Skincare as Self-Respect: Latina Estheticians on the Ritual of Care

Why Skincare Is More Than Skin Deep

Skincare is deeper than beauty—it’s a ritual, a reclaiming, a reminder that we are worthy of care. For many Latinas, taking the time to cleanse, moisturize, and glow up isn’t vanity—it’s legacy work.

Dominican esthetician, Deisy Suarez-Giles, founder of DESUAR Spa in Los Angeles, says that for her clients, skincare often becomes a way to reconnect with their bodies and take control of their narratives.

“True beauty is not merely found in the products we apply, but in the deep connection we cultivate with each client. Every treatment is a heartfelt exchange, where we take the time to listen, understand, and nurture not just the skin, but the soul. Each gentle touch is an act of love, a reminder that beauty is a journey we embark on together. In this sacred space, we create a haven where individuals feel seen and valued, allowing their inner light to shine through. Skincare becomes a celebration of self-care, a ritual that empowers and uplifts, transforming the act of beautifying into an expression of love and artistry.”

Healing Through Ritual and Representation

This is especially powerful in a culture where caretaking roles often dominate our daily lives. We pour into everyone else—our kids, parents, partners, communities. But skincare gives us a rare moment to pour into ourselves.

Latina estheticians across the country are redefining what beauty means through the lens of cultura and consciousness. From abuelita’s aloe vera to ancestral oils like maracujá and jojoba, many skincare regimens are being elevated with both ancestral wisdom and modern science.

“It’s not about perfection,” says Deisy. “It’s about ritual. About the moment you remind yourself: I matter. I am allowed to take up space. I am worthy of softness.”

Skincare as a Daily Declaration

Whether it’s a three-step or ten-step routine, your skincare can become a mirror of your self-worth. Try doing it in silence, with a candle, or while playing music from your childhood. Make it a celebration.

Your Story, Your Skin

Our founder, Zulay Henao, shares her own perspective: “Skincare feels like soul care. Taking care of my skin in silence and with intention is grounding—it allows beautiful thoughts to emerge, including all the self-love rituals. I personally use this time to practice looking myself in the eyes and saying, ‘I love you, Zulay.’ I learned this from the amazing Louise Hay, and it’s transformed my relationship with myself.”

Because caring for your skin is also caring for your story. And every Muze deserves to be cared for—deeply, daily, and without guilt.”

The Art of the Latina Soft Life: Reclaiming Peace in a Hustle Culture

There’s a cultural shift happening—and Latinas are leading the way. The “soft life,” once dismissed as lazy or indulgent, is being reclaimed as a radical act of self-preservation. In a world that praises hustle and grind, many of us are choosing joy, ease, and slowness.

A Founder’s Reflection on Intuition and Joy

Our founder, Zulay Henao, recently had her own ‘aha’ moment with the soft life mindset. “I’ve started to ask myself each morning: what would bring me joy today? What would make me feel good right now? And then I act on that first,” she shares. “I start with the thing that brings me the most joy and then allow God and the universe to let the magical unfolding happen from there. Sometimes that means skipping a workout and taking it easy, or other times it cues something bold and risky—like, ‘Let’s cold email that investor and see what conversation unfolds.’ It’s all about tuning into my intuition and letting that guide my energy for the day.” Or, sometimes it’s about pausing for some puppy snuggles! It really is that simple, to let life unfold while using our innate gift.

Rest is Radical Choice

Latina therapists say this is not about being passive—it’s about being intentional. “The soft life isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing what nourishes you,” she explains. That might mean setting boundaries, saying no to overwork, or choosing a morning cafecito ritual over endless emails.

Latina entrepreneurs, creatives, and jefas are embracing slower mornings, digital detox weekends, and time away from work not as a luxury, but as a necessity. This isn’t just about mental health—it’s about longevity, legacy, and reclaiming agency in a world that often demands we give more than we have.

Julie Skon, a wellness coach and Muze community member, puts it best: “Softness is our power. We just forgot.” In her practice, she teaches women to reconnect with their bodies, redefine productivity, and honor rest as resistance.

Burnout vs. Productivity: Know the Difference

Burnout can often disguise itself as dedication. You might be answering emails at midnight, skipping meals to finish deadlines, or constantly saying yes when you’re already stretched thin. That’s not ambition—that’s imbalance.

Many Latinas are taught that our worth is tied to our output. But productivity that comes from a place of depletion is unsustainable. True productivity feels aligned, nourishing, and inspired—not forced or frantic.

Some signs you may be out of alignment? Constant fatigue. Resentment toward work you once enjoyed. Disconnection from joy, this is a big one! Or simply feeling like you’re always running, but getting nowhere.

Soft life doesn’t mean you stop dreaming—it means you pursue those dreams from a centered place. One where your joy, your boundaries, and your peace are non-negotiables.

Softness as Power: A Muze Perspective

So what does the soft life look like for you? Maybe it’s making space to stretch every morning before checking your phone. t feels good, aligned, and incredibly powerful when fully understood.Maybe it’s choosing silence over scrolling. Or maybe it’s simply no longer apologizing for your need to pause.

Let this be your permission slip to rest, reset, and reclaim your softness—not as a weakness, but as a legacy. In choosing ease, you’re choosing yourself. And there is nothing more powerful than that.

Report Shows Latinas’ GDP of $1.3 Trillion Outsizes Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania’s

The future is Latina and a new report is here to prove it.

Turns out it’s time for the jefas and their hard work to shine. After all, they’re putting their money where their effort is—and the United States economy is all the better for it. According to the inaugural U.S. Latina GDP Report, “Dando Vida a la Economía,” Latinas’ GDP is larger than the economy of several U.S. states.

So, what does this all mean? Well, Latinas aren’t just contributing to the economy. They’re vital to it.

Hustle power turned cash flow at impressive speed

One thing we can all agree on when it comes to Latinas is that hustle is their love language. Whether you’re a mamá migrating to the US to give your children a better life, or a first-generation Latina starting a legacy of generational wealth, they do what it takes to make their dreams happen.

The extensive report dives head first not just into numbers, but reasons why Latinas are killing it in economic growth. Building upon six annual US Latino GDP Reports since 2018, eight state, and a dozen Metro Latino GDP reports, the proof is in the numbers. In partnership with Bank of America, these reports offer an impressive view of the growing contributions of Latinas to the economy and how they’re making it happen.

While the economic premium for Latinos living in the U.S. was already impressive, the analysis of Latinas revealed theirs is even higher than the group at large. In 2021, the U.S. Latina GDP was $1.3 trillion, growing $660 billion since 2010. To put it into context, this economic output is greater than Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, and Washington State. Only California, Texas, and New York rank above it.

Additionally, from 2010 to 2021, Latinas’ economic contributions grew 51.1 percent. During this time, the GDP of Hispanic females grew 1.2 times more than rate of Hispanic males. And if that’s not enough, 2.7 times more than the rate of non-Hispanic GDP.

Making waves in the labor force—even during COVID

Adding to their buying power, Latinas are showing up brighter than ever in the workforce.

From 2000 to 2024, Latinas have added a whopping 7.5 percentage points in two decades to the labor force. According to the report, from 2010 to 2021, the number skyrocketed by 32.9%. In contrast, the number of non-Hispanic females in the workforce only increased by 2.7%.

Naturally, with rapid workforce growth comes income flow. As per the report, while Latino incomes grew significantly from 2010 to 2021, Hispanic females had greater gains. That’s a total gain of 46.0% compared to 18.5% for non-Hispanic males. Another impactful piece of data is how strong Latina GDP stayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the first two years of the pandemic, the salary income and real wage of U.S. Latinas totaled a 9.3 percent increase. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic incomes declined by 1.7 percent.

That’s what we call #muzeworthy.

The impact of education on Latinas’ GDP and paving a brighter future

While there are many aspects to economic growth, the data on the impact of education on the Latina GDP is outstanding. The gains Latinas are making in the bank also correlate with their educational attainment. From 2010 to 2021, the number of Hispanic women with a bachelor’s degree grew to 103.0%. During those eleven years, the educational attainment of Latinas grew 2.7 times higher, compared to non-Hispanic women whose. numbers grew 38.3%.

Looking at these numbers, there’s no doubt Latinas are building a better future for the country and paving the way for greater opportunities. After all, these numbers show that when Latinas set their mind to something—they make it happen.