Meet Irina Alarov | Esthetician Extraordinare

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

Hi Irina, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Yes, I do! I’ve got this favorite quote that really tickles my thoughts. It goes, “There’s no such thing as I can’t. There’s such a thing as I don’t want.” My mom used to hit me with that gem back in the day when she’d ask me to tackle chores while I was deep into my homework ninja mode. She’d raise an eyebrow and say, “Oh sweetie, it’s not that you can’t, you just don’t want to.” Classic mom wisdom, right? But you know what? Now that I’m older and wiser, I see the genius in it. It’s like a sneak peek into our own motivations and desires. As an esthetician (and not only) it’s my secret weapon. This quote reminds me to own my choices and dig into the why behind them. It’s like a magnifying glass for my passion and dedication, and in the treatment room, helping me focus on treatments and techniques that not only rock my world but also make my clients’ faces light up.
And let’s talk about those doubt-filled moments. I make ’em my best buddies. Whenever I feel that hesitation creeping in, I channel my inner detective and start grilling myself with questions. Why the cold feet, Irina? What’s got you hesitating? It’s like a personal growth spa day, and I always walk out with insights into my fears and areas that could use a little skillset TLC.
But the real magic? This quote is like a truth serum for your soul. It promotes this no-nonsense, heart-to-heart chat with yourself. I mean, to rock the game I gotta be real about what I want and why I want it.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way and what do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

What truly sets me apart is my approach to skincare and self-care overall. I firmly believe that efficiency matters most, and the ‘less is more’ mantra is my skincare philosophy. My love for efficiency doesn’t mean I rush. When I’m working my magic during treatments, I’m a skin-detective studying each pore and skin reaction, ensuring my clients get nothing short of perfection.
Creating lasting relationships is important to me. I genuinely care about my clients and the impact my treatments have on them and their skin.

Proud moment? Turning fear into my fuel.

How did I get here? While I’m not yet exactly where I want to be, I am exactly where I need to be. I’m embracing the journey, with hard work and many many many hours on the clock and many mistakes but they are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.

Was it easy? It never is, but, I’m determined and I believe in myself. All I see in front of me is the possibility to accomplish each and every goal I set myself to.
Challenges? They’re my personal training ground, building my mental muscles. They make me smarter, stronger and bolder.

Lessons learned? Oh, I’ve got a few. The more I worry over problems, the more they seem to multiply. When I focus on what I want, magic seems to follow my lead. But the ultimate lesson, the game-changer? It’s the dynamic duo of “effort and consistency”. These two can turn any ordinary story into an extraordinary one – and it’s a principle that holds true in every corner of life.

What I want the world to know about me is, I am not just an esthetician, I’m a curator of confidence, helping you put your best face forward. My brand is all about celebrating individuality and enhancing your natural beauty by customizing each treatment and product to your skin’s needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were in town, we’d embark on the ultimate culinary escapade, because we’re both bona fide foodies. For breakfast, our first stop would be the heavenly “Bianca Cafe” in Culver City – those croissants and baked delights are simply irresistible.

Given that we’re both passionate drivers and road enthusiasts, with our favorite tunes as the soundtrack, we’d hit the road for a scenic coastal drive, soaking in the ocean breeze and the hills’ serenity. Parking the car, we’d stroll along the beach, eyes peeled for those magical dolphins that always seem to appear when I’m there.

Because we both adore nature, we’d venture to Eaton Canyon for an invigorating hike, rewarded by a refreshing waterfall. And, for a taste of LA’s flavor, dinner snack would be at my go-to taco haven, Guisados, in West Hollywood.

Oh, let’s not forget the sunset – we’d catch it from the stunning Los Feliz hills, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink.
A week to remember, filled with deliciousness, nature, and the electric energy of LA!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Absolutely. Let’s give credit where credit is glowingly due! First and foremost, a heartfelt shoutout to my mom – the original multitasking queen. From my early “experimental” skincare sessions that left her a temporary shade of green to her endless patience when I’d test my latest product obsessions on her, she’s been my first canvas and her eagle-eyed feedback, though often challenging, has shaped me into the meticulous and detail-oriented esthetician I am today.

Next, a round of applause for my fellow estheticians – the unsung heroes of skincare conversations that go deep into the pores. They’re like my personal beauty brainstorming crew, always ready with the latest tips, tricks, and secrets from the skincare cosmos.

And, of course, a virtual high-five to those countless hours of binge-reading skincare books. They’re like my skincare bedside buddies, enlightening me on the science and art of making faces radiate happiness.

And, let’s not forget the stars of the skincare show – my beautiful, amazing clients who trust me with their skin and invite me into their skincare journeys. It’s a mutual relationship of trust, care, and transformation, and I’m endlessly grateful for our special connection. Their smiles, their stories, and their skin’s “glow-up” moments are the true gems that make my work incredibly rewarding. Their individual skin concerns, questions, and occasional curveballs keep me on my toes, constantly learning and evolving. Their challenges have become stepping stones in my journey toward becoming the best version of myself as an esthetician.

Website: Esteticabyirina.com

Instagram: esteticabyirina

Facebook: esteticabyirina

Yelp: Estetica By Irina

Image Credits
Alberto Caruana