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

Hi Rosa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk equals opportunities. The greatest rewards can come from unexpected places, sometimes taking risks are necessary to achieve loftier goals. We often fall, but we get back up. There is always something bigger waiting on the other side of experience. Some of the greatest business models started with taking a risk, usually with a continuation of risk taking in order to achieve the next level of success. Starting The Bare Minimum was one of the greatest risks I’ve taken in my life thus far. It allowed me to let go of the fear of using my skills to create resources for others, new ways to connect with my community to support the needs of others, even just breaking free from my own personal limitations and letting go of the past to see a brighter future.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Bare Minimum Facial Bar was established to provide cost and time efficient facials, with a basis of educating each individual on their skin health. Working with our clients’ unique skin types, adjusting services based on their budgets, and providing efficient and effective methods to ensure they have the proper foundation to begin or continue successful skin care routines is our primary goal. Our mission statement is to educate folks on basic skin care, helping them understand how to properly use the right products, as well as any personal habits they can incorporate to maximize results. The skin is the largest organ we have and is first in line to protect us against harmful pollutants, but furthermore healthy skin can increase self-esteem! I want the world to know that skin care is accessible, to fit it in the tightest budget and time schedules. In my opinion, there is no easy way to start a business. There’s always bumps in the road, unexpected twists and turns, unforeseen expenses, and many forces that come to steer us off course. Learning how to move and pivot through tough times has been crucial to my journey. The lessons have been humbling but rewarding. Learning to listen to my body during moments of high stress is one of the hardest battles. There’s a difference between pushing through being tired and completely burning yourself out in order to reach goals that may not necessarily be achieved by overworking. I’ve learned to balance work and play, because mental health is just as important as our physical health, and comes with the territory of running a business. Like I tell all my clients in regards to their routines: “it’s all about balance, consistency, and patience,” which is just as important in how we live our lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being a “local tourist.” A nice balance of iconic, essential tourist destinations, along with some local gems that may be overlooked. “Sunken City” in San Pedro is one of my favorite views in Los Angeles county, alongside their famous fish market for top notch eats. A picnic at The Old zoo in Griffith Park or a late night drive up to the observatory is a must for any LA traveler, as well as a movie night or class at Philosophical Research Society. The Hollywood Walk of Fame makes for an awesome day trip, with stops at souvenir shops, Amoeba for the finest media selections, with a well worth the wait trip to In-n-Out! Downtown is full of adventures such as a smorgasbord at Grand Central Market, some shopping at Santee Alley with some aguas frescas and a legendary LA street dog. DTLA adjacent you find Little Tokyo and the Arts District, home to amazing shops like Space City Vintage and Lethal Amounts. More central to Koreatown would definitely have to be a 2- 3 day event, there’s so many great places to shop and eat here. My go-to places are: Blipsy’s, HMS Bounty, Koreatown Galleria’s Food Court, Dan Sung Sa, Meat Love, Escala, Town Hof and Thanks Chicken. There’s also some great karaoke spots too! LA nightlife always delivers across the city. Filthy Wax Sound & Ocho Ojo’s Bring Your Own Vinyl night at 1st street Pool and Billiards in East LA, Little Joy, Bar Flores, and some famous Dodger Stadium after parties in Echo Park, Machine Club at Club TeeGee, Karaoke at Johnny’s Bar, so many places to mention! Essential comfort food and LA views from Canter’s, Dino’s Famous Chicken, El Baron Pupuseria, and Suehiro Cafe with a cruise through Mulholland Drive (fingers crossed there’s no traffic) with hopes to catch a few stars out in the daytime! Los Angeles never fails to deliver the best of the best!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As cliché as it may sound, my family, and friends have made this journey possible. Reflecting back on the beginning of my journey as a business owner, there was always support. From painting the walls, purchasing my equipment, sorting all my supplies, there were always loved ones by my side. My friends and family were some of my first clients, even still my most consistent recurring clients, as well as my own personal marketing team. They are key in spreading the word about my business and its services, telling everyone they know to book, even more impactful as walking advertisements too! There is no limit to their support, but most notable during my first year of business, doing anything and everything in their power to help me get through the unpredictable. I’d like to also show my gratitude to the California Dream Fund Grant, which became the foundation for my business to grow from fertile soil. It covered most of my start-up expenses, gave me confidence to believe in my skill set, and was the first gust of wind on this voyage as a small business owner.

Website: https://thebareminimumfacialbar.godaddysites.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebareminimumfacialbar?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebareminimumfacialbar/

Other: https://thebareminimumfacialbar.glossgenius.com/services

Image Credits
@och8jos

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