MEET BERWYN’S ENTREPRENEURS: AUDREY OCASIO OF AUDREY’S ESTHETICS

Name: 
Audrey Ocasio
Hometown: 
Chicago, IL
About Audrey:

I grew up in Chicago with Guatemalan roots and Christian values. Family is very important to me. My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage this year! We are proud parents to our 28 and 24 year old kids and even prouder to be grandparents to our four grandchildren ages 7, 5, 3 and 2. I love to dance and learn. Most recently, I started learning how to play the guitar.

 

The Business Side:

After spending over 20 years as a medical assistant and then a surgery schedule coordinator, I decided I wanted to go back to school for something fun! I’ve always enjoyed cosmetology and esthetics. Over time, I became the go-to resource for friends and family. I decided to formalize my passion into a career and went to school to be a licensed esthetician. As an empty-nester, the timing was great for me to go back to school. Although my days were long, working full time and going to school was the best medicine for when I missed my adult children.

Why Berwyn?

Berwyn is a beautiful, vibrant and diverse town—who wouldn’t love it?! I knew that when I wanted to open a business, I would try my hardest for it to be in Berwyn. I have lived in Berwyn for 13 years, my children went to school here, I’ve owned 2 houses in Berwyn, and I’ve made lifelong friends here. As a result, I wanted to offer my services and create a beauty oasis for my community.

Describe yourself using 3 words.

Caring: I am very caring and compassionate. I truly care about people and want to always help a person feel better about themselves, do better for themselves or lend a helping hand to someone in need.
Ambitious: When I set my mind on doing something I just can’t quit until I finish. When it comes to setting goals, I will not set them unless I know I will accomplish them.
Friendly: I love meeting new people and making new friends, which is why I love working in this industry; I get to meet new people and make new friends all the time.

What inspires me?

There are so many things that inspire me every day! My children inspire me to be the best I can be. I want to be a good example for them and their children. My husband’s passionate beliefs inspire me to stand up for what I believe in. My mother inspires me, because, throughout her life, she has always been a hard-working woman of faith while being a great mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. The people I meet every day inspire me. The sun, the moon and the stars, and the beauty in nature inspire me. Last, but most definitely not least, my faith and belief in God inspire me.

What is something people do not know about you?

Most people, including some family members, don’t know that I am a natural-born artist. I can draw and sketch. At a young age, I watched my father draw a cartoon once and then I took his drawing and copied it perfectly.

What is something I’m not good at?

Sports. I am not in the very least athletic. My poor coordination doesn’t let me get very far in a game of soccer or basketball; swimming is more of my strength.

What makes me laugh?

My grandchildren are so brutally honest and it cracks me up. Kids say the funniest things, some of which I can’t repeat. My husband makes me laugh every day and this is one of the reasons why I’m still so in love with him after so many years together.

What is the meaning of my name?

Audrey is an English name which means noble and strength. I believe my name’s meaning fits me perfectly, although as a child I didn’t like it very much because it wasn’t very popular, and since I am Latina people would always try to change it to Adrianna or Andrea. They didn’t understand why a little Guatemalan girl had an English name. My mother named me after an actress, and I love it!

Something new I learned?

I just learned how to play the guitar. I’m pretty good considering I’m learning online. My father and brothers and several other family members are musicians and I thought if they could do it, so could I. I picked it up last winter during the slow business months after Christmas.

What is the one question people ask repeatedly about my profession?

Why did I choose to be an esthetician? I’ve always loved the beauty industry! I use to cut all my dolls’ and my little sister’s dolls’ hair, and paint makeup on them as a child, but somehow, I got into the medical field instead. Now as an older adult I decided to follow my dream and passion as a beauty service provider and I’m loving what I do to help my people look and feel their best! It’s something that comes naturally to me and it never even feels like work. Like the saying goes “Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”