For as long as I can remember. The meaning of beauty didn't just come from makeup, perfect bone structure or great genes. I’ve learned in my 28 years of life that the essence of beauty is shown to the world through the self care rituals we are taught orally, traditionally and academically. For some it can be very easy but for me that wasn't the case.

Growing up on the Navajo and Southern Ute reservation, I wasn't aware I was a child of agent orange. In return I had some of the worst acne anyone could develop. Acne didn't just teach me to grow thick skin or to be confident. It showed me a new path that one day I would be able to take the first steps toward a potential career. I was fortunate to grow up on not one but two reservations. Despite these two world differences, the main thing we all have in common is our hair and skin. Especially when it comes to the culture of our hair and skin. From pollution to diseases, you don't have to live in the city to experience the effects of free radical damage.

I've always been passionate about helping individuals perfect their skincare rituals. One of the biggest challenges I've overcome was healing my chloracne by using traditional skincare remedies handed down by my family and friends. Consistently utilizing the strength and versatility of organic, vegan and medical grade skincare. As a licensed Master Esthetician, I will be able to give back hope to people the same way I was able to give it to myself. I will be able to do better for my community and to potentially help the neighboring communities by teaching and showing the efficacy and wide range of skincare products. I know what it's like to be on the other side of the road. The side of society that tells you what beauty is when we are all born beautiful whether we choose to see it or not.

Upon graduating from Aveda Institute in Provo, Utah. Becoming a highly trained licensed Master Esthetician was just the first step which truly showed me my potential. My name is Howard Richards III. I am a Navajo Nation tribal member and descendant of the Ute and Jemez-Pueblo tribes. I’d like to thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to being your Master Esthetician as well as to see what we are capable of achieving together. As I always say your results will speak for itself.

Sincerely

Howard Richards III