Get to know Lorena!

Although she has been a part of the labarre equipe, we thought it was time that you really got to know Lorena Garcia!  If you have been one of the lucky people who have enjoyed her incredible services as our in-house esthetician, then you already know what a complete ray of sunshine Lorena is.
 
Operating ROZ at labarre, located at 1445 The Alameda, Lorena has been servicing our guests and quickly becoming one of the Bay Area’s best esthetiticians.  Her drive and passion is only eclipsed by her knowledge and warm demeanor.

Lorena grew up in small town in Northern California town that you may have heard of due to its unique name; Weed.  She attended Weed High – which brings with it too many punchlines to list here – and notes that her family was down to earth and “hard working.”  Lorena also notes that her extended family is HUGE – as her parents, who have been married for 35 years, both have 8 siblings.  Lorena’s immediate family is a bit tighter as her sister, Erica, has two daughters and Lorena’s face lights up when talking about her nieces, Shaila and Anayelli.

This Northern California girl eventually broke away from the nest and made her way to the Mid-West as she attended Avila University in Kansas City, MO for a few years.
 
Studying journalism, Lorena dove deep into her craft and became a beauty blogger as she sharpened her journalistic skills.  She attributes that work to launching her skin care journey as she notes with a smile, “I have always had a fascination with beauty and makeup artists, but there’s more to the craft as it’s an evolving industry.  For me, the education is endless so I am always in ‘school.’  I am constantly researching everything I can to be the best I can be.”

When she returned to California, she connected with a friend who was a renowned makeup artist and that sparked Lorena to gain a greater interest above and beyond just doing makeup.  She began diving into becoming an esthetician and chose to focus on this path.
 
A chance meeting between labarre owner, Lisa Alberino (who also spent 4 years in Kansas City!) happened when Lisa walked into a waxing establishment and met Lorena.  Lisa, rocking a KC shirt, instantly connected with Lorena. “Are you from KC” Lorena noted saying to labarre’s founder, “I lived in KC too!!” and it turns out the two were not only there in the same time frame but living fairly close to each other. The discussion continued on and shifted into talking about what Lorena wanted to accomplish, career wise, and an opportunity presented itself.  Lorena, thankfully, joined the equipe and ROZ was born!

“ROZ is very customized, it is very unique to the customer.  I will never offer something I don’t think is good for the customer.”  Lorena continues to talk about her philosophy and the intimate experience her guests have.  “You are going to be really comfortable with me because I know it is a personal and vulnerable thing for customers to do.  People get really nervous at the thought of working with an esthetician but all of that anxiety goes away the moment we begin.  We get to talking and I truly want to know about my customer’s lives… I don’t even like calling them clients, I like calling them friends!!” Beaming about ROZ and satisfied clients, she also has a message to those who have not tried her services.  “I would say to those people looking for a great esthetician should pay us a visit at ROZ.  We are beyond clean and sanitary, incredibly comfortable and I know that you will want to return once you come in!”
 
Researching best practices and the science of beauty is a forte for Lorena, but that research doesn’t stop there!  It has extended itself into a more sinister world. 
 
In her spare time, Lorena keeps her skills as a journalist sharp as she works alongside the producer of “Once Upon a Crime.”  You can hear her work on the “Once Upon a Crime” podcast which has us a little worried because – if you were unaware – she works in the building’s old vault! (labarre studios history lesson – it’s the original Bank of Italy branch which means we kept the historical building intact, including the giant steel bank vault door that happens to flank the entry to ROZ!)

We often wonder if, instead of her trying to be the best esthetician she can be, she is simply planning to become a safe cracker in her spare time!
 
When she is not assisting on entertaining podcasts, Lorena simply likes to chill.  “Winery picnics in Napa and Sonoma, going to the movies or just hanging at home is what I like. I’m a true homebody.”
 
Finally, Lorena states, “Where I work is beautiful, its homey and it has personality and you will feel at home if you come visit us.” 
 
We second that emotion… so to learn more about labarre simply click HERE or stop in and see Lorena in person!