Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Martinez, Owner of Skin Vanity Beauty Studio

Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics grad, Natalie Martinez! In her interview, Natalie emphasizes how every experience is a learning opportunity that shouldn’t be taken for granted! This is why she encourages everyone who wants to pursue a beauty education to never stop learning – whether it be from a school, place of work, or their peers! During her time as a student at CV and while working in a medical spa, she took in all the knowledge she could to prepare to open her own business, Skin Vanity Beauty Studio. Natalie also shines a light on her path to starting her own business and shares why enjoying (and learning from) the journey is more important than reaching the destination.

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I studied esthetics at CV.
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated in 2018.
3. What are you doing now? I own my own Skin Vanity Beauty Studio on Long Island.
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? After working at many medispas on Long Island and on the upper east side, I decided to open my own business and become my own boss.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? My favorite part about studying at CV was the environment and the teachers. All were so kind in making sure we understood the content and mentored us.
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? I learned to prefer a more holistic approach to skincare and really prioritize the clients’ comfort with aromatherapy and facial massage.
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? My advice to anyone who is considering entering the beauty industry is this. Go for it! When you work with passion your talent will flourish and you will grow organically in the industry. There is no such thing as competition, you are your own competition. Always work to be a better you, learn as much as you can, and grow from there.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? My word of advice for graduating students is to be like a sponge and learn as much as possible from any job you encounter. It will help you in bettering your knowledge in the industry and gaining experience. Jobs are opportunities for growth.
9. What CV product is always in your inventory or on your shelf? I always have Lotion X and Cell Refresh. They are amazing products that exfoliate the skin and help make extractions become much easier.

Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a “root system,” and it’s why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a Christine Valmy graduate about their educational and professional journeys.

As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated Insights homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.