Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Flores
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am 31 years old and have lived in Georgia my whole life. From a young age, I was always the little girl playing dress-up and sneaking into my mom’s makeup stash. The spark for creativity ignited early, and as the age of YouTube beauty gurus emerged, I was hooked. Makeup quickly became my first love, and the obsession only grew stronger. As I got older, I pursued my passion more seriously by enrolling in Cosmetology school and graduated in 2014, where my love for beauty deepened. After graduation, I apprenticed under a few hair stylists and performed weddings on the side, but I knew I wanted to learn more.
The desire to expand my skills led me to go back to Esthetician school in 2018. That’s where I fell in love with waxing and facials. After graduating I worked at a local spa for almost 4 years to perfect my craft. In 2022 I decided to go after my dreams as scary as they were and open my own business. I opened Ritual Esthetics in February 2023. I specialize in 15 min Brazilian waxes, lash extensions and customized facials.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! Even at a young age I never really felt like I fit in. I was always a little quirky and weird. I got bullied and constantly made fun of for my “loud” makeup choices. When I got my first Esthetics job I was even asked to color my hair to a more “natural” shade.
I took a break from the Cosmetology side of things for a year to take care of my Paw Paw (grandfather) who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. During this time I honestly felt isolated and my mental health really suffered. I wouldn’t trade that time with him for anything though. That time really gave me a new look on life and how short it really is. So in a way he’s the one who really pushed me to follow my dreams.
After I started my first job in the Esthetics field, Covid hit the beauty industry hard. We shut down for almost 2 months. I was trying to plan my wedding and lost my Paw Paw as well. It was a really trying time. Life eventually went back to its new normal, but after a while, I began to feel burnt out. I felt like I was stuck at the job I was at. Eventually I realized I wanted a more unique and judgment free experience for all my future clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am dual licensed as a Master Cosmetologist and Esthetician. I specialize in full body waxing but my bread and butter is 15 minute Brazilian waxes, natural lash extensions and customized facials.
I’m proud to be the first person in my family to go to college and own their own business. I honestly couldn’t have accomplished any of this without the support of my family. Starting your own business can be very daunting. As cheesy as it sounds there will be a lot of blood, sweat and tears. You’re going to constantly second guess yourself and what if yourself. We all start somewhere and it really is just about following your heart and trusting the process.
I wanted to make sure my business reflected me as a person. I have always leaned more toward the alternative/witchy/dark vibes. Growing up in the south there weren’t a lot of alternative places when I was younger. So I created my own safe haven that I want to share with everyone. My suite is 100% a safe place.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m a huge reader, dark romance and fantasy mostly. I also love listening to metalcore, dad rock and 2000’s alternative/pop punk music. My goal is to see as many bands this year as possible.
And here’s something I truly believe: If you have a dream, chase it with everything you’ve got. There’s always room for everyone to succeed, and no dream is too small or insignificant. Don’t ever let anyone make you think your aspirations don’t matter, because they do, and you deserve to make them a reality!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ritualesthetics13.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: Instagram: @ritualesthetics13 @_courtneyflores
- Other: TikTok: @ritualesthetics13 Email: ritualesthetics13@gmail.com
