杏吧论坛

Alumni Spotlight: Angela Leto, Esthetician and Spa Owner

Alumni Spotlight on CV Skin Care graduate and owner of Geneva Esthetics, Angela Leto! During her time at CV, she most valued the nurturing environment encouraged by her instructors, as it fostered growth in herself and her peers. After graduating in 2017, she worked in multiple businesses as an esthetician, and in 2022, she took a massive leap and opened Geneva Esthetics. Geneva Esthetics recently moved to a brand-new space in Sussex, NJ, where Angela expanded her business offerings to include spray tanning, lash services, and more! From a young age, Angela dreamed of owning a spa and has since turned her passion for skincare into a thriving business.

Angela wants her story to be about the power of persistence and patience. If you work hard and continue to pursue what you love daily, the possibilities of what you can accomplish are endless.

• What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? Skin Care 
• What year did you graduate? 2017 and Miss Melissa was my teacher
• What are you doing now? Full-time at Crystal Springs Resort as a Recruiting Assistant, and Own/Esthetician at my business Geneva Esthetics.
• What was your journey like to get to your current role? After graduating from 杏吧论坛, I started working for my Mom’s business, K&P Holistic Health and Fitness as their Esthetician in Franklin, NJ. Unfortunately, once Covid came, my mom had to close her shop. From there I worked at Nail Studio in Franklin, NJ for a few years as their Esthetician. In 2022 I took the leap and created Geneva Esthetics, and opened up my suite in Oakland, NJ. All of my hard work and dedication have paid off, and my dream space has become available! Geneva Esthetics is now located at 77 Main Street Sussex, NJ. I offer Facials, Spray Tanning, Lashes, and more!
• What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? The hands-on experience with all the clients/students, the teachers, and the atmosphere.
• What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? Miss Melissa’s voice in my head anytime I am moving too fast on a client’s face. All I hear is, “Slow and steady.” Best teacher ever!
• Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? Definitely go with your gut and passion! I say this, because originally I wanted to do cosmetology that way I would be licensed in everything 鈥� It took me about two to three meetings with Jacquline before deciding on Esthetics only. Skincare is my passion and helping others is a plus.
• Do you have any wise words for current students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? DO NOT GIVE UP! Find your niche to stand out and be consistent with everything you do. Success takes time, and CONSISTENCY IS KEY.
• What CV product is always in your inventory or on your shelf? Why? I always have two on hand! Dermafluide and Tumeric Mask. Dermafluide is the BEST makeup remover/cleanser, and the turmeric mask works amazing for my acne clients.

Link to Angela’s website:

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Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

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As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

Alumni Spotlight: Marisa Napoli, Spa Owner and Esthetician

Alumni Spotlight on CV Esthetics Grad and new owner of Spa Rockaway, Marisa Napoli! Marisa is a rising star in the beauty industry, reaching remarkable heights quickly since graduating from 杏吧论坛 in 2022. Marisa attributes her drive and passion for the industry to the staff and students at CV, who were always so dedicated to helping and supporting each others’ success. Marisa shared that this supportive environment helped her flourish and is where she learned that if you truly love what you do, you鈥檒l never work a day in your life!听

These ideals stuck with her as she entered the workforce, landing a job as an Esthetician at the successful Spa Rockaway in Queens, NY. Her dedication to the job, love for skincare, and desire to learn all facets of the business helped her climb into a managerial position, which later transitioned to her becoming the spa owner! 

Her advice to those interested in pursuing a career in beauty is that it is never too late to do what you love. Don鈥檛 listen to negativity; take the first step. Pursue your education and soak up as much knowledge as possible; the possibilities are endless!

• What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? Esthetics 
• What year did you graduate? 2022
• What are you doing now? I am an esthetician, and I own a Day Spa in Rockaway Beach. 
• What was your journey like to get to your current role? I started at Spa Rockaway as an esthetician while the Spa was under the current ownership of Pat Rorke. I slowly started taking on more managerial roles and learning the ins and outs of the business. After some time working there, Pat noticed my dedication to the business and saw this as the perfect opportunity to take a step back and focus her energy on other opportunities. 
• What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? I loved how involved everyone was with each other! All of my teachers were so informative and helpful, answering any questions I may have had. Even all of my fellow peers were amazing; we never judged each other. It was the most supportive environment!
• What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? When you genuinely love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. 
• Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? Don鈥檛 be scared or listen to negativity – you should 100% take that step! I finished college and only went to esthetician school after. It鈥檚 never too late. 
• Do you have any wise words for current students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Everyone has to start somewhere! Experience and education are everything. Soak up as much as possible, and never stop furthering your knowledge. 
• What CV product is always in your inventory or on your shelf? Why? I love Lotion X for extractions! It really helps to make extractions easier and less painful. 

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Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

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As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

Alumni Spotlight: Gabriel Taylor, National Aesthetician, Skin Expert & Business Owner

Alumni Spotlight on esthetics grad, Gabriel Taylor! A National Aesthetician and Skin Expert, Adjunct Instructor for 杏吧论坛, and founder of his cosmetic/spa consulting company, Taylor Made Consulting!

Gabriel has accomplished many things throughout his professional journey and always gives credit to those who have helped him along the way! While enrolled at 杏吧论坛, he was taken under the wing of Ms. Marina Valmy, who saw his potential and recommended he become the Product Representative at 杏吧论坛 once he graduated. This experience opened a new world of possibilities for Gabriel, including opening his spa/cosmetics brands consulting firm and working for Estee Lauder as a Brand Representative. At Borghese, Gabriel travels the country as their skin expert, doing facial events, educating about their products, press interviews, and more!

His advice to upcoming estheticians is to stay curious! Don’t limit yourself  – see all the opportunities that await you! Gabriel is another shining member of our CV Family and makes us proud every day with his consistent achievements and hard work.

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I听studied esthetics. My goal was to come to 杏吧论坛 to earn my esthetics license and work in a spa performing facials. Having suffered from acne as a teenager and young adult, facials ended up being what cleared up my skin. I became very passionate about skincare. After visiting other esthetics schools in NYC and discovering their Director鈥檚 were Valmy graduates, that was my deciding factor to enroll in the school.听
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated in May 2006! I can鈥檛 believe it! I just dated myself!听
3. What are you doing now? I am very busy between operating my own consulting company, teaching as an adjunct professor at 杏吧论坛 and serving as the National Aesthetician and Skin Expert for luxury Italian skincare brand Borghese Roma. I founded my consulting company while working for the Est茅e Lauder Companies nearly 20 years ago. I discovered that companies had a need for training and maximizing their cosmetic retail and spa operations and my Father had worked in consulting for years. So I began my consulting career working under his company. I then branched off on my own. I ended up working as a cosmetics executive for many years which included launching brands into national retailers such as Ulta, representing brands on QVC and now representing an iconic brand like Borghese. All of this stemmed from my 杏吧论坛 education.听
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role?听It鈥檚 funny, my original goal was to simply work in a spa doing facials. While a student at 杏吧论坛 we were encouraged to practice recommending home care to our clients in clinic. I apparently was very good at selling and product knowledge because it was Marina Valmy herself who saw my potential and hired me upon graduation to work as a product rep for the skincare division of 杏吧论坛. The rest as they say was history! I never would have imagined a career in cosmetic retail.听
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? I loved theory and learning about ingredients. That has served me very well in my career. I became fascinated with formulas and was privileged to be taken under the wing of Marina Valmy who is one of the most respected cosmetic chemists in our industry. My professional and personal friendship with Marina is my most cherished takeaway from my time as a student.听
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? How to use my hands. As an esthetician your hands are your tools. You can always tell the difference between an experienced pro and a novice by their touch. At Valmy I was able to hone in on my facial technique and ensure I was using my hands properly. I also had the honor of meeting Miss 杏吧论坛 herself. She taught me something that I have never forgotten and that is the power of the placebo effect. Yes skincare works and makes our skin healthy. But how beauty products and treatments make the client feel is just as valuable. Miss Valmy spoke of the importance of having your client leave that treatment room feeling more beautiful than when she came in. If someone feels good in their own skin then we are doing our job as estheticians.听
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? My advice for someone considering getting into the beauty industry is to be patient, listen to what people say, and be very gentle in every way possible. Never make your clients feel like they are either rushed during a service or that they are being judged; always keep in mind how you would feel!
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Beware of well meaning people! People often want to tell you what you can and cannot do. You have to listen to your own inner voice and that inner voice should be a healthy one.
9. Which CV products are always in your Inventory or shelf? That would have to be the iconic Lotion X! This product has cult status in the esthetics world for making extractions quick and painless. It is the best desincrustation lotion on the market today and for good reason.听听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听
   
   

   Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

   
   
   

   As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

   
   

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Alumni Spotlight: Kalliopi Perceli, Esthetician at Sage Day Spa

Alumni Spotlight on esthetics grad, Kalliopi Perceli! She is an empathetic and hardworking individual whose educational journey was driven by a love for skincare and a desire to grow her knowledge in the field. The most valuable lesson she learned at CV is the importance of helping others feel their best. Creating a warm and judgment-free environment is important for any client-facing role, but it is crucial as an esthetician. Honing her interpersonal skills has been vital for Kalliopi’s growth and success in the skincare industry, and she now confidently pampers clients at Sage Day Spa in Connecticut! Her advice to new graduates is to be patient while searching for jobs, and to never stop learning – continuously improving your craft is key to becoming a desired esthetician!

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? Esthetics. My specialties are facials, waxing and makeup but I mainly focus on facials, back facials and waxing!
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated in April of 2022! 
3. What are you doing now? I am a member of Sage Day Spa LLC in Seymour CT.
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? My journey has been incredible! I work with two wonderful people, and I meet so many new people who really enjoy getting their services done by me!
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? I really loved CV! I love that I got to learn all the things I have learned! I love that it was my introduction to entering the beauty industry! I am grateful for everyone I met at CV, from teachers to classmates! Lastly, I am honored that I had the chance to work with CV products and find out how great and simple they are to use!
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? The thing that I still keep from my times in CV is that you should never judge someone because you never know what they have been through or even what they are going through and that we should try our best to make them feel their best!
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? My advice for someone considering getting into the beauty industry is to be patient, listen to what people say, and be very gentle in every way possible. Never make your clients feel like they are either rushed during a service or that they are being judged; always keep in mind how you would feel!
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Remember that it鈥檚 not the easiest thing to start from scratch. They will have to be very focused on their studies now that they are still in school because when it鈥檚 time to get a job, they will need to be prepared because there are so many professionals with much more experience!
9. Which CV products are always in your Inventory or shelf? My top products are the Cherry Mask (#1) because it is super hydrating and works for all skin types! Coming in on number 2 is Body Satin  because it has such a smooth and hydrating feeling to it! Last but not least is 5.5 pH TONER because it is great for everyone! These are my top 3 products but I love all CV products that are out there!                                                                                             
   
   

   Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

   
   
   

   As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

   
   

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Alumni Spotlight: Chelsea Blackburn Owner of Dew You Skincare & Lore Skincare

Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Chelsea Blackburn! She is an ambitious individual whose skincare concerns ignited a passion for beauty and motivated her to become a spa owner and founder of her skincare line! Chelsea likens herself to a sponge who wants to soak up as much knowledge and understanding as possible. After experiencing skin care problems at 20, she embarked on a journey to discover the root of the issues and how to prevent and treat them. This led her to enroll at 杏吧论坛, where she fell in love with learning about skincare and esthetics. She believes that becoming a student at CV was the best decision she ever made! Afterward, she took her business acumen and the knowledge she acquired at CV and decided to open up her beauty spa and her skincare line, ! She lives her dream life and believes all the effort and sleepless nights were worth it. Her advice to students about graduating from CV is to never stop learning! There’s always room to learn more about skincare and the Beauty Industry. Keep striving for success, and your dreams will come true one day! 

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? Esthetics.
2. What year did you graduate? 2012 in the New York location.
3. What are you doing now?听I own and operate 3 locations – in Beverly Hills, NYC, and Sacramento. I recently received a diploma in organic skincare formulation and launched my first two skincare products in September 2023. I plan to expand my Beverly Hills location in 2024 and add another Esthetician or 2.
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role?听I was working in hospitality management when I got my esthetics license. It wasn鈥檛 until the pandemic that I decided to start my own business (without prior salon experience eek). I had a lot of experience on the business operations side, so I figured I could take my passion for skincare and people skills and do my own thing. It required much more research – I read many online materials and books and even got certified in facial acupressure. I realized that I wanted to focus solely on providing facials, and my technique has evolved into a primarily massage-focused treatment with gentle resurfacing products (mostly all still CV) and thorough extractions. I am focusing on the skin’s general health by improving circulation, and I have so many people who want this type of treatment. I have utilized social media to get a lot of my clients. I try to record as much content of my treatments as possible (of course, getting consent first). This has proved to be a great way to showcase what I do without someone being referred by a听friend. Taking before/after photos is also a great way to see what I am actually doing to their skin.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student?听Learning anything and everything skin! I was never drawn to waxing; lashes and brows weren鈥檛 a thing when I went to school. But I decided to go to school mainly because of my skin journey. I developed horrible acne for the first time when I was about 20 years old and had no idea how to take care of it. When I went to a derm, she just told me to take medication and use a topical cream but didn鈥檛 explain WHY I was having my issue and why these medications were going to help. I wanted to understand precisely why my skin was freaking out and how to properly manage my acne as well as prevent it. So learning about all of this in school was very exciting for me. I also loved that it was a family-owned and women-run business with products that were made in their own lab in small batches. All things I still stand behind. Also, fun fact: I went to school full-time Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm and worked in the evening from Tues-Sat 10 pm-3 am鈥� so I was getting one day off to study and about 4 hours of sleep every night. To this day, I have no idea how I did that and still got A鈥檚! But I know I was so excited to learn and wanted to do a good job鈥攐ne of my best decisions! I also loved the practical section because when someone was giving me a facial, I could sleep :).
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? I can鈥檛 remember if an instructor told us this or if it was a video; however, 杏吧论坛 herself said that people should be getting facials so they don鈥檛 have to get a facelift too early in life – and it鈥檚 because of the constant lifting from the specific facial technique. I always thought that was funny, but honestly, it is accurate and something I like to pass on to my clients. It鈥檚 not as expected, but I still use the cotton technique throughout the whole facial. I think it鈥檚 a great way to get more lifting throughout the whole treatment.
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? Do your research on schools and just start. You can鈥檛 do anything without the license; once you鈥檙e in school, you鈥檒l usually know what you gravitate towards. Once you have your license, you can continue your education and get certified on specific things. Follow spas and estheticians on Instagram whom you gravitate towards. This will also help you figure out the kind of thing(s) you want to do.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Be a sponge! If you are reading materials or following accounts online, make sure you are actually retaining the information. The more you know, the more you can share with your future clients. Try to work with as many different people as possible – this way, you familiarize yourself with all the different skin types, ethnicities, and ages. You will be better equipped to feel confident when you get new clients. Continue to ask yourself the 鈥渨hy鈥檚.鈥� Why are you using X product on their skin? Why are you using this technique? Why should they be using X products at home? – you should be able to answer and communicate these answers to your clients. This will create trust and respect between the two of you. Find places you think you鈥檇 want to work at and message them on social media, asking if they鈥檙e hiring. Even if they鈥檙e not, they will keep you in mind when they are.听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听 听听
   
   

   Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

   
   
   

   As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

   
   

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Alumni Spotlight: Olga Familia, Co-Owner of Blossom Studio Spa & Training Center LLC

Alumni Spotlight is back, featuring Esthetics grad, Olga Familia! As a former student and Esthetic Instructor at 杏吧论坛, Olga understands the value of education and how it can open doors leading to exciting new opportunities. During her time as a student at CV, the instructors’ passion for the industry was infectious, and the care they showed in their teachings played a large part in expanding her skincare knowledge and fueling her desire to become an esthetics educator. Her love for beauty and her esthetics skills grew, culminating in her decision to partner with her nieces to open their dream beauty spa, Blossom Studio Spa & Training Center LLC! Now, every day, she gets to wake up and work at a job she loves because she put in the hard work needed to follow her passion. She hopes that her story can inspire others to do the same!

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied esthetics at CV.
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated in 2016.
3. What are you doing now? In June 2022, I partnered with my nieces to open my dream spa: Blossom Studio Spa & Training Center LLC in Cranston, Rhode Island. I offer services such as facials, micro-needling, derma-planning, and much more. I also offer seminars to graduate students.
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? I started my journey working in a day spa. Then, I moved to a dermatology office. After receiving my esthetics instructor license, I started working as an esthetic instructor at CV.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? My favorite part was the hands-on training and being able to do facials for my family and friends. Also, the instructors were passionate about teaching students and making sure they understood what they were learning.
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? I learned that you can choose to do what you love in this field and take that passion to the next level.
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? My advice is to follow your passions, always work to be a better you, and to continue your education journey. The more you know, the more you grow.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? It is very important to keep a positive mindset. This journey has ups and downs, but be consistent, confident and always keep learning to be successful, because this industry is growing so fast. The more trainings your take more prepared you are.

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Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

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As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

Alumni Spotlight: Yokayra Rojas, Owner of Enchantress Beauty Spa

Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Yokayra Rojas, a lifelong learner who dreamed of working in the beauty industry! Her pursuit of knowledge and passion for her trade drove her to attend CV, gaining the knowledge and skills that prepared her to open her own spa! To Yokayra, pursuing one’s passion will always bring forth a satisfying and fulfilling professional life, despite the obstacles that may arise. That’s why, despite the challenges she faced while opening her business, she wouldn’t trade her profession for any other in the world.听 The most valuable thing CV taught her was that we always have room to learn more. Yokayra has continued her education after graduating, which has been essential in ensuring her clients get the best and most up-to-date treatments. Every day, she strives to improve her practice and hopes to inspire the next generation of beauty enthusiasts to do the same!听

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I went to 杏吧论坛 for the Esthetician course.
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated right before the pandemic in 2020.
3. What are you doing now? I am a solo esthetician with a store font location in Washington Heights
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? Becoming a business owner has been challenging but worth it, I create my own schedule, but also I am working in the field that I love.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? My favorite part about my time at CV was getting to know many people with the same passion as me, some of whom I still keep in contact with.
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? At CV, I learned always to keep educating myself to give the client the best possible experience.
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? The beauty industry is fast-growing, and if you have a passion for beauty, you will enjoy what you’re doing while making money. It will never feel like a job.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? My advice is to keep educating yourself and not sell yourself short. Do not doubt yourself. You are a professional and received an esthetic license because you know exactly what you are doing. Do not let fear get in the way of your success.

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Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

Alumni Spotlight: Lilly Rojas, Owner of Lilli and Cata Nail Saloon!

Alumni Spotlight on Nail Specialty grad, Lilly Rojas! Her dream of owning a nail salon led her down an exciting path full of insight, including an education from 杏吧论坛. She knew leading by example and operating a successful business required in-depth knowledge of the nail industry, including the art and science of nails. During her time at CV, Lilly learned one of the most critical pieces of information she carries with her today as a nail salon owner – the importance of sterilization! Her message to all those pursuing a beauty education is to never stop learning or practicing their craft. Lilly also expresses the significance of doing what you love and encourages everyone starting out in the industry to remember their self-worth.

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied Nail Specialty.
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated in early 2019 (February I believe).
3. What are you doing now? I own a nail salon in Greenpoint, Brooklyn [].
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? It was a few years of looking for the perfect retail space before I signed up for classes until we found a perfect location for my nail salon while I was still at 杏吧论坛.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? I was able to familiarize myself with all the rules and steps of the state regarding what the law is for salons and learn all about manicures and pedicures, and even though I didn’t need a Nail Tech Specialty license I wanted to do this in order for me to be able to understand all best when dealing with those that worked for me and what the clients needed.
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? I learned how important sterilizing is at a salon and how so many don’t realize this when they step into a salon. Even though I knew I wanted to open a non-toxic nail salon, knowing to sterilize tools besides just sanitizing and disinfecting can prevent so many infections and diseases. Seems simple enough but unfortunately not every salon follows this extra step because it’s not required by law.
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? Know that you will always be learning and you should want to do that. Practice makes perfect and most importantly you should love what you do.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Practice your manicures as much as you can, with friends and family as timing is very important when working at a salon. The more you practice the better you’ll get. Always make sure to ask for what you know is right, whether that’s being paid by the hour or by commission. It’s sad that so many businesses still take advantage of this industry and I hear how many are underpaid or overworked without breaks. Know your worth.

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Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

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As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.

Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Martinez, Owner of Skin Vanity Beauty Studio

Alumni Spotlight: Francine Cotona, Owner of Afterglow Aesthetics

Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Francine Cotona! Francine knew that to turn her passion for beauty into a fulfilling career, she had to work hard and remain determined. Even though her initial interest was eyelash extensions, she quickly became obsessed with everything beauty after learning about all of the doors an esthetics education can open. Francine started her business, Afterglow Aesthetics, in February 2022 in the Sola Salon suites in Staten Island, but she’s not stopping there! She plans to continue growing her business and the services it offers. Francine shares some advice for those who work full-time jobs but are interested in receiving a beauty education. 

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied Esthetics at the New York 杏吧论坛 location.
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated from 杏吧论坛’s esthetic program in 2019.
3. What are you doing now? In February 2022, I opened in the new, beautiful Sola Salon suites in Staten Island, NY.
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? I worked a full-time job as an Insurance Coordinator for a dental office while taking the weekend esthetic course, so it was exhausting but VERY worth it. My interest has always been lash extensions, and having a license in esthetics was crucial for me. So many girls do lashes out of their homes with just a certificate, nothing against them, but I feel there are a lot of protocols and infection control that are not taught in enough depth while just getting certified.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? The hands-on training was my favorite, by far. When it came to taking my practicals, I was very confident in my abilities.
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? I’ve learned that there are many possibilities in this field and so many aspects I would want to incorporate into my business as it continues to grow.
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? If beauty is your passion – absolutely go for it! It can give you the freedom to build a business or have part-time, fulfilling work while keeping another job and balancing your family time.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Practice until you are an expert at your craft. I was putting eyelashes on friends and even my brother just to get my technique down. The more sure you are about yourself, the more it will show when you are interviewing for positions.
9. What CV product is always in your inventory or on your shelf?听杏吧论坛 is my go-to for bright smooth skin. I’ve tried many brands, and this is one I recommend to everyone! 听

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Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a 鈥渞oot system,鈥� and it鈥檚 why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a 杏吧论坛 graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

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As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated 杏吧论坛 homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.