Today we’d like to introduce you to Grisel Bravo.
Hi Grisel, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started in the middle of a challenging personal experience. I went through a difficult divorce and found myself in a big emotional mess. I did not know what to do and how to start over from scratch. I became a single parent of my three kids, and it was a little bit harder trying to be there for them and being a mom, but also trying to provide for them and not being able to do it the way I would like to. I worked full-time during the day and went to school at night to get my Esthetics license for a year that felt like forever. It was a stressful time. It’s still a bit stressful sometimes, trying to be in different places simultaneously and balancing personal life and business. But when you want something in life and set a goal, the only thing to do is keep moving forward.
While I was going to school, I did some research about the beauty industry, and most of the things I found were the majority of treatments offered in the industry were treating the symptoms of the skin condition and not the root of the problem. So basically, they were not treating the skin from the inside out. They were compromising the skin barrier; they were creating trauma in the skin. Remember, the skin is the biggest ORGAN in our body, and it needs to be treated as it is.
That’s when I decided to have a different approach to skin care services by providing a holistic approach. I got certified in Oncology facial treatments, traditional Chinese treatments, and Acne treatments. I found this beautiful plant-based skincare line aligned with my philosophy, and I use it exclusively in the treatment room. I am always looking for something healthy to offer to my clients that is going to be beneficial for their unique skin type.
My reason and motivation to keep going is my kids. My family is very important; they are my rock and strongest pillar. We went through a hard time, but together, we are stronger. They are the light of my life, and with this life lesson that I received, I learned that I am my most significant reason to do it because I want to, because I can, and because I have the will to do it. I owe this to myself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been smooth at all. I was not making enough money to pay for my esthetics school, so besides working full time, I was doing odd jobs on the weekends, such as cleaning houses, babysitting, and bartending to make the monthly payments. I was barely eating because I did not have time. I was exhausted mentally and physically; there were low moments when I wanted to give up. There was always that little voice trying to sabotage your work and your goals. I felt guilty because I could not be with my kids. I was under too much stress, and being in a hassle was unhealthy. My body ached from head to toe, and my heart was broken not being able to spend much time with my kids. I did not have a day off for a long time.
When I graduated from school, I did not want to go and work for somebody else; I wanted my own space, so I decided to open my studio. I opened my first studio in 2018 with zero clientele. I was still working full-time and doing business on the side. The first year was rough; no one was coming, and I was not making money. I was paying rent from my own pocket. I thought that I made a mistake. Eventually, people started to show up, but still slow. Then the pandemic hit, and unfortunately, I closed my studio like many other businesses affected by Covid.
One of the things I learned during this time as a small business owner is that some people think having a business means you are making a ton of money, but they do not know the behind-the-scenes: the sacrifices, the tears, and the hard work you put into it. I was a bit discouraged to see this.
Present day 2023, I am back, offering holistic services to treat the skin from the inside out. One challenge that I encounter is that people see facials as a luxury thing when they are not. I want people to understand that facials are essential and should be part of their monthly routines. There are benefits from it, such as tension release, better circulation, and flow, and it improves your facial expression. There is a before and after facial treatment. Never underestimate the power of a facial. Your face will thank you.
My journey is no different from anybody else. We all go through similar situations. As I mentioned previously, the only way to go is forward. Keep trying, even if it is rough. It is worthwhile and challenging at the same time. It has not been easy; I do not think there is anything in this life that is easy; you are always going to find obstacles and challenges, but you always find a way to make it. Just focus on your goal.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Integrative Skin Wellness?
Integrative Skin Wellnesness has a holistic approach to skincare by treating the skin from the inside out by using TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), such as Gua Sha, and Facial Cupping, which will help with fascia decompression, allowing a better flow and glow on your skin. I offer Facial Reflexology (Dien Chan Zome), a Vietnamese technique that works by stimulating points and zones on the face that help to improve the flow of energy around the body. It frees the energetic pathways and energizes the receiver’s physical, emotional, and mental spheres.
I offer a unique facial that is only provided to clients undergoing cancer treatments, those in cancer remission and recovery, those with heightened auto-immune activity, and those with a long list of allergens, including nuts.
I gently treat the skin so the skin barriers won’t be compromised to get results. My mission in Integrative Skin Wellness is to provide simple tools and knowledge so clients can apply them in their everyday skincare routine without pain. They will receive tender care that will make them feel loved, relaxed, and connected. I want my clients to feel important and welcome in my treatment room.
Nowadays, with social media, there is an urge to look younger and an incorrect idea of beauty, and they try to slow the aging process. It’s almost like it is a shame to age, but it all starts with you and in you. Be beautiful; feeling beautiful is not how you look but how you see yourself, love yourself, and self-care.
Integrative Skin Wellness uses a beautiful Organic plant-based skincare line formulated with impeccably sourced, highly vibrant whole plants picked at their peak for unmatched transparency, purity, and results. Firmly rooted in the principles and practices of mindfully sourced beauty, their exclusive partnerships with local artisan farmers ensure the highest quality and most stringent transparency. Their mutual commitment to only 100% organic, raw, unrefined plant materials guarantees unparalleled freshness and efficacy.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Dreams can come true as long as you do the work. Goals are about working every day with the mindset that it is worth the try. Dreams are about decisions, right and wrong. It is about choosing between going out or staying home and working towards your goals. It’s about focusing on your destination and putting anything that is not contributing at the moment to it on pause. It is about letting go of people or things that do not add to the equation or your growing path. You get exhausted, physically and mentally, but it is worth the try. You need to believe in yourself and surround yourself with the people who believe in you, support you, and cheer for you. There is nothing when you reach the bottom; the only way is to go up. Dream big and work smart.
Pricing:
- 90
- 215
Contact Info:
- Website: https://integrativeskinwellness.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativesw/
