Esthetics Student Success Story: Celastine Rivera

About Celastine Rivera

So many of us have often been in a similar scenario as the one Ms. Celastine Rivera, an Esthetics student, shares of her journey before school, “Before school it was all about the mom life. Having two beautiful children, Sophia, 6, Abraham, 2, I can say that I’ve been blessed to be a stay at mom from the beginning. I have always had a passion and interest in beauty school, but you can imagine life with a husband working 60+ hours a week and 2 children, how busy it can be. It was just easier for me to put myself and my needs on the back burner. With my kids in school now, kindergarten and daycare, school for me was my first thought in regaining that part of my life. Feeling guilty about leaving my kids, my family often reminded me that it is okay to make ‘me’ a priority too!” Even though our children are an incredibly important part of our lives, along the way we find that we are as well. So Celastine now is a prime example to her children that we are important enough to invest in, because we can not pour from an empty cup. We can not guide our children in that key component of happiness if we, ourselves have pushed off that last self sustaining aspect.

When we asked Ms. Celastine why she chose Evergreen as her school to start this new adventure in, Celastine shares “I did a lot of research and finally decided on EBC after touring the campus. Knowing I was going to have to pay for this out of pocket, I wanted to make sure not to just believe what the internet told me, but to get honest reviews from people I know personally. Hearing that Evergreen makes it a priority for you to come out of graduation with a job or a job interview lined up shared with me that my success is their personal goal. I’ve also heard how fun and hands on EBC is and loved that aspect. With all of this in mind I was willing to go to the Everett campus even though it was 2 hours away from my home because that’s how bad I wanted this. Once finding out they had a Mount Vernon campus I got excited. All of these were on my priority list and I have not been disappointed yet.”

The Evergreen Experience

Since starting the Esthetics program with us Ms. Celastine has shared some of her highlights of what she has enjoyed, what has helped her so far, and what sets her apart from other skin therapist:

“One of the areas I’ve enjoyed most and have found out about within my program is that I love waxing! It is so much fun and satisfying. I was so nervous at first but now it is my favorite service to offer! I love the fact that EBC lets their students take clients because practice makes perfect! I will also share my thankfulness of Kahoot, a studying tool that helps us focus on one chapter review at a time. This program is so fast paced, so Kahoot has really helped with information retention, and it’s something that we can do from home as well.”

“Facial techniques would be among one of my specialties I have come to find out as many of my clients have complimented me on them. I have had a handful of clients that actually fall asleep on my table and it feels great knowing I can make a client feel that comfortable to let their guards down to truly relax. Making my clients feel comfortable and loved is extremely important to me where I’d consider this an area that comes easier to me as well. This along with my customer service skills have always been something I have been good at and a reason clients may seek me out over others. I’m not shy and would consider myself very funny and personable. When it comes to my clients I want to make them feel “at home” and in a place where they can trust me, not only with their skin care needs, but as a friend.”

“Something that I have found during this that sets me apart from others is my focus and drive. Yes, I say I’m doing this for myself, but that includes my family who give me courage everyday. I have wanted this for so long and now that I have it I am not letting anything stop me. It has not been easy and I find myself struggling at times, but that is nothing compared to the many other positive things I’ve done while being at EBC. It pushes me knowing what I have as my goals and what I will accomplish in the end. I have surprised myself time and time again that I can truly say that I’m proud of myself!”

The Next Step

When it comes to the transition of student to graduate, many future professionals can feel overwhelmed as the process happens quicker than you’d think. As for Ms. Celastine, she’s running full force into the industry and isn’t looking back. “I am so eager to get into a spa and start on my career of doing something I love! I can’t wait to build clientele and build friendships with coworkers. I want to open a spa, of course, but for now I just want to start out in a spa and build my image. One day ‘Cicis Beauty Bar’ will be spreading across town faster than COVID-19!” Celastine shares.

“For students coming into this industry and joining EBC’s family, enjoy it. Time goes so fast. Take this time in and have fun with it. You are around others who want the same thing you do so don’t feel like you have to compete, but instead help each other out along the way. Stay true to yourself. My class is amazing and I love each and every one of my classmates. We really do encourage each other so much as each of us bring something different to the table giving a great dynamic in class. You are you and that is your POWER,” offers Ms. Celastine as she heads into the tail end of her program with us.

Ms. Celastine is set to graduate this June, 2020. And if you are interested in following Celastine throughout the rest of her program, you can check her out on Instagram: @reinas_esthetics. Congratulations Ms. Celastine! We are so excited to see where your drive and ambition take you on this journey you’ve embarked on. Evergreen has no doubt that you can accomplish your goals with that drive and ambitiousness you carry with you everyday.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry take the Beauty Biz Readiness Quiz, you can also check out our programs or contact us at one of our five locations: Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, and Yakima.