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

Hi Karina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
That’s an excellent question! Well, after having gone through COVID-19, changing careers, and having a baby I definitely wanted stability and to gain some control of my new life. Shortly after graduating esthetician school I was confronted with the decision of whether I wanted to: A. Go work for someone or B. Take a leap of faith and work for myself. Obviously both choices had their pros & cons but I was fortunate enough to find a studio space that was close to home & perfect for what I was trying to do. So I took it as a sign and did it. It’s been a learning experience and continues to be, but it’s MY experience & I am enjoying every second of it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Glow By Karina is a day studio, that offers a variety of services ranging from result-driven facials, to sugar waxing services, to body detox & weight loss services, to full body aromatherapy treatments. What sets me apart from others is that I make it my objective to inject every client that comes through the studio door with positivity, encouragement & confidence. I am 100% a girls girl & want everyone to win. I love making people feel good, whether it’s with a facial or giving them the tools and knowledge that they need to know that their skin WILL clear up. The dedication I have to my clients comes from my background in medicine. I started off as a front desk receptionist at the age of 15 and finished as a surgical technician assisting in surgery at the age of 29. Although some may say I took the “long way” to realizing my end goal a licensed esthetician, I’d say I gained knowledge & countless life lessons. Life lessons that are now helping me be the best esthetician to my clients. My desire to help others has always been there & continues to pour into my business & clients. I want the world to know that Glow by Karina is a place where you can come and relax, but also leave looking your best & feeling confident.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I ask myself this question often as I always have family visiting from Colombia hahaha. Although I live in New York, people assume that I live in New York City. I actually live and work in upstate New York, about an hour and some change from the city and an hour and half from Albany, NY. When family or friends come to visit I always make it a point to take them to the local wineries for tastings & even tours of their cellars. The view of the Hudson Valley is breath taking. I am a major foodie and love to try new things so I would recommend trying any of the restaurants/bars on the Newburgh waterfront. To hang out & explore I would 100% recommend heading into NYC.. there’s something for everyone, literally!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been extremely fortunate to have both supportive family and friends, but my aunt Ruth, & my fiancé Keith both deserve the true shoutouts. Both have been beyond supportive & inspirational. They both truly inspired me to do something that not only made me happy, but that I enjoyed & loved doing.

My aunt Ruth, a Colombian immigrant, came to this country with nothing but barbering skills. She was able to obtain her cosmetology license, receive mentorship from other local barbers & beauticians & open her own salon, Hair Design Unisex, which she had for over 20 years. The true definition of the American Dream! She’s always told me to do what I love, because I would never view it as “work” & she was right!

My fiancé Keith shortly after graduating high school in 2007 moved to New York City & created his first successful clothing line, Parlé & since then launched his current clothing company, VibeLand in 2021. Keith’s love & support truly got me through esthetician school & my maternity leave. There were moments of doubt & emotional rollercoasters, but he never allowed those moments to derail me from the end goal. I am soo incredibly grateful to have such a supportive friend & life long partner in him.

Website: www.glowbykarina.net

Instagram: instagram.com/glow_by_karina

Facebook: Facebook.com/GlowbyKarina

Other: info@glowbykarina.net

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