Occupation: I am a licensed esthetician, business owner of Pure Skin By Kat, and founder of Newtown Beauty Suites. I opened up my first studio in August of 2019 in Sandy Hook and later moved my business to Newtown in 2021. I recently opened Newtown Beauty Suites in 2022. I call Newtown my second home. I’m here at Newtown Beauty Suites almost every day providing facial and wax services, and I love it!

Family: I have a loving husband, Estuardo, and three amazing children, Xavier, 16, Kayleigh, 12 and Ronald, 11.

Pets: I have a British short-haired cat named Charles, aka Gato. He loves midnight belly rubs and being spoiled rotten.

What do you like to do in your free time? Lately, I’ve been enjoying going on runs and listening to podcasts. I’ve never been a runner, but I’ve challenged myself in the last five months to embark on an intensive run each morning. I’m currently gearing up for running in the snow and purchased shoe ice grippers and waterproof socks, too. It’s an exhilarating experience, and I can’t wait to hit more of my milestones!

What is your favorite book? Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover is one of my all-time favorites. I love the raw emotion of the characters, which reeled me in from beginning to end.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My kids. My eldest son, Xavier, is a track runner at his high school and after watching him grow his passion, he inspired me to become more active and incorporate running into my daily routine. Kayleigh, my daughter, has taught me both strength and perseverance as a mother. I hope that my accomplishments will build her up to be a determined young woman. My youngest, Ronald, has reminded me of the importance of docility. He always has a smile on his face and is so unapologetically himself, that I aspire to radiate this positivity within myself more and more.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My father, who passed away in 2003. I would love for him to spend a day with his grandkids, cracking jokes like he always did.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? “Don’t talk about what you’re gonna do, don’t dream about what you’re gonna do, don’t criticize somebody else for what they’re not doing, you, be it. Be about it. Be about that action and go do it.” — Beyonce Knowles 2020 Commencement Speech. This quote has inspired me to be a go-getter and pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.

What is something you cannot live without? Chocolate, it’s my downfall! A Hershey’s chocolate bar with almonds is a classic!

What is your proudest accomplishment? Becoming a business owner.

What is a meal/recipe your family has passed down to you? Arroz aguado, which translates to “watery rice.” I know, it doesn’t sound the most appetizing, but I promise you it’s delicious. It’s a stew made with your choice of meat, rice, green peppers, tomatoes, and a sprig of mint. It is a comfort meal that warms the body and soul and channels our Nicaraguan roots. We love it!

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? I’d love to hear more from Brown and Black female business owners. I think it’s important to continue to uplift and support people of color!