Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Driskell.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Rachel Driskell, and I’m the owner of Marilyn James Esthetics. My journey in the beauty industry started when I was just 15 years old (in early 2021), offering lash extensions out of my mom’s basement while I was still in high school. I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship, so it wasn’t long before I built up a loyal clientele and eventually moved into a rented office space at just 17 years old.
I graduated high school a semester early and decided to attend esthetics school, originally with the goal of continuing lash extensions. Along the way, I discovered how much I love other services too—especially facial treatments and waxing (Brazilian waxing in particular). After graduating and passing my state boards, I began renting a professional salon suite in Overland Park, KS, where I’ve now been for nearly two years.
Choosing the name Marilyn James LLC was deeply personal. “Marilyn” is for my grandmother, who passed away before I was born but after whom I was given my middle name. “James” is my father’s middle name, and he suddenly passed away when I was 11 years old. Carrying their names in my business is my way of honoring them every single day.
I truly once prayed for the business and clientele I have now. Helping women feel confident and beautiful is not only my passion—it’s the most fulfilling part of what I do. Today, I’m proud to offer waxing, facial treatments, and lash extensions, and to continue growing in the field I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been without struggles. Starting a business as a teenager came with a lot of uncertainty, and navigating those early years during COVID made it even harder. There were times when balancing school, clients, and life changes felt overwhelming, and I questioned if I could really keep going. I faced challenges with consistency, learning how to manage finances, and finding confidence in myself at such a young age. But every obstacle pushed me to grow stronger—not just as a business owner, but as a person—and taught me the resilience I needed to build the business I have today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Marilyn James Esthetics, I specialize in lash extensions, facial treatments, and waxing—with Brazilian waxing being one of my most requested services. While I love offering a variety of treatments, what I’m most passionate about is helping women feel comfortable, confident, and cared for. My clients know me for creating a safe, welcoming space where they can relax and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in such a short amount of time. Starting my business at 15, I had to learn a lot on my own—how to build a clientele, manage all angles of a business, and stay consistent even when things were challenging. At just 20 years old, I’ve created not only a career for myself, but a loyal community of clients who trust me with their self-care. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
What sets me apart is the personal connection I build with my clients. I truly care about their confidence, their comfort, and their overall experience. I’m intentional about making every service feel customized, whether that’s tailoring a facial to someone’s skin concerns or ensuring a waxing service is as quick and painless as possible. I believe that mix of skill, professionalism, and genuine care is what makes my business unique.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always super outgoing and constantly wanted to have my hands full. I loved staying busy and finding new things to create or experiment with. Even as a kid, I was always dreaming up business ideas—at one point, I wanted to open an ice cream parlor and would spend hours mashing fruits and mixing syrups to try and come up with my own flavors. Looking back, I can see that entrepreneurial spirit was always a part of me. I never imagined it would turn into a career in esthetics, but I think that drive to create, to serve others, and to build something of my own has always been who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marilynjames.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MarilynJames__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Marilyn-James-Esthetics/61569304138991/#
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marilynjames__
