Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Del Pilar Anaya
Hi Maria Del Pilar, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Maria Del Pilar Anaya. I was born in Venezuela and have Spanish roots. I moved to this country 35 years ago. I graduated with a degree in advertising in Venezuela and also studied finance and accounting.
In my youth, I worked as a hairdresser in Venezuela to support my studies and personal expenses. I came to this country to work as a personal financial assistant. I am a dedicated worker, and I find joy in helping and teaching people who want to progress, whether here or elsewhere.
In 2007, I resumed my career as a cosmetologist at a hairdressing school in Pembroke Pines, where I managed the school’s accounts. In the evenings, I taught classes in skin aesthetics and makeup. On Saturdays, I worked at the same school, providing facial aesthetics and waxing services.
In 2010, I had the opportunity to enter the technological world as an IT business analyst, and I have worked for over 15 years with Oracle financial systems, optimizing processes for large companies. In June of this year, the company I had worked for over 10 years decided to eliminate the IT business analyst position, leading to the closure of the systems team and, ultimately, my job loss.
I am a single mother to a daughter with a developmental disability caused by a rare disease called Moya Moya, which has no cure or medication to alleviate her symptoms. Additionally, my 89-year-old mother lives with me. Although she is independent, she relies on my assistance with language and other needs.
This year has been incredibly challenging for me: I lost my job, fell ill, and my daughter required hospitalization. Thankfully, I was there for her during this difficult time. Despite these hardships, in August, I made the decision to purchase a salon using my credit and took the risk of obtaining a loan to start a business that aligns with my financial and aesthetic skills.
Although I haven’t completely stepped away from my role as an IT business analyst, I am investing time into my business to provide employment opportunities for others, either through rentals or a percentage of profits. I am able to manage remote IT work alongside running my business.
I value rules, order, and cleanliness. I can sometimes be quite honest in my communication, which might not always be well-received. Nevertheless, I strive to help those in need, while ensuring that I am not taken advantage of in the process.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This year has been very hard for me, I lost my job that supported my family, I got sick, my daughter had to be in the hospital, and thank God I was there for her. Despite all the difficulties that these months have been, in August I decided to buy a salon using my credit and risk getting a loan to open a business with my financial and aesthetic skills.
The most difficult thing has been finding qualified and professional people. Thank God I have someone who has earned the position of partner and gives me a hand to make improvements and make the business a special, beautiful place with the necessary services for clients and high customer service. That person is Juan Miguel Sever, whom I call my brother for life. He is a guardian angel who appeared in our lives, and I can say that he has a beautiful family and is a great human being.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in facial and body aesthetics. I identify myself with the gift of positive and relaxing energy. I love seeing people happy when they see the change in their skin and body shape using natural, non-invasive products.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important thing during all these years is that whatever my financial, personal, or health situation, I have always believed in myself and I do not give up until I fulfill my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: beautyoasisunisex
- Facebook: beautyoasisunisex
Image Credits
Maria Del Pilar Anaya
