My name is Taina Santiago and I’m a 39-year-old Hispanic American woman with a natural organic skincare formulation diploma pursuing a career in product development. My educational objective is to become a licensed esthetician to gain experience working with skin and inform my product development. I aspire to sell natural organic skincare in my boutique spa. My adversities with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD have shaped who I am and impacted my skin health journey, leading me to pursue a career in the skincare industry. After studying skincare formulation and gaining valuable knowledge and experience with natural organic ingredients I realized that I need to further my education to learn more about skin and how it responds to those ingredients.
Growing up as an orphan being raised by the eldest of 3 girls, we experienced many adversities. Like many communities of color, we experienced generations of trauma and had to overcome challenges and barriers that impacted the trajectory of our lives. Despite the obstacles, I am the first in my family to graduate high school, college, and trade school to get where I am today. Socioeconomic, cultural, and mental health factors affect our overall well-being, including our skin health, in nuanced ways that are barely taken into account when evaluating the state of health in communities of color.
I am working on independent research on diversity in the beauty industry and how socioeconomic, cultural, and holistic health factors impact skin health in communities of color. I have created a line of body and facial products to treat skin with natural organic ingredients that improve skin health and enhance beauty instead of changing appearances to look like something we’re not. Diversity is important in the beauty industry and has been long awaited by communities of color. Aesthetics medicine needs more diverse perspectives and patients of color want to be seen and heard. With a lack of diversity in the aesthetics curriculum, limited provider efforts to research resources on diversity, and a lack of BIPOC participation in clinical trials and marketing materials, people of color continue to face disparities in a beauty industry that remains unrealistically exclusive to euro-centric standards and communities.
Currently, I am applying for scholarships to fund my education while continuing to develop new formulas for an anti-aging product line. I have been accepted to Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in New York and will begin my aesthetics journey in September 2024. I’m excited to work with real people and get hands-on experience that will better inform my career in product development. I have registered an LLC to launch a small business after my first 5 years of practicing aesthetics.
A scholarship would change my life by covering tuition and other essential expenses that I cannot afford. I will be studying full-time without an income to balance my mental health needs while maintaining focus, dedication, and commitment to a demanding discipline and schedule. I am currently paying off an existing student loan and a scholarship can provide the economic freedom necessary to focus on funding my entrepreneurial endeavors, incurring the least amount of debt possible.
Education is the most important tool in my life and has fostered the growth and development I needed to overcome every challenge I’ve ever faced. I’ve learned discipline, gained strength and resilience, and evolved into a woman of great character. I thank Vitality Institute for the opportunity to apply for the Brown Skin Agenda Aesthetics & Cosmetology Scholarship and hope to be awarded a life-changing gift.
In December of 2022 my best friend Erica Pantjoa passed away in a car accident. She was so driven and reminded me constantly that I could do anything that I set my mind to. Erica's support was unwavering and could be seen through the way she showed up anytime I thought I would try something new.
Since December my world has been flipped in so many ways. She was my only outlet and source of support. So much so that in June of 2022, Erica was there at the hospital by my side while I delivered my son, Julian. As a new mom grieving her friend, it was hard to imagine the thought of raising a child with out her support. However, the thought of the endless possibilities for this little baby changed how I saw the future. I needed to be a better role model for him. It certainly is not an easy task but the love and support from Erica inspires me everyday.
Being a single black mom with now, no support system like many others left me wondering what life really has in store for me. I was working towards a career in finances, where the leadership portion was my passion. I sat thinking most days how do I ethically lead others when I did not always believe in the mission of the company, the answer is you don't! So I left after 6 years.
It was during this time that I realized that my passion for leadership, beauty, self care and mental health could all come together to pursue my license in esthetics. I knew that change was not going to be easy but was encouraged because growth never is. I knew finances and resources would be tight but betting on myself was the only option to better the life of my child. Erica would have said 'It takes strength and courage to believe in yourself so authentically'. She was right!
The healing and joy I have experienced so far in my education shows me that this is the right path for me. This is the first time in my life that I have felt with my whole heart that I am doing the right thing. I am invested in where this career will take me. Talking with clients, providing education about their skin, listening to their day, watching them see confidence in the mirror or providing a quiet place to relax energizes me.
Currently in my class, I am one of two black students. I find myself asking many questions about how certain treatments affect darker skin tones and am typically met with a long winded reply that does not answer the question. While my education has been very insightful I am noticing a lack of knowledge for the type of client skin I am most excited to service. With this scholarship I will be able to extend my education to courses that are specific to people of color.
In my own corner of the world I am able to make an impact on people with something I stand behind and believe in, and one day I will be able to spread that passion to a team who feel the same way. Building a business will be tough but with the right passion and values it will be more than worth it.
