

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa.
Hi Vanessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After graduating from university with a degree in social work, I began my professional journey. 2 years into social work I obtained my teacher’s license. I spent 9 years pursuing this path, teaching pre-k and making a positive impact on those around me. However, in 2024, after the passing of my mom, I experienced a turning point. Her loss was a powerful reminder of the importance of following one’s passion. It inspired me to take a bold step toward my true calling: becoming an esthetician.
Determined to turn this dream into reality, I decided to leave the traditional career path behind and embark on a new adventure. Now, as I work toward becoming a licensed esthetician and building my own business, I am fueled by the desire to make others feel beautiful and confident in their own skin, all while honoring my mom’s memory and the lessons she taught me about following my heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming an esthetician has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life. As a mother of two young children and a military spouse, I’ve had to balance the demands of family life while pursuing my dream. Transitioning from a two-income household to living on one income added another layer of financial pressure, especially as I paid for my tuition out of pocket. Every day required immense determination and sacrifice, but the desire to create a better future for my family kept me going. Despite the obstacles, I’ve learned the power of resilience and the importance of following my passion, even when the path seems daunting. Today, I’m closer than ever to achieving my goal of becoming an esthetician and building my own business, and I couldn’t be more proud of how far I’ve come.
As you know, we’re big fans of IVIVA Medical Spa. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a recent esthetician student, I’m dedicated to providing customized facials tailored to the unique needs of each individual. I believe that skincare should be as personal as the person receiving it, and I take pride in creating treatments that address specific concerns, whether it’s acne, aging, dryness, or overall skin health. What sets me apart is my holistic approach married to the medical esthetics—every treatment I offer is designed not just to enhance your skin’s appearance, but to help you feel truly relaxed and rejuvenated with effective results.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. Balancing family, school, and life as a military spouse has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and truly listening to people. Clients appreciate how I make them feel seen and understood, creating a calming and welcoming environment where they can fully unwind.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me more passionate about offering my clients an experience that’s unique and genuine. As I continue my studies, my goal is to expand my knowledge and skill set to offer even more services, like advanced skincare treatments and body care, all with the same personalized, client-focused approach.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to live in alignment with your values, passions, and goals, regardless of how others might measure it. For me, success isn’t just about reaching a specific destination, but about the growth and resilience shown along the way. It’s about overcoming challenges, finding purpose in the journey, and creating a life that feels meaningful.
In my case, success is about pursuing my dreams, no matter how difficult, while still being present for my family and staying true to what I want to accomplish. It’s not about perfection but about progress and feeling proud of the person you’re becoming, every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ivivamedspa.com
- Instagram: Skvnbyvanessa