We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Gabrielle Karimi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie Gabrielle, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
When I think about resilience, I picture my parents, who immigrated to this country from the Philippines with little but a dream and a work ethic that could move mountains. They both came from challenging beginnings, where opportunities were scarce and obstacles were many, yet they held on to the hope of a better future, determined to carve out a life they could be proud of. Growing up in this environment, resilience wasn’t something explicitly taught—it was simply how life was lived. It was the quiet persistence of early mornings and long days, the resolve that pushed them forward even when it seemed the odds were stacked against them.
My journey to resilience, however, didn’t just come from observing their struggles and successes. My own path has been shaped by personal trials, from building my business to finding my voice in the beauty and content creation industry. There have been times when setbacks made me question everything, moments when success felt so close yet just out of reach. There are still times when I wonder if I should pivot in a new direction or if my work will pay off as I hope. In the creative space especially, resilience means practicing a lot of delayed gratification—pouring time and energy into your craft, holding onto the hope that the payoff will come in the future. It can be incredibly tough, and it demands faith, especially on the days when doubt feels overwhelming.
In those moments, the example set by my parents reminds me that resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a choice you make every day to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the road becomes.
Through this blend of heritage and experience, I’ve learned to find purpose within challenges, to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, and to stay grounded in my “why.” Each setback, I now understand, is a stepping stone to something greater, a way of preparing me for the next phase of my journey. Resilience, to me, is about holding onto the vision that even in struggle, beauty and progress are possible—a lesson my parents taught me and one I carry forward in everything I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At my core, I’m someone who loves pouring into others and helping them grow, and this personal trait defines my approach to both beauty and content creation. As a master esthetician, I focus on reaching clients with skin of color, knowing how challenging it can be to find professionals in the industry with expertise in this area. Beauty is inclusive and I’m passionate about creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and cared for. What excites me most is transforming the skin of those who may have felt limited in treatment options, showing them that they, too, deserve exceptional care and results.
In December, I’ll be hosting an event in collaboration with Idina Bridal, tailored especially for brides. I’m thrilled about this opportunity and can’t wait to share more details soon.
In content creation, I’m equally committed to uplifting others. As my platform grows, my focus is on helping other aspiring creators who might feel intimidated by the industry. There’s so much potential in this space, and I want to be a resource for anyone looking to build their voice, confidence, and brand. I truly believe the opportunities are endless and that with the right guidance, anyone can reach their goals. Think of me as your content guide/bestie!
I’m not launching anything new at the moment, but stay tuned for more content that dives into the real, raw moments of this constant balancing act—running one business while building another!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities and skills have been particularly impactful: resilience, empathy, and expertise in my field.
1. Resilience: The beauty and content creation industries can be unpredictable and demanding, and resilience has been my anchor. Staying committed, even when results aren’t immediate, and learning to adapt to challenges have kept me moving forward. For those starting out, I’d say, embrace setbacks as part of the process. Set small, achievable goals, celebrate your wins, and remember that every hurdle is a stepping stone.
2. Empathy: In beauty, especially as an esthetician, empathy has allowed me to truly connect with my clients and understand their unique needs. Creating a space where people feel valued and heard is what makes the work so fulfilling. My advice for beginners is to listen actively. Whether you’re working with clients or connecting with an audience, understanding their stories and perspectives makes a huge difference.
3. Expertise in Your Field: Knowledge is everything. From mastering techniques in skincare to understanding the needs of skin of color, building a strong foundation has empowered me to make informed decisions for my clients. For anyone starting out, invest in education—whether it’s formal training, workshops, or even online courses. Staying informed not only builds confidence but also keeps your skills fresh and adaptable.
If you focus on developing resilience, empathy, and expertise, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to grow and thrive in whatever journey you’re on.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
It’s incredibly easy to get overwhelmed, no matter where you are in your career, business, side hustle, or personal journey. It’s all part of the process of growth.
When I feel overwhelmed, I make a conscious effort to pause and reconnect with my purpose. Overwhelm can make even the smallest tasks feel monumental, so I break things down into manageable steps and focus on one thing at a time (even though this can feel challenging as someone who struggles with ADHD).
I also prioritize self-care in these moments, whether that’s taking a short walk, journaling, or simply giving myself permission to step away. Allowing myself a moment to collect my thoughts helps me return with a clear mind and a renewed sense of purpose.
My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to create space for yourself—don’t feel guilty about taking breaks. I know it’s hard, and it may feel like you’re setting yourself back, but taking that moment actually brings you closer to your goals. Focus on what you can control, set realistic expectations, and remember that balance isn’t achieved all at once; it’s built moment by moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ModernAestheticsCollective.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Jamieegabrielle + Instagram.com/AestheticianJamie
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/Jamieegabrielle4
Image Credits
Jordan Voth
Suzie Reecer
Jamie Gabrielle (myself as photographer for last photoshoot)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
