Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Whitacre.
Hi Irene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for waxing and skincare began early on around the time I entered into the Cosmetology program at my technical high school back in 10th grade. I was always into beauty and fashion, but what made me think I could do something out of the box at that time was my curiosity at reading the ingredient labels and always wondering and comparing different bottles of personal care items to try and gain an understanding of their chemical makeups.
I didn’t end up going after the Cos license after graduation because I felt pressured from teachers who said there wasn’t a genuine career in skin back then.
Fast forward a decade later after my skin began to break out in my mid-20’s, that became a big challenge to me to find out why I had these cystic pimples and acne happening randomly. Back then mid-20’s acne meant you needed a derm, not something that women could experience regularly. Meanwhile I’m working various jobs here and there in customer service, restaurants, but something was yearning in me after a brief 2 years in community college for pre-nursing during the day and working at night. I had seen a local beauty school advertising for Skincare specific education, so I went ahead and attended an open house and interview. Firstly, I wanted to figure out my own skin issues, then, how can I bring that experience to the next person? That was the pivotal moment; if I can help me; why can’t I help others?! That decision to pursue my dream came to me out of nowhere, but was the best & I dropped the pre-nursing and community college altogether. School was cool & the education helped me land a role as a licensed esthetician at a local spa who had lots of clients and also continuing education. Ended up being the best time of my life, learning from the women who had already been following that dream and gaining so much experience. In 2019, Esthetics by Irene was born out of an upstairs room in my house turned into a private haven for family and friends. Known for always being the one who is daring and likes to do things her own way, that dream started to take shape in my mind and led me to finally take the leap and start expanding outside my comfort zone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Being a 90’s kid, we didn’t have social media and growing up poor/middle class, I didn’t even realize at times the opportunities outside of my everyday life. I was shuffled around a lot as a kid not what you’d call a normal upbringing. Struggled a lot with self-esteem, confidence, depression and anxiety for most of my childhood well into adulthood. Money was very tight growing up, so I started working at 15 to buy my own beauty products and that became my obsession. Later on, I struggled to find happiness in any of the jobs I worked and couldn’t pinpoint a career l. In the back of my mind, I felt one thing. Esthetics school. I knew I had to go there and that this could be the start of something I would learn more and stick with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Licensed Esthetician who specializes in helping people get their skin back to feeling healthy, balanced and comfortable. I’d say people know me for helping them with their skin concerns, acne, anti-aging, dull, dry skin, etc but also for carving out space for them to truly relax and feel lighter when they leave. It’s almost like therapy, take what you need and leave feeling and looking better, and glowing! My proudest accomplishments in this field are around my continuing education, learning advanced modalities like Microcurrent and Nano-infusion treatments, while firmly believing they can be paired with calming plant-based ingredient products for real self care in each session.
What matters most to you?
I love seeing people truly glow from the inside out. Appearing happy is one thing, but actually having a glow about you, where you can relax, no filter no makeup and feel comfortable in your own skin being your own self is so much more important.
Pricing:
- $110 1 Hour Customized Facial with Consult
- $210 Nanoinfusion treatment with Red LED
- $65 Brazilian Wax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://estheticsbyirene1.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthetics.by.irene
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G67nR7ryd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@esthetics.by.irene?_r=1&_t=ZP-99xdP7oVeta
