Pursuing the “American Dream” and making the move to the United States to start a thriving career is never easy. But that didn’t stop Rosa Routh from working hard day and night to adapt to American culture, learn a new language, and follow her passion for working in the beauty industry.
“Ever since I was little, it felt as if I had a gift,” she said. “I know that for some people it is hard to take care of themselves and helping them gives me purpose and drive.”
Serving as the owner of Relax & Wax’s East Cobb location for years, Rosa doesn’t take a single day for granted as she reflects on her long and difficult journey to be where she is. While initially planning to only live in America for one year, she traveled from her home country of Brazil to garner the schooling and experience necessary for her beauty career endeavors.
“At that time, I had limited knowledge of the English language and was working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. During the day, I would clean several houses, and at night, I would attend English language classes at a local church,” Rosa said. “As my English language skills improved, I decided to enroll in Massage Therapy classes to work towards my license.”
During her time schooling in Massage Therapy, she quickly met a few students and became fast friends. They made plans to open a salon together after graduating. Things immediately took a turn for the worse after six months of running the business together. Her friends didn’t trust that her abilities would allow her to succeed, which led to them parting ways. But that didn’t hold her back from using her natural talents and abilities to brighten others.
Even though she was discouraged, she was determined to succeed. At the beginning of 2015, she packed her things and relocated to East Cobb to open her own salon; she bought into the Relax & Wax franchise and was ready to build her own business. She mentioned, “I expanded my business until the pandemic, where, like most businesses, I struggled.”
But that didn’t stop her as she wasn’t new to surviving financial challenges thrown her way. Since her childhood, Rosa diligently worked any side job she could find to provide for herself. I got an amazing gig nannying for a wealthier family in Brazil,” she said. “One of the children was diagnosed with autism and required a little help accomplishing daily tasks. Over time, she became like my own daughter. The family and I spent 12 years together and I am so grateful I met them.”
And now, as the store owner of a successful skincare studio that provides a variety of services which include laser hair removal, micro needling, waxing, facials, and many more. She does what she loves, she can’t help but smile at the amazing opportunities that continue to come her way.
When asked if she had any advice for those hoping to start their own business, she replied: “Life is going to throw a lot at you no matter where you come from or who you are. You will become discouraged and may even try to give up but don’t. The hardest things in life are always the most rewarding.”
