Meet our January TEI Alumni… Maria Bawkovy
Hey, I’m Maria, the face behind Glow & Grace Esthetics! You can also follow my journey on Instagram @glowgrace.esth I graduated from The Esthetic Institute in June 2025 as a CIDESCO Beauty Therapist, and went straight into building my own brand because this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Taking the leap was scary, but bringing Glow & Grace to life has been the best decision I ever made. I specialize in full body waxing, brow and lash services, and body treatments, all done with care and intention. My space is all about comfort, confidence, and feeling good in your own skin. When you leave my treatment room, I want you to feel soft, refreshed, and taken care of, every time.
Why did you choose to get into the esthetic industry? Was it a big change from your previous industry?
I’ve always had a passion for beauty and skincare. I first started out in cosmetology back in high school, but eventually discovered that my true love lies in skincare, brows, and helping people look and feel their best. Before pursuing esthetics, I was working as a waitress, but deep down I knew I wanted to do something creative and meaningful in the beauty industry—something that really fulfilled me. Making that change has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
How long has your business been open or how long have you been employed?
I started in June of this year right after graduating as a mobile esthetician, then in August of this year, I proudly opened up my very first studio at The Esthetic Institute in their rental rooms. Thanks to them this was all made possible.
What was your biggest challenge; is it still an ongoing challenge?
My biggest challenge so far has been growing my social media presence and building a consistent clientele. On top of that, I had no experience running a business when I started, so I had to learn everything from scratch—branding, budgeting, marketing, and more. It took a lot of late nights, research, and trial and error, but every step has taught me something valuable. I’m still learning every day, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
What is a mistake that turned into a lesson?
In the beginning, I struggled with putting myself out there enough. I was so focused on perfecting my skills and studio setup that I didn’t promote myself as much as I should have. I realized that even if you’re talented, people can’t book what they don’t know about. That experience taught me the importance of self-promotion, confidence, and consistency in showing up online and in person. Once I started being more visible, things began to grow.
How much time do you spend working on your business each day/week? How do you prioritize work life balance if you are self employed?
I’m physically in my studio 3–4 days a week, but the work behind the scenes is truly a full-time job. From marketing and managing finances to following up with clients and planning content—it’s constant dedication. I’m still working on finding the right balance between work and home life, but I’m 100% committed to my business and to growing it the right way.
What is one piece of advice you wish to share with someone who is interested in starting a career in esthetics or even a fellow beauty industry individual?
My advice would be to never stop learning. This industry is always evolving, and staying open-minded and passionate will take you far. Be patient with yourself, take pride in your craft, and remember that consistency builds success. Believe in yourself even when things move slowly—every client and every lesson adds up to something bigger.
How did your training at TEI impact, influence or inspire you to succeed in business? Are you glad that you made the choice to do your training at TEI? Are there any special memories, moments or people of influence who made a difference in your education at TEI.
My experience at The Esthetic Institute was incredible. The education went beyond just learning services—it really deepened my understanding of the science behind skincare, problem-solving, and especially client care, which is the foundation of everything I do. I had an amazing teacher who explained everything so thoroughly and always made us feel comfortable asking questions. This was all in the CIDESCO course, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way, because CIDESCO goes so far into detail. TEI also gave me great memories and friendships, including a lifelong best friend I met during my training. I’m truly glad I chose TEI—it shaped not only my career but also my confidence as a professional.