Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenise Rodriguez.
Jenise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m just a girl from Chicago with a passion for skincare! Growing up, I always helped my friends and family with their skin especially in high school. I always enjoyed popping pimples and extracting blackheads and then would help them find products appropriate for their needs. Years later, I discovered waxing (bless my friends) and that changed my life! I signed up for Esthetics School a few weeks after that!
Now, 11 years later, I have my own storefront in a predominantly Latino neighborhood and I am very proud to be there. It was a lot of hard work and determination. I worked and managed spas in Chicago, worked from home at some point and rented a small room in a salon before I was able to open my own space. I just made 2 years there!
The last 2 years have been my busiest and I’m still learning how to handle it. I’m still in shock that I can do what I love for a living. Helping people feel great in their skin means everything to me.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Money has always been the biggest struggle. I don’t have any. Haha! I didn’t take out loans to open my space. I used tiny savings I had and hoped for the best!
This was not handed to me and it’s taken me 11 years to get here. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings and hope I can inspire someone to fight for their dream. Especially, the younger generation.
I started working at 13 because I needed a lot more when I started high school and I didn’t want to burden my parents. I attended Lane Tech High School and always had a job while going to a magnet high school. I wasn’t able to join any sports or anything clubs because always had to work.
I went off to college and had to drop out due to Chicago gang violence. My younger brother was shot and we almost lost him. I felt like a failure because all I wanted was to be a positive role model for my younger siblings but they needed me to come home.
My original plan for my life didn’t work out but now I understand why. Building my brand and having a successful spa was my destiny. I had to come back. Now, I randomly get texts from my siblings telling me someone was talking about getting a facial with me and how proud they are of me.
I feel like a lot of younger girls may be able to relate to my upbringing and I hope they know there is nothing that can stop them but themselves. Having all that on my plate at such a young age really helped discipline me to run a business on my own. I can handle a lot and so can you. Never underestimate yourself. Expect to work hard, sometimes, you won’t have any days off but in the end, it will be so worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sanar Aesthetics – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
All facials are customized to my client’s needs. If you are unsure about the type of facial to book, I suggest we start with a basic 60/75 minute facial. We, then talk about a treatment plan and why I suggest it, and a few products they may need to add into their routine. Working together is key. Patience is also key.
I am by appointment only and that helps my clients feel more comfortable because it’s just us at their time of appointment. I handle a lot of acne clients and sometimes they may not want to talk about their issues in a room of people. After an acne facial, you may have some inflammation from extractions and the last thing I want is for them to feel uncomfortable leaving.
I also do all body waxing expect eyebrows. I specialize in Brazilian waxes especially for first timers or clients that have had bad experiences in the past.
I hope to continue to give the best customer service to my clients and I hope they always consider my space to be their ‘safe place’. Bringing awareness of the importance of self-care to women has always been very important to me.
Who have you been inspired by?
My Grandmothers and Mother.
These three women were all so strong in very different ways. I’ve learned how to love unconditionally, love hard and be tough enough not to take anything from anyone!
My voice is important.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3417 W Fullerton
Chicago, IL 60647 - Website: www.vagaro.com/jeniserodriguez
- Phone: 773-888-1790
- Email: sanaraesthetics@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanaraesthetics
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/facialsbyjenise/
- Other: www.sanarspa.com
Image Credit:
Julian Calderon
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
