Meet Jennifer Cabibbo-Amado | Licensed Esthetician & Small Business Owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Cabibbo-Amado and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I didn’t realize I wanted to be an entrepreneur at first, I worked 10+ years in higher education and in the private sector before realizing my true calling. My journey to becoming a small business owner started with my education. I always knew I was detail oriented, business savvy and creative—so I pursued my bachelors in Business Administration from Chapman University and my Masters in Communication Management from USC. My first job was an experiential marketing events coordinator. What I loved most about each event was being face-to-face with the attendees. The ultimate satisfaction was seeing how my hard work positively impacted guests who attended my event. I have been chasing that feeling since! I continued my career growth from events, to account manager. In this position I developed professional relationships with my account leads to foster their trust in me to manage their business. However, this position still didn’t fulfill my passion and desire to truly impact an individual’s personal life. My last attempt to find this fulfillment in the workplace was taking a position handling special projects and connecting with alumni. Although I was face-to-face with individuals on a more regular basis, I still wasn’t satisfied with the level of impact I was making in their lives. That was when I began researching, conducting informational interviews, and saving to make a jump into being an entrepreneur.
Yes, it was an intimidating thought–leave the safety of a steady paycheck, insurance, and job security. And yes, it was overwhelming thinking of the startup costs to begin any new venture I decided to embark on. However, it was also exhilarating to envision an unlimited earning potential based on my own work ethic and merits— rather than someone else’s subjective opinion of my worth.
I knew I couldn’t take this change lightly so I made sure my next move fulfilled three key items.
First, I knew I had to be sure the career I chose would give me the ability to help individuals daily.
Second, I knew I had to be in an industry that was growing and had the potential to make a decent living.
Lastly, I wanted to be a part of something that was more than a job but a passion. I found that passion in the skincare industry, once I experienced the changes that healthy skin could make in someone’s life.
What should our readers know about your business?
Why am I unique? Well, for starters I am super passionate and you’ll know when I start talking about skincare because I can’t stop–fun fact I always talk with my hands when I’m jazzed about a conversation topic! I get excited to share my knowledge with anyone who will listen because understanding your skincare IS self-care. There’s a quote in the industry “invest in your skin because you will be wearing it for the rest of your life;” however, many of us fail to give it the proper TLC. I always joke that I am my client’s skin Yoda. I’m training them to understand how to listen to their skin, nourish it properly, and master feeling good in the skin they’re in!
I believe my business background gives me an edge in my esthetics business. I was taught to always do your research and dive deeper to make sure you understand what you are promoting. I have taken this tactic and applied it to every aspect of my business. I take time to research ingredients so that I understand how different products will impact each individual client. From there, I develop a personalized routine based on my clients’ needs. I make sure they understand why I recommended the products for them, and what role they are playing in healing their skin.
I am also extremely empathetic when it comes to my client’s skin journey. I will stay up at night thinking about a client if they are having concerns because I genuinely care about their skin. I never fake that I know an answer or have all the answers to skincare and skin conditions. If I don’t know, I will always research what the industry leaders are saying about that topic. I am very transparent with all clients I meet, because obtaining specific results takes time and for each person that will look a little different.
What I want the world to know is that I’m just getting started.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m going to take you a little down south from LA towards Long Beach area. There are so many cute, trendy and fun places to go to and being Sicilian; eating, drinking and music are our main sources of entertainment! My family loves to go to the Boathouse on the Bay for dinner — their patio area is relaxing and the scenery cannot be beat. Also, they have live music which sets the mood and the food is always phenomenal. Their menu has something for everyone: seafood, burgers, salads, and their mixologists make some tasty and unique flavored drinks. Then when you’re ready to go but not go home, Ballast Point Brewery is right next door for all your craft beer needs. It is a perfect area where you can start and end your night all in one spot!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is the reason I am where I am today. I lost my father when I was in high school and anyone who has lost a loved-one can attest it is one of the toughest life events to live through — and I had the unfortunate experience of going through this as a teen.
My mom had to step-up in so many ways—it is unbelievable how strong of a woman she is. She taught me how to not only survive but thrive in any situation. She is the reason I work so hard to be the best, she taught me that hard work and perseverance will ultimately lead to success. I credit my work ethic, my tenacity, and my drive all to her.
My brother has stepped up and mentored me through so many life milestones. Applying for college, developing resumes, proofing papers, navigating career paths and goals. He has been the one I look to for help with pretty much everything – I mean he is my big brother!
Lastly, my husband. Without his support and encouragement, I would never have felt secure enough to take the risk of opening my own skincare business. He was my biggest cheerleader while I went full-time to esthetics school, studied late at night for my state exams, and ultimately supported my decision to be a solo-esthetician instead of working for a large spa.
It is true when people say that family is everything, my family’s support in every aspect of my life has guided me in becoming the person I am today. And for this, I am forever grateful.
Website: https://theskinsicilian.square.site
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskinsicilian/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-skin-sicilian-huntington-beach-2
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
