Esthetician Talk: Lexli Interviews Yarely Rivera

Lexli continues its series of interviews with leaders within the field of aesthetics to get their take on industry trends, learn their top skin care recommendations, hear their tips for those just beginning their aesthetics career, and more. Whether you’re a professional in the field or a consumer looking for information to help your skin look and feel its best, we’re confident the interviews in this series will hold valuable information for you.

Meet Yarely Rivera.

A trusted skin expert and licensed aesthetician, Yarely has been helping men, women and teens attain glowing, beautiful skin for more than 16 years. A specialist in acne, pigmentation disorders and the management of signs of aging, Yarely sees clients in her spa, Flawless Boutique, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

L: Yarely, you’ve had a lot of experience in the aesthetics industry, working your way up from an aesthetician, to master aesthetician, to now a business owner and recognized skin care expert. What is the biggest lesson you learned during those 16 years and how has it shaped your skin philosophy?

YR: The lesson that stands out from those years is that to truly heal the skin and provide long-lasting results, we must dig deeper – beyond what our eyes can see – to not only treat the symptoms but actually reverse damage. This has shaped my approach to include an in-depth skin analysis; customized treatments that treat the skin at the cellular level; recommended lifestyle and diet changes, if needed, to heal the skin from the inside out; and providing my clients with an education so they learn how to manage their skin and understand the benefits that professional topical skin care products provide.

L: What is your favorite part of being an aesthetician?

YR: I most enjoy the fact that I get to make a positive difference in my clients’ lives. Helping them achieve skin improvement causes their self-confidence to improve while giving them a sense of self-empowerment. I also get to promote a healthy lifestyle, which is so rewarding. The women I get to work with keep me inspired. My clients come from all walks of life but have one thing in common: they all have the biggest hearts.

L: As you look at the field of aesthetics today, what do you feel are some of the most important topics?

YR: Nutrition is a big one! Nourishing your body at the cellular level has a big impact on your skin. For that reason, I preach ingredients, ingredients, ingredients – whether in the foods you eat or the skin care products you apply to your skin.

Electricity is another important topic. The use of low electrical currents and light therapy is trending now but these technologies have long been used by doctors and scientists to treat and heal diseases. It is exciting to see these effective and non-invasive technologies used in the aesthetics industry to provide effective alternative approaches to skin rejuvenation, acne healing and the promotion of overall healthier skin.

L: What is your most important piece of advice for new aesthetic graduates who are just entering the field and want to emulate your success?

YR: Never stop learning!! Do your own research; don’t just accept what sales reps tell you. Always go to the science and you’ll find you will not only be innovative but will be certain to provide effective results for your clients.

L: If a client were limited by budget and time, what would you suggest are the most vital skin care steps and, beyond that, the most beneficial professional treatments?

YR: If a client is on a budget, I suggest the most crucial steps include: cleansing with a gentle cleanser morning and evening. This step improves circulation, removes impurities and gently exfoliates the skin. The second step is a good quality, professional vitamin C serum. This is a product that is worth the investment. Vitamin C offers many benefits, such as slowing down aging, reducing inflammation, helping to prevent skin cancer and is a natural lightener. It helps to preserve your skin effectively.

L: Finally, what advice do you have for aestheticians who are trying to manage their business during Covid-19?

YR: Stay creative! Start with a positive mindset instead of focusing on the limitations during this time. Think instead of everything you can do!

This is not a time to be shy about connecting with your clients. They are missing you and need to see your face, encouraging them with skin care tips while promoting your products and services. If you don’t yet have an online store, now is the time to create one. Offer virtual consultations to help your clients maintain their skin while simultaneously generating an income with product sales. If you offer gift cards, create a promotion to help increase cash flow.

Overall, it’s important to be proactive, not reactive, as much as possible. This is a great opportunity to keep learning and to reorganize your business. Ask yourself if you need to make changes to your menu, pricing or protocols. If so? Do it! What a perfect time to reimagine and redesign, allowing us to be more effective and successful in the future!

Learn more about Yarely by visiting her website or following her on Instagram or Facebook.

Interested in esthetics? Check out our Lexli Esthetics Scholarship available to esthetic students in the US.