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

Hi Rebecca, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

It all started in 2000, when I realized my dream to become a makeup artist. I’d always loved makeup, fashion and music and felt this would be a wonderful way to bring together my talents and interests. I was also feeling passionate about doing something that I loved and having the freedom and flexibility that being a freelance makeup artist offered. While I didn’t fully understand what it meant to start my own business, I’ve learned a lot along the way.

At the time I was beginning my makeup career, I had been struggling with chronic cystic acne for several years. Thankfully, I was introduced to the benefits of holistic healing and a plant-based diet, which I also adopted in 2000. These changes not only helped me heal my skin, but transformed my lifestyle to one that was more aligned with wellness, nature and spirituality.

My personal transformation inspired me to attend the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a health coach. When I graduated, I began offering one-on-one beauty and wellness coaching, giving talks and hosting events. Through this, I realized how much I enjoyed bringing women together to connect, share our stories and uplift one another.

Today, I’m the founder and host of The Sacred Beauty Collective, a virtual membership community where women gather to discover our inner and outer beauty through self-love, sisterhood and spirituality. We have monthly themes we explore in our private network and in virtual sessions with incredible guest experts.

While the makeup artistry aspect of my business has been on hold due to the pandemic, I currently offer virtual makeup lessons and Sacred Beauty Coaching, for women who want to feel more vibrant, connected and confident in all aspects of their lives. In business and in life, you have to be willing to start again and again. I’m excited about this season of my business!

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Doing what I love is easy, it’s creating, managing and growing a business that is not. It takes a lot of hard work, both in the business and within your own heart and mind.

I wouldn’t say I’ve overcome them, but I get through them thanks to my spirituality, the support of my family and friends, therapy and tons of inner work. I’m grateful to have a strong support system and amazing tool box that includes meditation, journaling, prayer and being in nature.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Oooh, so many! Like all the best things in life, the lessons are a lifelong journey. Some big ones that come to mind are the practices of self-compassion, grace and forgiveness. I’m still learning more about myself and how important it is for me to keep showing up, no matter what.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I stand for the empowerment, equality and rights of women, especially Black and brown women and all marginalized communities. In my one-on-one coaching and in The Sacred Beauty Collective, I strive to create a supportive space where women of all races, religions, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations and more can feel seen, heard and celebrated. My mission is to help women reconnect with themselves and create a healthier approach to beauty that embraces aging, while taking excellent care. I would be honored for the opportunity to work with you on your journey!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I’d take them to all of my favorite spots in Pasadena, like The Huntington, Norton Simon Museum and Descanso Gardens. For breakfast or brunch we’d go to my favorite, Sage Plant Based Bistro. For lunch, Granville or The Langham Hotel for ambience or Hiro Nori for the best vegan ramen. Dinner favorites include Sage (yes again!), True Food Kitchen and Il Fornaio.

Otherwise, Malibu, Venice, Santa Monica and Highland Park are all fun neighborhoods with so much to see, do and eat. The Getty Museum and LACMA are also really special! If we had time, trips to the beach and into the mountains would be awesome. Just outside of the area, we’d go to Laguna Beach, Joshua Tree and/or Idyllwild. Being a new-ish LA resident, there’s still so much for me to explore and I love it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my Shout Out to my dear friend Lorraine West, an incredible artist and jewelry designer based in Brooklyn, NY.

Website: rebeccacasciano.com

Instagram: instagram.com/rebeccacasciano + instagram.com/sacredbeautycollective

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rebeccacasciano

Image Credits
Karen Wise. Amanda Lopez. Amanda Luisa.

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.