Czarina Bonilla stepped onto the graduation stage at Milan Institute in Visalia on Sunday, October 19, surrounded by cheers and fall sunshine. She wasn’t just finishing school—she was launching her career as an esthetician at Milan Salon + Spa, right in the heart of Visalia, California. Local clients know her as the “Fairy Godmother of Skincare, with wands and all,” and her growing Instagram profile makes her a standout in the Central Valley beauty scene.
From Building Blocks to Building Clientele
Before diving into esthetics, Bonilla worked as a preschool teacher. She loved shaping young lives, but her fascination with beauty never faded. That interest led her to Colorado, where she began her esthetician studies. She quickly realized she was “made for the esthetician world.” When she returned to California, local beauty school searches brought Milan Institute’s social media ads to her feed. Realizing Milan was her next step, she enrolled and started a new chapter in Visalia’s thriving beauty industry.
At Milan, Bonilla found mentors who changed her life. Starting out as the only student in her phase one class, she received one-on-one guidance from Ms. Francis. “She gave me confidence to take on clients from day one,” Bonilla says. Her other teachers—Ms. Meagan, Ms. Abbi, Ms. Melissa, and Ms. Jenna—taught real-world skills, explained products, and offered steady support. Thanks to them, Bonilla passed state boards and never feared new challenges.
Using Esthetician School in Visalia to Tailor Skincare
Her approach sets her apart in Visalia’s spa community. Bonilla tailors every service to each client. Whether analyzing skin types or calming nerves before a treatment, she builds trust. “Every experience should be customized,” she says. That trust, paired with expert care, helps local clients reach their skin and waxing goals.
Throughout her training, Bonilla learned how to read consultation forms, interact with clients, and recognize skin concerns. She practiced on both classmates and clients, learning what different skin types look and feel like. By allowing students to work on her, she gained a new perspective—knowing what clients experience during every procedure. These hands-on skills are now part of every spa treatment she performs in Visalia.
Social Media Influences Beauty and Self Care
Social media is another area where Bonilla shines. Milan Institute’s social media lecture taught her how to build an engaging online portfolio with videos and before-and-after photos. Now, at Milan Salon + Spa, she uses Instagram to connect with Visalia locals, share reviews, and display results. “Social media gives clients a sense of who we are,” she says. “It’s almost like a dating app—people click our profiles to see if we’re the right fit.” Her network includes not just new clients but other beauty professionals from Visalia and beyond, who swap tips and support.
Bonilla encourages future estheticians in Visalia to make the most of school. She recommends asking every question, making detailed notes, and recording videos of demonstrations. “Always take a client, even if you’re unsure. School is where you’ll break out of your comfort zone and start building your network.” She urges prospective students to tour schools, talk to industry veterans, and watch esthetician videos to find their niche in the local beauty market.
Keeping Skincare Clients Happy
Her clients often leave with more than clear skin—they leave feeling heard. Bonilla remembers a woman who came in for a neck and eyebrow wax. They talked and laughed; the client vented about family life. “I listened, and she trusted me,” Bonilla says. “Afterwards, she glowed. She got her confidence back.” Bonilla’s mother was her first client and remains her biggest supporter.
Learning never stops for Bonilla. She plans to keep training, aiming to bring the latest techniques to her Visalia clients. Through programs like Cut It Out, she helps spot signs of domestic abuse and quietly refers clients to resources if needed. “We have a unique opportunity to help our community,” she says. Bonilla hopes to host charity events and projects focused on Visalia residents.
Working with Milan Salon + Spa in Visalia
Czarina Bonilla blends compassion, skill, and a touch of magic as Visalia’s own “Fairy Godmother of Skincare.” With her legendary wands and hands-on care, she’s ready to make an impact—one local client, one story, and one Instagram post at a time. Brides, busy professionals, and anyone seeking transformation now know where to find skincare magic in Visalia.
Interested in booking with Czarina? Visit the MilanSalon.com website.