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

Hi Angelique, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
This sounds corny but you really do have to believe in yourself. If you know you have what it takes to succeed and you’re committed to your success, then it’s only a matter of time before you achieve it. Simply put, if you don’t believe you can do it – then you won’t. Don’t stand in your own way. We all have the power to manifest the life we want, it’s just about putting in the work and genuinely believing you can do it.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am originally from New York and moved down here to Houston to escape the snow about a year ago. I absolutely fell in love with this city and decided to make it my home for the foreseeable future. After 8 months of working a depressing 9-5, I decided to transition into being a solo esthetician. I love working on my own and running my business how I see fit, because I truly care about my clients. When working for a corporate spa, it’s difficult to be able to give each of your clients the full care and attention they deserve. Big spa’s are more concerned about getting as many clients in and out as fast as possible, rather than working to actually help those clients. This is why I love taking my time with each client to fully understand their concerns and skincare goals. This helps me formulate an effective plan to treat their skin concerns while providing results-driven relaxation.

It definitely wasn’t easy to get where I am today, although I’m still not where I want to be. Coming from a lower income household molded me to be very independent and self-sufficient, which has helped tremendously in achieving my goals. You have to put in the extra effort and go the extra mile for the results you want. I’d never had anything handed to me, which may seem like a detriment – but I see it as an asset. Having to work hard for the things I want in life has given me that edge it takes to be successful. I’m proud to have developed myself rather than it being bought for me. This being said, it’s also important to forgive yourself when you fail. Failure is bound to happen here and there, and that’s okay. Mistakes and failure don’t erase your successes.

I would like the world to know that I’m here first and foremost to help. I suffered with hormonal acne for several years and still have occasional flare-ups. I understand what it’s like to be embarrassed by skin conditions. My practice is about not only improving my client’s skin but also improving the way they see their skin. I want to give all my clients the confidence of healthy, happy skin – no matter what that looks like individually.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big fan of Houston’s museums so I would definitely have to take them to the Museum of Natural Science, one of my favorites in the city. I could spend hours walking around the Butterfly Conservatory! We’d also check out the beautiful Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. A stroll through the garden alone is worth checking out. I also love the outdoors and being in nature, so the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center will surely be on the list. The first time I walked through there with my boyfriend, we saw six armadillos – as a native New Yorker I’d never seen an animal like that so close, I couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks! As for food, I love some Southern BBQ and Truth BBQ has been my hands-down favorite spot. The ribs are so tender, and the mac and cheese is delicious.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s been several times in this journey where I’ve doubted myself and felt completely demotivated, but my boyfriend, Aidan, never allowed those moments to stay for long. He has been there to lift me up the entire way. From studying in Esthetics school to moving across the country for a fresh start, and now pursuing a solo esthetics business here in Houston – Aidan has always supported me and been my number #1 fan. I’m very grateful for his love and very lucky to have him in my life.

Website: skinbyangelique.as.me

Instagram: @thedewyedition

Other: Tik Tok @skinbyangelique

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