Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1464744
64 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2022 64 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2022 My name is Regina King. I am an esthetician from Southern California. I own and operate Body by Queen Skincare in Palm Springs, California. My passion for skin care came from the same source as many of us in the industry—adolescent acne! Preteen and teenage years of acne and hyperpigmented skin led to adult acne and scarring. I frequented dermatologists, only to be given harsh formulations and medications requiring me to sign release forms and take birth control! I thought it was all too much and, in the end, my skin was in no better condition. I had a desire to heal my skin. In 2010, I began formulating products from all-natural, organic ingredients that I sourced from several different countries—natural oils, nut butters, and essential oils. I crafted customized products that were healing my skin and my friends and family. I had been working as a business manager in the property management industry for several years. I took time away from that industry to pursue my passion and went to esthetics school. In 2015, I became licensed and also became a mommy. I continued to work in both industries, raising my son as a single parent. On February 14, 2019, following my first mammogram, I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma—breast cancer. It was a shock. I was young, with no history of breast cancer in my family. As a single parent with only one income, I was not prepared financially to leave my job in order to fight. I underwent chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and rounds of radiation. Due to a loss of income, we became homeless, moving into a shelter for homeless women and children—it was the lowest I had been. But little did I know, it was a blessing in disguise. I began treatment at a new treatment center near the shelter. At that time, it had been discovered that my cancer was misdiagnosed by my previous physician and that I would be required to endure 12 months of additional chemotherapy—while in a shelter, at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown. I was floored! My depression was through the roof. But being a Christian, I knew that I had to trust God, and I did. I remained prayerful and tried to keep life as normal as possible for my son. In April 2020, I was still in treatment, but healthy enough to find employment that got us out of the shelter. Due to my treatment schedule and medical side effects, I hopped around to different jobs, saving money and dreaming of opening my very own treatment room. In June 2021, I took a course in oncology skin care and massage, in preparation to help others whose skin has been compromised by chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. I wanted to give back to my fellow sisters and brothers in the fight. Following that class, I started my LLC on my own, reading books by those who self-started. I was able to complete the process to register my business. I was so grateful that I finally felt healthy and strong enough to put in the work! I found a small space close to home and self-funded my entire business. I took my first client on September 1, 2021. I am so pleased to have come through such a humbling journey. To now be able to serve others is a blessing I cannot describe. I'm grateful, and I'm growing. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. *Edited for length and clarity. Regina King's Winning Esty of the Year Submission *