Rishona Salaam
Rishona Salaam is a freelance content creator and licensed esthetician based in Chicago, Illinois. She works at the intersection of beauty, skincare, and digital marketing, combining hands-on esthetics experience with content strategy and brand storytelling. Currently serving as a Beauty Counter Manager for the Prairie brand at Nordstrom, she manages client outreach, sales performance, and in-store experiences while also expanding her presence in social media and beauty content creation.
Her path in the beauty industry began with personal struggles related to acne, which led her to experiment with skincare solutions at home and ultimately pursue formal training in esthetics. She completed esthetician school and built experience across multiple spa and retail environments, including roles at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Sephora, and Mango. These positions strengthened her expertise in skincare treatments, client consultation, product education, and retail sales, while helping her develop a strong foundation in customer relationship management and beauty advising.
Rishona’s work is guided by a passion for authentic connection, wellness, and storytelling within the beauty space. She focuses on creating content and client experiences that feel relatable, culturally aware, and trust-driven, while continuing to grow her skills in marketing and communications. Outside of work, she is active in wellness and community spaces, including participation in a nonprofit run club, Peace Runners. Recently relocating from Miami to Chicago, she continues to build her career with a focus on adaptability, personal growth, and creating meaningful impact in both beauty and digital spaces.
• Peace Runners
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to patience and tenacity, along with a commitment to staying solution-focused. Rather than letting obstacles stop me, I take time to reset when needed and continue moving forward in intentional steps. I’ve learned that consistent progress, even when it is gradual, keeps me open to opportunities and possibilities I might otherwise miss.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to explore broadly and not box themselves into a single path too early. Early in your career is the best time to experiment, try different opportunities, and discover what truly aligns with your interests and strengths without the pressure of having everything figured out. It’s important to remember that there is no fixed timeline for success or fulfillment—many people find their path later in life or make meaningful pivots along the way. Stay open, avoid comparing your journey to others, and focus on identifying what you genuinely enjoy so you can gradually build a career and life around it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is the increasing level of competition, particularly within the skincare industry. New brands are launching constantly, and the market continues to expand with the growing influence of Korean skincare, including dedicated retail spaces entering the U.S. This has significantly elevated both consumer expectations and industry standards. At the same time, there is also a rise in independent practitioners opening their own suites, which adds to local competition. However, I also see this shift as a positive development, as it is driving greater innovation and a stronger emphasis on skincare-focused services, creating meaningful opportunities for growth and continued professional development.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me in both my work and personal life is building genuine personal connections. In my field, clients want to feel heard, understood, and confident in the care and recommendations they receive—whether it relates to their skin, skincare products, or makeup. I prioritize being open, honest, and transparent so clients can trust the guidance I provide. Ultimately, developing authentic relationships is at the core of how I approach my work.
Locations
Nordstrom
Chicago, IL 60609