Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Rajala.
Hi Brooke, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The journey began when I was a little girl who fell in love with a dream of pursuing being in the beauty industry. I loved having spa days with my sister, friends, and cousins. I always had makeup and skincare in my hand at a young age. I loved doing makeup because it was like art. I could make others feel confident after completing their makeup. The reason I became passionate about skincare was because I suffered with cystic acne growing up. 85% of the world experiences at least minor acne, and I was one of them. I understand the struggle of feeling insecure with your own skin. I wanted to help others that are going through the same thing I have been through to know they aren’t alone. Not only did I love everything beauty, I loved helping others. As I got older, I realized this passion could spark into a career. The two people that inspired me the most were my aunt and my dad. My Aunt was an esthetician, so hearing her talk about her journey in her career inspired me to become an esthetician too. My dad is an entrepreneur, so seeing him run a business inspired me to start my own one day as well.
In high school, I worked at my hometown salon as a receptionist to witness the behind-the-scenes of the beauty industry. I instantly fell in love with the beauty industry even more. When I graduated high school, I opened my time capsule from middle school with a letter in there from my 13-year-old self saying how I wanted to be an esthetician when I grow up. It was so surreal reading that 13-year-old me said this, and I was graduating high school already signed up for beauty school. Fast forward to now, I graduated from Douglas J and became a licensed esthetician at 18 years old. Now I’m a 19-year-old solo esthetician and living the dreams I have always had.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were definitely some challenging times along the way, but they helped shape me into the person I am today. When I was in high school, people would ask me, “What do you want to do after high school?” When I would tell them I wanted to go to beauty school and be an esthetician, I received a lot of comments like, “That isn’t a real job, you won’t make any money” or “You won’t be successful without going to college.” Hearing those comments from my peers all the time discouraged me, but then I realized I have to do what I love. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what other people say or think. I wanted to choose a career that I was passionate about, not what would make me the most money.
Furthermore, another difficult period was starting my own business. I have always dreamed of wanting to start my own business one day, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I worked for other people for a while, but I realized it wasn’t working for me. This was a major life decision for me that was pretty terrifying. I was only 19 years old and a new esthetician. I also knew I did not have a full clientele, but I knew quitting my job would be the best step for me if I wanted to start my own business. I kept having “what if” thoughts about this decision. I kept asking myself, what if I fail? What if no one books a service with me? What if I go broke, etc? I finally started to grasp that I had nothing to lose, and I had to chase my goals. With that said, I quit my job and used my whole savings into buying everything I needed for my spa room. I began getting everything ready for my business, which took over a month to do. Then in March 2023, I finally had my small business opened.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer a whole variety of services. I do facials, face, and body waxing, lashes, brows, stress relieving treatments, and makeup. I have a passion for facials because I love helping men and women feel confident in their own skin and reach their skin goals. I am passionate about helping every client that comes into my treatment room leave feeling relaxed and stress-free. I love waxing brows and lashes because of the amazing transformations. I love witnessing the confidence boost clients get after I complete the service. I love connecting with all my clients that come into my treatment room. I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m always keeping up with new beauty trends, techniques, products, etc. I am always continuing my education and adding new things to my current services as well as adding new things to my service menu. If you’re in the Lansing area, I would love to see you all in my treatment room!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My big mentors that have supported me throughout this journey were my educators and classmates at Douglas J. They helped me not only with esthetician things but have also helped me through life experiences as well. I want to give a special shout-out to my educator Emily. I would not be where I am today without her. In school, she pushed me to be the best I could be and I have always looked up to her. My small business would not be a reality if it wasn’t for her letting me rent space from her spa, Onyx Moon. She was my educator in esthetician school, and now I get to work alongside her.
My biggest support system has been my family. My Mom, Dad, older brother, and little sister have done so much for me. They have always cheered me on along the way and have been there through thick and thin. They have helped me create the business of my dreams. I would not be where I am today without them and their support. Thank you, guys, for always being my #1 fans.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/wellnessby_brooker
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessby_brooker/?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Wellness-By-Brooke-R/100074212345833/
Image Credits
Sammantha Ann Photography
