We were lucky to catch up with Liliana Aranda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Liliana, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Therein lies the answer: being the only one who looks like me is an advantage, never a disadvantage for defending success and effectiveness. I have always known that I’m very different.
A well-blended mix of cultures, backgrounds, experiences, professional and personal challenges that form my personality and characteristics that make me a “one and done” individual. Because I am so unusually designed, I use my rare creative energy to be a master at problem-solving. I use my one-of-a-kind perspective to innovate, design, and disrupt common business challenges. With my proprietary knowledge and skills, I can offer experience, expertise, and unbridled passion for what I do and believe–something that no one else can imitate, plagiarize, sustain, nor duplicate. I took a common disadvantage and setback, and made it my strongest trait.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Liliana, an esthetician of over 14 years with a passion for giving my Guests their best skin they’ve ever had, with a French twist! I blend French standards, ingredient knowledge, and cultural norms with my rare blend of persistence, passion and perseverance.
At age three, I was my father’s personal barber. At age six, I graduated to full-service manicures, pedicures, and grooming. I loved making “kitchen sink masks” of fruit and vegetable scraps, with my father more than willing to allow me to test them out.
After his death in 2019, his legacy of business building and innovation inspired me to create my own skincare collection. From one product to over 25, my collection has grown to include items for Menopause skin conditions, and passion of mine.
My love for French skincare expanded in 2018 to design a new way to introduce French brands to American Estheticians and Spa Guests–my problem-solving brain kicked in and created the Esthie Besties Paris Tours. These are Education Vacations™ I have curated myself to bring spa professionals to Paris to be enlightened, inspired, and challenged in their profession and pursuits. Now, after several tours, I have the distinction of having 75-100% client retention rate, and eight sold out tours since 2020.
While my professional story is one I am very proud to share, my greatest personal milestone is caring for my elderly mother and keeping her healthy and happy. She is my motivation to keep on going, and with her by my side, I truly can achieve anything.
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?
My secret sauce is three simple ingredients:
• passion for my craft, whatever it may be
• tireless persistence to get the job done, or get the results desired
• and perseverance to keep getting up when I fall, and never stop.getting back up.
My advice is as simple as my recipe:
• don’t do what you don’t love, period
• love who you do it for, otherwise you’ll build resentment
• always let yourself take a break, even if you think you’re ok, you need rest to reset!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Napoleon Hill’s “Think And Grow Rich” changed my life! It helped me reevaluate my relationship with money and wealth. After reading the book many times, it helped me understand that riches goes beyond monetary value, it is riches in life. The book illustrates that it is the same amount of energy to be in a poverty mindset as it is to be in a wealthy mindset. This lesson has stuck with me for many years. Why think poor when you can think and grow rich?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facesbyliliana.com
- Instagram: @facesbyliliana or @beautiebestiesparistours or @atelierliliana
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/facesbyliliana
Image Credits
Anne Kohler
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