Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Gonzalez.
Hi Darcy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Darcy Gonzalez. As a nine-year-old, I started seeing little red bumps on my face that turned into cystic acne on my face and I was confused about why my friends and siblings were not struggling the way I was. My family worked very hard to help me to see a few different doctors because we were struggling financially and did not have health insurance. I eventually saw a dermatologist who gave me a few different medications to try after not having luck with the various attempts he finally told me that maybe it was time for Accutane. Accutane is a medication that shrinks your oil glands to help reduce the amount and intensity of your acne. This medication is also very expensive, I paid around $10 for A pill which I had to take two a day. This cycle lasts about four to six months, and I did multiple cycles from the age of 12-16 or 17. A few of the possible side effects are VERY dry skin, extra sensitivity to the sun or other skin products, and depression. So now although my skin was clearing up, my skin is super sensitive and very dry. I felt all of these side effects I was in my teen years and I felt like I wasn’t confident in my skin and I hated looking in the mirror or taking pictures. After graduating high school and finishing my last cycle of Accutane, I was worried about my future without Accutane. After about a year, all the acne came back. I had all of the same emotions I had when I was 12. I decided I needed to educate myself and learn about why my skin is reacting this way and how I can help others who are struggling like me. I enrolled at the Skin Science Institute of Laser and Esthetics in Orem and graduated with Honors and even went back to get my Esthetician Educator’s certification. I quickly learned that my acne was genetic and caused by hormones. I also learned that acne is a disease that can be maintained but for those with genetic/hormonal acne (like myself) it cannot be cured. A few chemical peels and microneedling sessions later, I was starting to see results and started to love my skin. The more I was able to take the time to take care of my skin, the more I noticed my skin was thanking me! I knew that this was something I wanted EVERYONE to learn! I didn’t want anyone to feel the way I did.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I know that when I started my skin journey, I was nervous to reach out to anyone about my skin concerns, in fear that what I should be doing was obvious and I’d sound “uneducated” for asking. I was doing the best I could with the resources I and wasn’t able to get the results I expected. People would undermine me and tell me “just wash your face.” Those initial feelings of tension and fear is the first thing I want to avoid. I do my best to create a space that has a welcoming energy, to help teach you with kindness and love. As your Master Esthetician, my biggest goal is to help each client learn what their skin is trying to tell them. I’d also say a big part of my job is to let each client (and the reader) know, that it is important to love yourself as you are today because tomorrow isn’t promised. It would be a shame if you left this earth, not knowing how special you are.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m licensed to offer derma exfoliation, advanced facials, lash extensions, lash lifts, brow laminations, and I recently added many more services to my repertoire. I enjoy focusing on the face care aspect of esthetics. Acne can also be caused by stress and diet. I learned that my body, like all of our bodies, is just trying to communicate with me and let me know what inner problems I need to be working on. Our bodies tend to hold a lot of trauma in addition to the physical things we can identify. I was blessed to learn about lymphatic drainage and other methods like crystals, aromatherapy, and healing frequency soundtracks to help release inner trauma. I advertise these treatments because I have repeatedly seen real results with their use. My acne has drastically changed because I know how to manage and take care of my skin in ways that work for me. I’ve also started doing 1:1 classes with licensed professionals to help them gain confidence and knowledge on the services they’re performing! I only want to help more estheticians in Utah gain confidence to better serve our community! I’m very blessed, to say the least! I love what I do!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
As a little girl, I had a trampoline in my backyard. I’d play my CDs and pretend to be on stage performing as I’d sing, dance and jump around haha. When I’d get tired of singing my different “sets”, I’d go eat some delicious raspberries from our raspberry bush. It’s nice to look back on those times and remember how much I’ve grown. At the same time, it’s pretty neat to see the little girl in me come out and bring out the creativity that I bring into my business.
Pricing:
- Signature Facials $60
- Chemical Peels start at $65
- Classic Lashes Full Set $110
- Volume Lash Full Set $130
- Lash Lift & Tint $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://auralashbeauty.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/auralashbeauty_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darcysesthetics?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Shay K Willis @shaykphoto
Darcy Gonzalez – Aura Lash Beauty LLC
