Rosalyn Jefferson is a dynamic mompreneur with expertise in both the beauty and hospitality industries. After earning a B.S. in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an M.S. in Hospitality Management from Florida International University, she transitioned from a successful hotel management career with companies like Marriott and Walt Disney World to pursue her passion for esthetics. As a licensed esthetician in Maryland and Florida, Rosalyn has earned accolades such as Esthetician of the Year and the Trailblazer Award for her contributions to the industry.
Now the founder of Hunny Bee Beauty, a skincare studio in Baltimore, Rosalyn is committed to helping women align their inner and outer beauty. She also leads the Hunny Bee Society, an organization that promotes self-love and self-worth among brown girls of all ages and serves as the Baltimore Chapter President of Spa Boss Tribe. Rosalyn regularly partners with local organizations to host skincare workshops for inner-city students and continues to inspire and connect with other women in the beauty, health, and wellness fields.
Learn more about the beautypreneur below.
Fancy: Your transition from a successful hotel management career to aesthetics is remarkable. What inspired you to make this shift, and how has your background in hospitality influenced your approach to beauty and skincare?
Rosalyn: I was inspired to make this shift because I was burnt out, super depressed with my current hotel company, and as a result, I was seven months pregnant with my daughter and ended up in the psych ward because I let the stress of my hotel career change me. I was at my wit’s end and knew after giving birth I could not return to that very dark situation. Once I gave birth to my daughter, I never looked back. I knew I could apply my skills to serving others differently. My sister suggested that I enroll in an aesthetic program, and from then I was locked in. The hospitality industry shaped me to take good care of my clients and gave me the business acumen to maintain these clients and grow my business.
Fancy: Wow, I am so sorry to hear this, but your transformation has been amazing. You’ve accomplished so much. As the founder of Hunny Bee Beauty and leader of Hunny Bee Society, you emphasize aligning one’s interior and exterior beauty. Can you share how this philosophy shapes the services and programs you offer and its impact on your clients and community?
Rosalyn: Not feeling pretty, worthy, or confident was a struggle that I dealt with from elementary school to college. So my goal is to be the person I needed to be when I was younger—someone who would be an example, offer encouragement, and be a beacon of light for not just young girls but grown women as well.
Fancy: As a licensed esthetician in Maryland and Florida, what key skills or knowledge do you believe are essential for success in the esthetics industry, and how do you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques to maintain your expertise?
Rosalyn: The key skills necessary to be an esthetician anywhere in the world are interpersonal skills. You must be a people person with a good spirit and a high touch when your clientele can be vulnerable. On top of that, you need customer service, business awareness/acumen, a spirit to serve, and the desire to continuously learn and enhance your skill set as the industry changes.
Fancy: You’ve earned numerous accolades, including the Esthetician of the Year and the Trailblazer Award. How have these recognitions influenced your journey, and what do they mean to you personally and professionally?
Rosalyn: Personally, these awards let me know that I am getting recognized for my hardwork and resiliency in a very loud and busy industry. While the intent is never to seek recognition, it does feel good to receive it. In my case, these recognitions have influenced the journey by motivating me to KEEP GOING! On a bad day, you can think about your accomplishments, be overcome with gratitude, and be reminded of past achievements.
Fancy: With fall approaching, are there any skincare tips we should consider?
Rosalyn: Here are three tips for the fall skincare.
Sunscreen is still necessary in the cooler months, so put it on and reapply daily!
The cooler months are the perfect time to get more advanced treatments that we tend to shy away from in the hot summer months.
The crisp fall air will leave your skin chapped, dry, and dull. We tend to use lightweight moisturizers that can’t stand up to the cold air. A moisturizer that is more hydrating and protects against water loss in the skin is ideal for fall.
Fancy: Your work with the Baltimore City Department of Parks & Recreation and other community initiatives has significantly impacted inner-city youth. What drives your passion for community service, and how do you see your role in empowering the next generation of beauty, health, and wellness professionals?
Rosalyn: I just love to reassure, motivate, and teach others. I also dislike seeing people go without the things they need. I love that I can teach someone about outer beauty while still speaking to their soul and emphasizing their inner beauty. I continue to learn that you can’t have one without the other. You will feel more beautiful on the outside when you’re feeling beautiful and glowing on the inside.
Fancy: Last but not least, how would you describe your swagher? What makes Rosalyn, Rosalyn?
Rosalyn: Wow, I’ve never been asked that before, but it’s a great question! My SwagHer comes from the sum of my experiences in life. Everything that I have gone through makes up the fabric of who I am today. Every good thing, each trial, each test, each win, and each success. What makes Rosalyn, Rosalyn is my family, my fierce passion to knock out goals and make my dreams come true, the good Lord above, my bright and bubbly personality—- we can’t forget that.
Fancy: Where can readers find and connect with you?
Rosalyn: I am so easy to find. Please connect with me on all social media @mshunnybeebeauty, IG, FB, threads, and hunnybeebeauty on Youtube. You can even visit my website at www.hunnybeebeauty.com. To level up your skincare game, text Beauty to 877-650-0766.
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