Meet Mariana Rios | Licensed Esthetician & Cosmetologist

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

Hi Mariana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe taking risks has been the reason I have been able to pursue my dreams to become a reality and get to where I need to be in life. I think about risk as a necessity, a need to do. I think of it as the push & pull that we all need to get something done, wether it’s related to our personal life or career wise. To step out of our comfort zone and really take that leap of faith knowing that you could fail at something and still doing it because you can learn from it and try again. Taking risks has been the reason I am where I am today. Beginning from my childhood; I was born in Sonora, Mexico and my mother took that risk and leap of faith to leave everything behind and start from zero here, we both did al thought at that time I didn’t realize just how big of a change it was until I started getting older and understanding how big of risk and sacrifice that was, to leave family, friends jobs and start all over again. It has been motivation for me to follow and continue to take risks in my personally life as well as in my career. I had been doing hair styling and lash extensions for the past three years, but I wanted more for myself and after months of contemplating I finally went for it and decided to enroll myself in school again to obtain my second license which was my esthetician license to specialize in skincare and results driven skin treatments. During my three years as a cosmetologist I was booth renting at a salon and a few months ago I finally decided to take that big risk and open up my own suite and become a business owner. It was very scary and a big change for me but I am so glad I push through that fear and did it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider my work that I do on my guests my art, wether it’s facials, lashes or makeup, my guests are my masterpieces. The talents and gifts I was blessed with have given me the opportunity to help others, not only by enhancing their looks but also by bringing them confidence, self love. It goes far beyond then just a ‘cosmetic enhancement’. I take pride in my work, because it’s not just work to me it’s something I truly love and cannot see myself not doing that. I take pride in the way I treat my guests, I take that extra step to ensure that they not only receive a service but an experience. I ensure that everyone who steps foot in my treatment room leaves with nothing but good emotions and feelings. I am a big advocate for mental health and in this job I get to not only help with a physical look but also mentally, as someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety I love that I am able to be there for them and be that peace they needed to feel to know it will be okay, even if it’s momentarily. I am most proud about being able to provide the best experience in all aspects for my guests, I ensure that I have a safe space for everyone. An all inclusive space that’s comfortable, clean and cozy. I am most proud of my space. I am grateful that I am able to change someone’s live by the simple act of touch. Touch is very powerful and when you deal with various energies and individuals it is important to give it your all and truly make it an experience for them and go above and beyond for every one. I am most excited about being able to pursue and become my dreams a reality, becoming a business owner has been one my biggest dreams and I am glad that I am finally living it. Little by little things are coming together and I cannot wait to see where all my hard work takes me to and the opportunities and doors that will open for me. I got to where I am today by taking risks, by pushing myself to not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone and really put myself out there. I had to overcome fears and doubts and with my great support system I was able to truly push myself and even with that fear, just go for it. This journey hasn’t been easy but it has been so worth it. The tears, the sweat and the stress has been worth all the smiles, success and just over all blessings. I overcame challenge with the help of my loved ones, those close to me, those who have guided me and reminded me that it will be okay and I am capable of doing everything I set my mind to. The most important lesson I’ve learned though my journey is to be patient. Things will happen the way they need to happen when they need to happen. To not rush anything and not compare my journey to others. Just enjoy every step of the way. I want the world to know that Sonora Skin Studio is not only a business but Mariana as well. I am here to empower others, to remind you of the power you hold. I am dedicated to providing unique and personalized experiences, not only with my services but also with my words to bring out the best in others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Tucson for the first time I would start by taking them for a drive and walk in Downtown Tucson, I would take them to eat a slice of pizza at Empire Pizza then walk down 4th Avenue and stop by all the little shops. I would then plan a full day to drive up to Mount Lemon and go on a hike & enjoy a small picnic then eat at any of food shops they have and just enjoy the views, the weather (since it’s much cooler than Tucson) and all the beautiful nature. I would also plan a day to hike Tanque Verde Falls and enjoy all the nature. Tucson has so many beautiful scenery sites. I would also take them to try some of the best food spots in my opinion, such as Buffalo bell for the best wings, to mariscos chihuahua, and marymar to get some of the best corn in a cup in town. I would pick a day of the weekend to take them out to dance at highwire and also try their delicious chamoy shots. They have some of the best music and I love that they have an area inside to dance as well as the patio with two completely different vibes. To end their trip I would take them down to Bisbee, for their beautiful scenery and the the feel of going back in time. These are some of my favorite and most fun places that I love showing and taking my friends & loved ones to.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Delia Ramirez Franco, my mother. I thank her for her continuous and unconditional support, for pushing me to pursue my dreams and not be afraid of anything. She has been the greatest example to follow and I am forever grateful for her taking that leap of faith to find a better life for this has brought me unlimited opportunities. My friends and family for their unconditional love and support, thank you for being with me through it all. Major shout out to Chicanos por la cause specially Chris Prince for guiding me and helping me embark and navigate this new journey as a business owner. Thank you.

Website: https://sonoraskinstudio.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: SonoraSkinStudio

Facebook: Sonora Skin Studio

Other: Tiktok: maridawg

Image Credits
Lumi Gonzalez