We recently connected with Andrea Tejeda Bucio and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Growing up I always saw my parents working, from sun up to sun down. They worked in various things like agriculture and janitorial work. They would help other families with odd jobs, but one thing that my parents taught me was to work. My dad always said “there is always work, you just have to find it”. This mentality along with what i like to call the “I’ll figure it out” gene,
has allowed me to learn new habits and mentality which I applied to my studies and work ethic. I have been able to accomplish many things in my life, from finishing my studies early to me starting my own business to helping others do the same.
My parents were able to come to this country with nothing on them, they did’t know how to speak english, let alone read it or write it but that didn’t stop them from working hard to buy their own house and create the life they always wanted. While their absence was constant, that didn’t stop them from being active parents ensuring their children had what they needed.
Discipline can be diffcult to develop if you don’t have a goal in mind. My never ending goal keeps me going time and time again, The days I don’t want to accomplish anything, the days i don’t even want to get out bed are the days I am still able to get things done, discipline keeps me going to reach my goal.
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?
I am the owner of Bonita Aesthetics PDX, I am passionate Licensed Esthetician who is focused on bringing result driven services to the community. My passion came as young girl watching my mom get ready for the day. As I grew, I became more and more fascinated by anything in beauty. In my teenage years. I would do nails for close friends and family, I have always loved make up, and fragrance. Collecting fragrances is one of my favorite things to do. Due to life circumstances, I couldn’t attend school any earlier but I was finally able to return to school in 2022, graduating from Spectrum Advanced Aesthetic Institute. I went solo straight from school, skipping any advice on working for a spa first. I have successfully been a solo Esthetician going on three years, obtaining a store front within two years. I love to learn so I will probably continue to further my education any chance I get.
One of my hopes is to bring these services to the hispanic community I am bilingual and have been working to educate myself and learn to translate what I do. Many women do not know these services are even available because of the language barrier. These services are considered luxury in our community because we have been drilled to work and serve others that we always place ourselves last.
My mission for my business to make other women feel Bonita inside and out by providing services that will enhance one’s natural beauty and remove the idea that these services are out of reach because they are “luxury”.
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?
I haven’t been doing this for very long but my best advice to others, would be to do your research on the services you want to offer. One thing I realized was without having an idea of the type of facials or services you are going to offer, you will end up spending more money had you already had a plan. On that note, have a PLAN! or semi-plan, it just helps alot in the long run.
Ok as for the three qualities, I think you need to be disciplined, need to be flexible and need to have consistensy. Becoming a business owner is alot hardwork alot of self appointing, self regulating, self everything and there will be days you don’t want to get out of bed or see people and you will still need to get up and go do what you have to do. That’s why you need those qualities, those qualities are going to make sure things get done and goals are met.
The most important advice i can give is have fun on this beautiful journey, there is so much to learn in being a business owner and so many amazing opportunities it can be difficult to take advantage of them due to all the other responsibilities and duties.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I’ll be honest i don’t have a good answer for you. In stressfull situations, I step away, let my brain calm down. I then do things that are low stimulating and self calming, this could be going to rest in bed in the dark, maybe lay down with a face mask. I may play sudoku or a word puzzle on paper to try to stay away from my phone. It is usually during this time that I end up finding the answer or solution to my stress. I would love advice too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bonitaaestheticspdx.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @Bonitas.Aesthetics.PDX
- Facebook: Andrea Tejeda
Image Credits
Black shirt from spectrum advanced aesthetics, green scrubs is mine
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
