Ramona has been transforming skin for almost a decade. Licensed as a Medical Aesthetician, Laser Technician, Phlebotomist, double-certified in microblading with both Everlasting London and Phi Brow Academy—and an expert in Alastin and ZO skincare—there is no skin concern she can’t address. With 8 years in the biz (after her previous career as an opera singer) Ramona believes that a science-based education is a vital part of aesthetics and strives not only to educate herself on the latest skincare and technologies, but also her valued clients.

The Basics:

Hometown: Brasov, Romania
Current city: Detroit, MI
Alma mater: G. Dima Music Academy; Michigan College of Beauty
Degree: BA Music/Opera; Aesthetician
Very first job: Music Teacher
Hustle: CEO, Aesthetics by Ramona

The Interests:

Babe you admire and why?
You started with the hardest question! But I will share this particular one, who most don’t even know existed: Dr. Ana Aslan, a Romanian doctor who promised people their youth back and gained international fame. She was a recipient of the WHO Leon Bernard Award in 1952 for delaying the aging process. Her research showed the results of the substance procaine in slowing down effects of old age. She created two lines of product: Gerovital Age 3, and Aslavitan. Her clients included world famous actors, politicians, and artists. Rumors existed that Kirk Douglas, Marlene Dietrich, Salvador Dali, Charles de Gaulle, JFK, and even dictators like Tito and Nikita Khrushchev were on the list.

Go-to coffee order and/or adult beverage?
Cappuccino, which always tastes better in a cozy environment with good music.

What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
Traveling is my favorite. I also take great pleasure in music and cooking.

Dream concert to attend (past or present musicians)?
Maria Callas (1923 - 1977) — the most famous opera soprano.   

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
The drive through Monaco, Cannes and Nice. It must be one of the most scenic routes in all of Europe. Any place where you can see both the mountains and the sea is breathtaking. 

What advice would you give your teenage self?
Worry less about what people think about you.

The Hustle:

Tell us about your hustle, providing a summary of your roles and the work you do daily.

My work does not end. I am constantly working on realizing the visions I have for my business. Until I expand staffing, I have to wear different hats. Be it the aesthetician, social media director, CEO, or client affairs liaison—I take each role seriously. My day usually starts with a comprehensive review of the client schedule, followed by emails and texts with clients and a social media run through, all before a busy day of seeing clients. My evenings are spent re-arranging the schedule, responding to emails, and consulting with my staff as to upcoming events and appointments.

When did you first become interested in the Aesthetician route? When did you know you wanted to pursue it as a career?

After I decided my opera career must come to an end due to medical reasons, I realized I was dealing with some of the hardest skin conditions to treat: hormonal acne, melasma, and rosacea—which prompted me to learn more about. I started reaching out to medical providers from Europe and USA, and became knowledgeable about scientific and medical grade products and devices. With the knowledge I gained, my skin condition significantly improved, and I realized a passion to know more and help others.

How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?

I have always been in the middle of internal and external beauty in the opera world.  As a performer, I had to look my best—not just on stage. What I do now is still a performance. Even though it may not be on stage, my venue is the human body; two different worlds collide into this performance of mine.

How do you keep up with the latest advancements in the medical aesthetics world? Are there additional courses or training offered to improve your knowledge + skills as advancements are made?

Companies I work with and purchase products and technology from have a ton of training seminars and in person participation that significantly improve my skills and knowledge. Both me and my staff are highly trained, and continue to keep up to date with advances in the science. On my own, I go out into the marketplace to better improve my skills. For my microblading services, I have three different certifications, because I want to be able to customize the most realistic eyebrow tattoo.

Is there anything you’d like to debunk or clarify about the Aesthetician industry and career?

The vast majority of people still have the misconception that this industry is only for women. As our male clientele grows, we would like to see more male providers, too.

How has COVID-19 impacted your business + the skin care industry at-large?  

I am not a person who lives in fear or worry. I took advantage of the months we were in lockdown and built a foundation of ABR, not knowing how fast it would grow. The cosmetic industry during this pandemic has been the busiest that I’ve ever seen it.

How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?

Growing up, I experienced a lot of jealousy from girls because of my talent in singing, and as such, all my close friends were boys. This may sound cliche, but “community over competition” has been so real lately. There’s no such thing as being jealous of each other or competing against one another, even though we are providing the same service. It brings such pleasure to me to just support other female like-service providers. What we can do to support each other? Show up at one another’s events, buy one another’s products/services, and share our stories.

What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?

I’m so proud to have established a relationship with my clients—even some have who have followed me from my first job as an esthetician 10 years ago.

What are your must-have skin care products, brands and services?

Our four non-negotiables are is what I preach every day: Cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, protecting! For best results, choose medical-grade products with a high concentrations of active ingredients versus over-the-counter products. Your besties for anti-aging are retinol and botox.

How would you describe your relationship with your clients?

I enjoy having a relationship with my clients. It’s a team effort based on mutual trust. They trust me that I will provide my medical expertise, great service, and a skin care protocol that will help their concern—while I trust that they will do their part in their daily skincare routine that we customize together.

Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?

Stephanie Stewart, PA, owner of The Aesthetic Method! I don’t know how she does everything in 24 hours.  Being so close to her and sharing a space with her, I got to see her operate. She runs a successful practice, has a busy personal life, and finds time to foster and rescue dogs. There aren’t enough pages for all the women in my life I admire and look up to. I will however mention these outstanding women: Andreea Bona (Glam by Andreea), Candice Simmons (J’adore Detroit), Jennifer Lee (Chalet Drive, BasBlue Detroit), Ursula Mullen (@ursulafroesmullenrealestate), Anna Warner-Mayse (The Lipstick Journey), and my mom, who is a warrior.

Career and/or life advice for other babes (both inside and outside of your industry?)

Every step back shouldn't be perceived as a defeat, but rather a springboard for your next five steps.

Connect with Ramona:

Business Instagram / Personal Instagram / Email / 248.565.5841

This interview has been condensed and edited.

In partnership with: Aesthetics by Ramona

Located in Detroit, MI, Aesthetics by Ramona offers customized clinical facial treatments, PRF microneedling, CryoSkin procedures, microblading, and lip blushing. Learn more on the ABR website or on Instagram.

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