Meet Yvonne Taliaferro | Esthetician

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

Hi Yvonne, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance has definitely changed over the years. In the beginning of my career I constantly thought about work, how to improve myself for my clients, what was the latest and greatest so I could implement that in the treatment room. I spent hours at home researching, taking extra classes, etc. It was easy to do this because I love what I do so all of it never felt like.”work”

But, I realized a few years into my career that I needed to slow down for myself, my health and especially for my kids.
I also knew that if I didn’t slow down, the possibility of feeling “burnt out” might happen & everything that I worked so hard for would lead to a big disappointment.
I also believe that time management is so important to work life balance.

Finding that balance can be difficult in the beginning but it is possible!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been in spa industry for almost 30 years. I started working as a front desk coordinator at a high end day spa in River Oaks (hired by a temp agency & I really needed a job & I was new to Houston) while attending college and was planning on becoming an elementary school teacher.
Halfway through school I realized
teaching was not for me.
I continued to work in the spa industry until I found my “path”…..but I never left .
I was promoted to assistant manager, manager and then I took a position at another spa as Spa Director.

A few years later, after I had my two beautiful children I decided that working over 40 hours a week was not what I wanted.
I knew that I loved the industry but I needed more flexibility and an opportunity to increase my income, so I decided on esthetic school and continued on my path.

What I didn’t know was that skin care wouldn’t be just a “job” but something I absolutely loved.

I use to think that I made a huge mistake not discovering my passion for skincare earlier, but I realize the experience I accumulated over the years helped boost my confidence and my ability to relate with clients.

I have attended many classes & have received many certifications, but the one I’m most proud of is my Oncology Certification.
A sweet client that was going through chemo once told me “ I love coming to see you, not only because I feel beautiful once I leave your room, but because you make me feel loved & like a real person again”.

That was the moment I realized it’s not only about beauty it’s about engaging and lifting clients spirit through compassion.

I enjoy taking all of my clients through “their own” skin care journey by helping them achieve beautiful & healthy skin which gives a boost of confidence at any age.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my family or friends come to visit HTown I typically take them to one of the almost always gallery/ art openings @ The Silo @ Sawyer Yards, Redbud Gallery, Archway Gallery, Bill Arning Exhibitions, etc. Sunday visits usually include brunch then a trip to the Menil ( love this because gallery is always free of charge )followed by the Menil Bistro with coffe and possibly desert.

Some Restaurants on my list include (depending on what we are in the mood for) ;
Nobies
Gratify Bistro
93 Till
Candente
Aladdin
Spicy Girl
Pizaros Pizza (soooo authentic)
Houston’s Farmers Market on Airline during the fall!
Sixty Vines in the Rice Village if shopping is required 😉

My favorite spot is my balcony at home!
I love to share the view while sipping a cocktail & catching up!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My manager Angela Cambern! She is always so patient, understanding, always listens to everyone’s problems and she never complains!
She is strong and beautiful human being!

We love her !

Instagram: Skincarebyyvonne