Behind the lessons: Instructor spotlight

Behind the lessons: Rachel Pierre-Louis

5 min read

Rachel Pierre-Louis, Founder of Ray's Esthetics

Behind the Lessons is a blog series that gives you an inside look at the educators behind The Beauty Spectrum. We highlight the talented professionals who share their skills, knowledge, and personal journeys to help others grow in the beauty industry. This segment dives into their experiences, expertise, and what drives them to teach. Our goal is to showcase the passion and dedication behind every lesson, giving you a deeper connection to the instructors who help shape the industry. In this feature, we’re shining the spotlight on Beauty Spectrum instructor, Rachel Pierre-Louis

Rachel Pierre-Louis of Ray’s Esthetics is an esthetician with a specialization in skincare, particularly full-body waxing, facials, and vajacials. With over 3 years of experience, Rachel prides herself on empowering people of all races, genders, and backgrounds to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.


"I don’t try to fit into the “perfect beauty professional box.
I just do me."

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a beauty professional?


I was born and raised in Miami! After high school, I headed to Indiana for college on a track scholarship. I was super involved on campus, but then COVID hit during my junior year and flipped everything. I had to come back home, and honestly, I felt a little lost. Track wasn’t my everything, and I knew I wasn’t going pro. While I was Doordashing, I noticed people were still making money from their own thing, and it really clicked for me. I realized I needed something that gave me stability if the world ever shut down again. Plus, I saw there weren’t many waxers who really focused on melanin skin, and that inspired me to jump in and create space for us.

 

Was there a specific moment or experience that motivated you to start your business?


Definitely during COVID. I kept thinking, “If I had my stuff together, I could’ve had those clients.” When it came to finding a job, it wasn’t easy. But I noticed beauty professionals were still out here making money, on their own time, with flexibility, and I wanted that too.

 

What key strategies have you used to grow your business from the ground up?


Reminding myself that I don’t know everything has been huge. I lean on affirmations a lot and it keeps my mind open. In the beginning, I focused on giving a lot more; lots of giveaways and free services, just so I could gain experience and start building a name. I wanted people to trust me before I asked them to invest in me by becoming a client.

 

Can you describe a turning point or milestone that significantly contributed to your business’s growth?


When I stopped only showing my work and started showing me. At first, I was all about clean waxes and polished facials, but people really connected when I got real. I talked about stuff like PCOS, being sweaty during a wax, all the things that make people feel seen and normal. That shift helped more people feel comfortable enough to book.

 

How do you manage the challenges of keeping a work-life balance?


I add self-care to my schedule like it’s an appointment. I make time for massages, I go out, and I have a solid support system that keeps me grounded. Taking care of myself helps me show up better for my clients and for me.

 

What keeps you motivated, especially on the slow months?


I remind myself that it’s temporary. Every slow season has its reason, and sometimes I feel like it’s God telling me to rest. “B” doesn’t just stand for “booked”, it can also mean “burnt out.” So I take those slower moments to reset and catch up with myself.

 

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your journey so far?


Hitting my financial goals week after week has been a huge one. And lately, my content has been getting more love and attention, which shows that the message is landing, and that feels good.

 

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of what you’ve achieved?


There was a week where every client I had was brand new and told me they were referred by someone else. That moment hit me differently, it reminded me that my work speaks for itself and people are really out here recommending me.

 

Where do you see your business heading in the next five years?


I see myself expanding nationally, traveling, hosting seminars, and putting together both in-person and virtual courses on The Beauty Spectrum. I want to keep teaching and reaching more people.

 

How do you set your business apart from others in your niche, and what makes it unique?


Honestly, just being me. I know it sounds cliché, but I show up fully as myself. I laugh, I joke, I’m not super strict or by the book, and that’s what makes clients feel comfortable. I don’t try to fit into the “perfect beauty professional” box. I just do me. 

 

What advice would you give to anyone who is just starting their journey in the beauty industry?


Never stop learning. No matter how good you get, or how many trainings you take, there’s always more to know. Stay humble, keep researching, and never think you’ve learned it all… because you haven’t.

 

Are there any resources or tools that have been particularly helpful in your success with running your business?


I love esthetician podcasts, they keep me inspired! And sometimes I go back to the basics, studying the OG methods of waxing. There’s value in both the new and the old.

 

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your experience in the beauty industry?


You’re going to mess up. Whether it’s your first wax or your 100th set of lash extensions, mistakes happen. But that’s how you grow. You’ll come out better, stronger, and wiser. It’s part of the process, and it’s totally okay.

You can learn directly from her by checking out her courses on The Beauty Spectrum! Stay connected with Rachel and follow her journey with the handles below.

Rachel’s courses: Click here

Instagram: @raysesthetics

Website: Click here

Amazon storefront: Click here


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