Budding Entrepreneurs Open Laser Center With “Passion” To Help Others

STATEN ISLAND, NY — For Marisol Martinez and Elia Salgado, the laser hair removal process is more than just a typical beauty interview — it’s a deeply personal and potentially life-changing experience.

“We’ve worked with people from all walks of life and skin types, and regularly treat women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — a hormonal disorder that causes excessive hair growth,” Martinez noted. “You build a very personal relationship with your clients in this industry, and when the treatments make a huge improvement, you can immediately see the change in self-esteem. It really is the most rewarding part of our job.

The aunt/niece duo, who have been in the beauty industry for 15 years, said it was this kind of response that inspired them to open their own boutique in Mariners Harbour.

“We both worked in high-end Manhattan beauty salons for almost 15 years, completing our training in laser hair removal while learning the art of microneedling, microdermabrasion, skin tightening and more. again,” Martinez said. “I’ve always loved how people’s lives have been changed by just a few services. Together, we dreamed of bringing the best in beauty technology here to our home on Staten Island. In 2021, we made that leap.

But the transition from technician to entrepreneur was difficult.

“It was scary to open, especially after COVID, but we’re here,” Salgado said. “We are both Mexican immigrants, and when we came to the United States years ago, we didn’t even know the language. It was a double effort for us. We worked hard, earned our education, and overcame all the challenges we faced. Now we are business owners. We are very happy with this award.

The couple found a second-floor suite at 2031 Forest Ave. and called their company Unique laser and aesthetics. What makes their business so unique? Their efforts are not focused on monetary return.

“If you are not a candidate for the procedure, we tell you openly and honestly that you cannot be treated,” Salgado said. “Our goal is to change lives, to make the customer feel better about themselves and themselves, not just to make money.”

Offering chemical peels, dermaplaning, LED light therapy and intimate whitening, Unique Laser offers a wide range of services and uses the Candela GentleMaxPro for their laser techniques.

“GentleMax Pro lasers are powerful, state-of-the-art devices that provide permanent hair reduction quickly and effectively by selectively targeting the hair follicle with intense pulses of light energy for thermal destruction, but without damaging tissue. surroundings,” the company notes on its website. “The laser incorporates a unique skin cooling system [that is] 50% more effective than air or contact cooling for optimal epidermal protection and more comfortable treatments.

Six to 12 sessions are needed to achieve 80 to 90 percent hair reduction, Martinez said, noting that clients typically notice results soon after their first session.

“Your hair growth will decrease, and the hair will be thinner and weaker,” she said. “Your skin will also become smoother and your pores will be less visible after each session.”

And each treatment is driven by the merchants’ goal of beautifying the borough.

“We are passionate about making people feel better about themselves,” Martinez concluded.