About the Cover

By Annette Pinder

One of the first things you notice about Lisa Marie Ventura is that she is beautiful. But there is so much more to this amazingly resilient 47-year successful entrepreneur. People often wonder how we choose our cover models. They ask, “What makes this person so special?” I can only say that every person we have ever featured in Buffalo Healthy Living is incredibly special, which I only learn after hearing their stories. The same is true for Lisa Marie Ventura, owner of Esthetica Organic Skin Boutique (Esthetica) in Tonawanda.

When Lisa and I spoke, she said she had often contemplated writing a book about her life, which she said resembles a Lifetime TV movie due to many losses. Growing up with hardworking grandparents on Buffalo’s West Side, Lisa recalls her grandpa’s restaurant, and Sunday family dinners. She attended Lafayette High School and Erie County Community College, before studying esthetics at Continental School of Beauty. Thereafter, she worked part-time at a salon offering hair, skin, and nail treatments, before opening a children’s spa which closed when the Boulevard mall stopped operating.

Now in its sixth year, Esthetica offers an array of services, including basic and deluxe hydra facials, laser skin tightening, microdermabrasion, collagen induction therapy (micro-needling), hot stone upper and lower body massages with facials. There’s even a “belly love” facial for pregnant people with growing bellies. Other services include peels, hair removal, non-surgical facelifts, dermaplaning, waxing, lash lifts and tints, and more. Lisa is also certified in Vitamin C formulation, which is the main ingredient in the organic skincare line she created.

Looking back on the more difficult aspects of her life, Lisa says, “My children are the best thing that happened to me. I was only 19 when I had my first child. I had my second at 21, and by age 25 I had three kids. Between travel hockey, dance, and cheerleading, it was fun but chaotic, and we grew together.” She adds, “The best time of my life was when my kids were little, but it goes by in a blink of an eye. I tell my clients to savor every moment.”

Lisa’s children are now young adults happily pursuing their own careers. She says, “My oldest son is 29 and loves his job, as does my middle son, who is 27. My daughter is 22 and following in my footsteps as an esthetician.” As for her most difficult life experience, Lisa’s answer is immediate. “My divorce. While no marriage is perfect, I did not expect it. I was disappointed and it was life changing. Starting over was like learning how to walk for the first time.”

Lisa says that she learned a lot about herself through divorce. “I rediscovered and reconnected with myself, and grew into a person I didn’t even know existed. I’ve always been resilient, entrepreneurial, and driven. What I went through took a lot of strength and courage. But I did it naturally, without even realizing it. I am continuing to grow, learn, and embrace the future. With my children grown, I realize it’s a great time to reinvent myself and establish strong and positive relationships with the people in my life.”

As for what’s next, Lisa says she wants to live a healthy, productive, and meaningful life, as she continues to grow her business. She works out at the gym at least three times a week, where she enjoys free weights, spin, and cardio classes, and follows a healthy diet. “I juice a lot, and just recently finished a three-day juice cleanse. Detoxification makes me feel great and helps with mental clarity. My favorite juicing combination is carrot, turmeric, and apple, with a bit of sweet ginger for a kick.

Her advice to others going through a divorce? “There’s life on the other side, so embrace your journey. Give yourself grace, let yourself grieve, take care of yourself physically and mentally, reclaim your identity, and take your time.” Lisa tells people to be wary of others’ advice, refrain from holding grudges, and avoid anger, which is toxic to your health. “The best thing you can do is to surround yourself with friends and family who care about you, and know that there is life beyond being a wife and mother.”

Meanwhile, Lisa loves what she is creating at Esthetica, saying, “I love helping people feel good about themselves, and seeing smiles on my clients’ faces when they see a remarkable improvement in their skin.”