

A: I think the vision has to be clear; the bookkeeping has to be set and the website viewable. Once the business side is handled, the rest should be a fun ride. Do what feels right and just go for it!

Q: What have been your favorite moments of creativity?

A: The most creative thing would be having a couple of clients, that happen to be my friends, at the space. They get to watch each other get extractions and even hold hands while getting waxed. We have wine and listen to fun music, too!

Q: What have been your most challenging moments in your career, thus far?

A: Procrastination, which I know has fueled my, what people call, "fear of success." Honestly, it took me a long time to find the puzzle pieces, and I'm just now putting them together—figuring out who I am as an artist and translating that into a business. Ultimately, I think things like this take time, but I am and have always been right where I'm supposed to be.

Q: When you're discouraged, what do you run to or away from?

A: If I'm discouraged, I love to work. It's the best medicine. With my job I make people feel better and I get validation in doing that. I usually run to my friends, as well. I have wonderful people in my corner and they give the best advice.

Your favorite band at the moment: Foo Fighters, the old school songs are my jam. I got to go to the ACL Live taping at Moody Theatre last year, and I cried! Living in Austin has definitely furthered my love for music.

Your favorite book at the moment: My favorite book is the “Time Traveler’s Wife." I’ve been into sappy romantic books, since my mom always had them lying around our house growing up. This book was easy to get sucked into and hard to put down.

Your local Austin gem:

A: Thai Fresh! I actually lived in their neighborhood and fell in love with the atmosphere, staff and the food. It's like my second home, and it's always changing, but maintains a comfortable feel. Plus, the bakery case gets me every time.

Also, take the classes! Jam is a wonderful teacher and the meal you get at the end of the class is totally worth it and it’s made by you.

Your social media handles: You can find Stephanie online on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.