Regine Zafra-Florida, a natural beauty enthusiast, has always been the go-to person for beauty tips. Even in her teenage years, she possessed an innate ability to recognize what suits people, a skill that thrived during her pageant days. However, her path to entrepreneurship took an unexpected detour from finance and accounting, even venturing into food franchising. The spark for creating her own beauty brand ignited during visits to various aesthetic clinics, leading her to ponder, “What if I build a beauty brand? Maybe it’ll cost less for me since I truly love going to lounges to get pampered?” This thought was further fueled by an unfortunate incident with a laser treatment that left her with a burn on her face. Determined to prioritize client safety and satisfaction, Zafra-Florida sought to create a solution that prevented similar experiences. Driven by her anxieties about transitioning from a corporate role to launching a beauty business, she requested a sign from the universe. Initial skepticism regarding her age and lack of experience in the niche presented significant obstacles, particularly when securing her first space. Her aunt’s discovery of a 200 sqm. space in Santa Maria, Bulacan, served as the sign she sought, leading her to embark on an extensive training journey across London, Russia, Vietnam, and Korea. These courses ranged from semi-permanent makeup and facial and body treatments to café management, ensuring a holistic vision for her beauty lounge. “I was excited to learn every service we can provide for the beauty lounge because I was also preparing myself when I eventually talk to clients and explain how certain procedures or treatments can benefit them.” Zionne Beauty Lounge, named after her son, Zion, meaning “highest point” in Hebrew, embodies a refreshing blend of aesthetic services and a cozy coffee shop. It became Santa Maria’s first high-end aesthetic clinic focused on non-invasive treatments such as Hydrafacial Elite, Oxygeneo, and Elysion Pro. Empowerment is central to Zafra-Florida’s vision for her clients and women in business. After a year in her new niche, she envisions a future where entrepreneurs support and uplift each other. “I believe all of us have a unique perspective that should be viewed as healthy competition,” she asserts. Beyond beauty, her mission lies in cultivating an environment of mutual respect and encouragement. Addressing fears is a personal subject for Zafra-Florida, who acknowledges the daunting but educational challenges she faced. “Turning fear into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block is crucial,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of “trust but verify” in business relations. As Zionne Beauty Lounge celebrates its first anniversary, Zafra-Florida reflects on her journey as more than a career change; it’s a commitment to being a partner in enhancing beauty and confidence, fostering a community where women are empowered to ascend to their highest peaks of potential, just like Zion. Zionne Beauty is located at Unit 1, TYK Commercial Building, Brgy. Sta Clara, Bypass Road, Santa Maria, Bulacan. For more information, follow Zionne Beauty Lounge on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by Karlo Torio. Art Direction by Andie Quintos. Styling by Jason Mago of Gee Jocson Studio. Makeup by Lei Ponce. Hair by Valerie Corpuz. Produced by Robert Bradly Hao. Photographer’s Assistant: JF Calimag, Shermae Gaupo, and Mark Reyes. Project Implemented by I an Urmaza and Leahkim Orsolino. Written by Christina Zabat.
From Beauty Tips to Beauty Lounge: Regine Zafra-Florida’s Empowering Journey
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