Meet Jenilee Perez | Esthetician Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenilee Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenilee, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start my own business was deeply influenced by my time in the US Army. Being in an environment where my daily life was constantly directed by others made me realize how important self expression is. Serving in a predominantly male field also highlighted the lack of focus on personal wellness and self care. I knew I wanted something different, to create a space where I could help others feel confident, cared for, and empowered to be the best version of themselves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is rooted in intention, care, and connection. As an esthetician student, I don’t just focus on skincare, I focus on helping people feel confident, seen, and cared for. What sets me apart is the experience I bring from my time in the military. That chapter of my life taught me discipline, resilience, and structure but it also made me realize how easy it is to neglect ourselves in the process of serving others. That’s what sparked my passion for wellness and self-care.

Starting this journey wasn’t easy. I entered the industry with no experience, just a passion to learn and serve. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and of the community that embraced me with open arms. My brand is built on grace, growth, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel like they belong because I know how powerful that feeling can be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d make sure they left feeling like they experienced the absolute best of what this area has to offer from good food to relaxing spots and hidden gems.

Day 1 would most likely be the day we settle in. I’m such an early bird so I know day 1 is starting before 10. We’d go grab some brunch and find a cute coffee shop for some ice caramel lattes of course. After that, we’d drive around looking for a park to sit and have a little nature walk catching up on all of the things that have happened in our lives since we’ve last spoken.

Day 2 and day 3 I’m sure we would go full tourist mode even though I am aware of the area. We’d go to all of the must see attractions, find pop up shops and flea markets, definitely in cheesy tourist outfits for sure.

Day 4 and day 5 we’d settle down and have a fun movie and take-out dinner kind of night. We’re both into comedy and would settle for watching Dumb and Dumber for the millionth time, reciting every line as time goes on. For our dinner I know we’re ordering some amazing tacos/ burritos.

Day 6 and day 7 I’m sure we’d end the week having a fancy dinner and taking amazing pictures in the night life to remember the trip. We’d most definitely exchange little self care gifts to bring home before our departure.

This city has so much personality and it’s full of creative, passionate people and cozy spots that make you feel like you belong. That’s what I’d want my best friend to experience most.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to give myself some well deserved praise. For so long, I struggled with feeling like I didn’t belong and like I didn’t have a place where I truly fit in. But today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve found a space where I feel seen, accepted, and valued and even more importantly, I get to create that same feeling of belonging for others. This community welcomed me with open arms and so much grace, even as I entered with little knowledge. I’m beyond grateful, and incredibly proud of the person I’m becoming.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowmate_esthetics?igsh=MXd2aW1tYXF5NWZuZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
All photo credits to me. Taken by me.