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

Hi Alejandra, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Taking risks has never been much of a problem for me. I love the spontaneous adventure it takes you on. However, if it intertwines with financial decisions that’s when anxiety is at an all-time high for me. When money is involved that’s when the negative thoughts all come rushing in, the doubts, the panic, and the fear of whether or not I would be able to provide for my four kids. As a mom you’re constantly questioning every move you make, hoping the decision that I make every time is the right one. That’s where I begin to second guess myself…… Am I worth the risk?

I have been in the beauty industry since I was 16 years old. I have worked for other people for so long. With working with their terms and their schedule, doing their services, selling their products. Having to come in even on my days off for meetings or training that were unpaid, and having to ask permission if I needed time off. I knew I no longer wanted to do that anymore. I wanted to be my own person, following my own rules, be able to wear whatever I wanted from clothes down to the color of my nail polish, I wanted my terms, and to actually be a mom who was present in her own home. That manifestation pushed me to hustle, and that hustle got me the most loyal clients that I am extremely grateful for.

Making the decision to become an independent Aesthetician had all the fears in the world. Even though I had longed to be independent for a really long time. The risk of what was holding me back was the fact that there is no safety net when you go on your own. Your livelihood depends on your small business having that income rolling in to continue to be able to provide not just for your clients but for your family too. When I was finally able to push those doubts and fears aside, I was reminded why the risk was worth taking, knowing that my hopes and dreams were one step closer to becoming a reality. That I am the only one standing in my way. My focus, my drive, my ultimate passion for skincare is why I do what I do. I love every single thing about what it involves being an aesthetician who wants to focus on corrective skincare. It is the most rewarding feeling knowing you can help someone feel beautiful just the way they are. At that moment I was ready to face fear head on. (With a little help of course) If I had never taken that risk to invest in starting my own business. I would still be working in a job I was not fully satisfied with.

 
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Licensed Aesthetician and a certified lash artist in Tucson AZ; I am the face behind Fresh Faces with Ali where I offer corrective skincare specializing in acne, pigment, and anti-aging. I customize each treatment to specifically meet my clients skin care needs while targeting their concerns. I provide other services other than skin care which include waxing, brow lamination and lash lifts. Hopefully down the road I will get back into the lash extension world. I approach every client with a philosophy that’s straightforward, simple and affordable.

What sets me apart from others, that’s a really good question. I guess what sets me apart and got me where I am professionally was just completely being myself. Energy attracts energy. Over time you learn that you naturally align with those who are meant to be a part of your tribe. Which applies to our family, mentors, clients, friends and even our personal relationships. I always believe the way you treat others is how you will be perceived, treating others well, and making those connections that are so effortless will help your community grow over time.

I take pride in my relationships I’ve created with every client that walks through my door. Each bond that I create with every single one of them is so unique and different in their own special way. My desire to do the best work possible, by being detail oriented, educating in a way you can understand, and making sure every client walks out the door feeling they just received the best treatment they have ever received by me. It’s because of my clients and everyone who supports me. I am today doing what I LOVE most, which is bringing that confidence back and helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin. It wasn’t easy getting to the place where I am now. It took a lot of patience, blood, sweat and tears. With any challenge that comes there is always a learning experience that comes out of it. We learn through trial and error. When one door closes there’s another door that opens up an endless number of opportunities. If it’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that learning never ends. It’s the only way you can get better in life and in business.

 
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.
Oh the places we would go!!…. I love downtown Tucson, something about the buildings, the shops and the vibes I could live there if I could. I would like to go to Cafe A La Carte for breakfast. Go to Sonoita and do some wine tasting. Hops and Vine out there has the best wine called the Fluffer if they ever bring it back. Next destination would be to travel to Sedona and go hiking on Devils Bridge, maybe hit up the hot springs before going into town and enjoying shopping and margaritas. Taking a roundtrip to Antelope Canyon to check out the spiral rock arches, and hitting up the Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon. Arizona has so much to offer as far as sight-seeing. Even if you’re feeling a little historic traveling to Bisbee and just for its small town to grab lunch is even a great way to spend your day.
 
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Success definitely happens when people work their butt off to get to where they want to be. It definitely helps when you have a great support system of people encouraging you along the way. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t the help of my family, my mentors and my close friends. There are so many people I would love to give shoutouts to individually, but we will be here all day if I did. I want to start off by thanking my boyfriend who has held down the fort with the kids since the day I went back to school to pursue my career, along with dealing with my long work hours, hearing me vent on all my problems, and going through the hoops with me when I’m constantly wanting to change things up. Then there’s my kids, who had to get used to new routines with not seeing me as much during my crazy school and work schedules. Although they don’t know it, they push me, and they make me want to be better. I wanted to show them that they can do and be anything they want to become or accomplish in life when they put their minds to it, especially in business life. I wanted to show them that it takes time, heart, and dedication. Those dreams are achievable when you’re facing your fears and insecurities, and that hard work eventually pays off.

I also want to shout out to my best friend who has supported the dream since day one and has been a forever client of mine since my school days. Thank you, friend, for continuing to believe in me. I also couldn’t have made it without my great group of family and friends who have sent referrals my way, asking how they can help support me whether it’s direct services or purchasing products directly. I appreciate every single one of you.

Getting support didn’t just come from my family and friends. I couldn’t believe the amount of support I received from people in this beauty industry alone. Who saw my potential and believed in my success when I was blind to see it for myself. The beauty industry is a tough one to be in, with everyone who has the same goal in mind as you do. We’re all just trying to make it in this big world, and it can show someone’s true colors and test someone’s true character. It shows you who is really against you through intimidation and those who are really for you and wanting to see you succeed. I’m very fortunate to have found a handful of people who I can come to. I couldn’t have done it without the help of your guidance and advice. Lending a listening ear to hear me ramble on in circles with my panic and fears. Wondering if I was doing the right thing. They held me up during my hard times. They are seriously the best group of girls/boss babes so thank you to my work wife Lauren, my mentor Julia, my friends Ayla, Katie and Sabrina.

Last but not least, I couldn’t have taken this leap of faith without the support of my clients. They’re the real MVP here. I wouldn’t be on this new journey in my life, and I’m incredibly humble to have the most loyal and amazing clients. They build me up and continue to show up for me. I can’t thank them enough for the love and support they’ve shown me this past year. The number of referrals that they’ve sent, the traveling they make to see me, but most importantly for choosing me out of everyone else. For showing the utmost support and trusting me to be a part of their skin journey has been the most rewarding for me.

 

Website: fresh-faces-byalejandra.square.site

Instagram: instagram.com/skincare_by_ali

Other: Email: Skincarebyisola@gmail.com

Image Credits
Tracy Kranz

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