Charlene Stepney-Wright, owner of Beat, an Esthetics Bar, (www.beautyofbeat.com) serves today’s career woman who desire esthetics services such as body-waxing, lash enhancements, custom mineral makeup, and skin care—all without an appointment.

Additionally, Beat serviced 6,000 eyebrows last year.

“Clients love the work we do on eyebrows because it gives clients a natural, clean and tailored look that makes the eyes pop,” said Charlene, who opened the Beat in Lincoln Mall in Matteson, Illinois in 2009.

People often ask about how Charlene came up with the name of her retail outlet. Well, her father is the late, legendary music producer, arranger, songwriter—Charles Stepney. His work with Earth, Wind and Fire, Ramsey Lewis, The Emotions, Minnie Riperton and Deniece Williams to name a few, produced some of the greatest music ever. And the same passion and spirit of excellence that guided her dad in the music world guides Charlene in the world of esthetics. Beat is a tribute to the musical childhood that her father provided her with.

Charlene is on a mission to teach Black women how to take better care of their skin using more healthy solutions that reveal the natural beauty as opposed to heavy make up often used to hide unnecessary problems.

Along with the retail outlet, Charlene has developed Variables Skin and Body Care Systems, (www.variablesskin.com) a revolutionary line designed specifically for women of color. Charlene created Variables to address the lack of products and information that adequately serviced the ethnic market. Her research and formulation for melanin-rich skin provide real alternatives to heavy make-up. She launced the Esthetics Institute for Melanin Research in 2010 to educate, inform and inspire women of color concerning skin and beauty care.

“I seek to educate Black women about proper skin care which is why Beat was established and furthermore, I was compelled to create Variables, a product line that spoke to our unique skin issues. Minerals in Variables helps heal the skin; I enjoy helping women look natural with very little make-up,” said Charlene, a married mother of two.

Charlene’s passion began while working as a missionary in Japan where she was exposed to natural health and beauty practices. Upon return to the U.S. in 1988, she became a licensed Esthetician and eventually, an Esthetics Instructor, Esthetics School Director and Spa Consultant. She founded the Illinois Esthetics Association and has earned the renowned International Diploma of CIDESCO which allows her to practice the parameters of skin and beauty care in 64 countries around the world.

Watch Charlene as she talks her about incredible father.