Regine Zafra-Florida’s switch from finance to beauty might seem drastic, but for the young entrepreneur, it speaks volumes about following one’s passion. CARL ARCUSA dress, DONA LIM silk georgette. Photographed by Karlo Torio
How do you start a beauty business? The 28-year-old offers advice on how she turned her fears into empowerment, especially as a newcomer in the beauty industry
In her teen years, Regine Zafra-Florida was always the “go-to” person for beauty tips, long before she contemplated entering the world of aesthetics. She reminisces, “I usually point out to people kapag may nakikita ako, I’ll say, ‘Mas bagay ito sayo. Ito yung gamitin mo.’” Her natural flair for recognizing what suits people made her a staple in the beauty conversations amongst her peers, particularly during her pageant days in high school and college. (I usually point out to people when I see something, I’ll say, ‘This one suits you better. You should use this.’)
Now a 28-year-old entrepreneur, Zafra-Florida looks back on her entrepreneurship journey: a story of an unexpected detour from finance and accounting, and even side hustles in franchising food. The spark to create her own brand struck her during visits to various aesthetic clinics pondering thoughts like, “‘What if I build a beauty brand?’ to ‘Maybe it’ll cost less for me since I truly love going to lounges to get pampered?’”
It was also an unfortunate incident with a laser treatment that left her with a noticeable burn on her face that made her reflect on this. She wanted to find a solution that would prioritize client safety and satisfaction. “I didn’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else,” she relates.
Seeking a nudge from the universe, Zafra-Florida requested a sign, driven by her anxieties about transitioning from a corporate role to launching a beauty business. She initially faced skepticism because of her age and lack of experience in the niche, which was particularly evident when she faced obstacles leasing her first space.
That sign arrived when her aunt discovered a 200 sqm. space in Santa Maria, Bulacan, leading her to an extensive training journey in London, Russia, Vietnam, and Korea from semi-permanent makeup to facial and body treatment courses and even café management to complement her vision of a holistic 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), promises a refreshing blend of aesthetic services and a cozy coffee shop. It was also Santa Maria’s first high-end aesthetic clinic focused on non-invasive treatments such as Hydrafacial Elite, Oxygeneo, and Elysion Pro.
Empowerment is a recurring theme when the founder discusses her vision for her clients and even for women in business. One year into her new niche, she sees 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. Her mission extends beyond just beauty; it’s about cultivating an environment of mutual respect and encouragement.
Addressing fears is a personal subject for Zafra-Florida, who confesses that the challenges of her journey were daunting but educational. “Turning fear into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block is crucial,” she says, but also stresses the importance of “trust but verify” in business relations.
With Zionne Beauty Lounge celebrating its first anniversary, the young entrepreneur looks back on her journey as not just a career change but a commitment to being a partner in enhancing beauty and confidence in others, 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 Ian Urmaza and Leahkim Orsolino. Written by Christina Zabat.
