In the bustling city of Dubai, where dreams meet determination, there resides a story of grit, passion, and resilience. Meet Bernadette Fares, a 41-year-old Certified and Licensed Beauty Therapist/Aesthetician, whose 18-year journey as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft and her family.
Bernadette’s journey in Dubai commenced in 2005 when she was directly hired from the Philippines to work as a Waitress in a hotel restaurant. However, fate had bigger plans for her. Opportunities unfolded, leading her to the aviation industry, where she served as a ground handling agent at Dubai International Airport (dnata) and later as part of Inflight Service in Emirates airlines for five years. Her tenure in aviation equipped her with unparalleled customer service skills and a global perspective, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures.
However, life took a turn, urging Bernadette to pause her career and dedicate nearly a decade to raising her three beautiful children. The pandemic, though challenging, became a pivotal moment. Bernadette seized this opportunity to pursue her passion for beauty and aesthetics. With unwavering family support and divine guidance, she embarked on an educational journey, earning her DHA license as a beauty therapist.
Bernadette’s mantra in life, “I am Healthy, Wealthy, Happy, and Confident,” reflects her positive approach and unwavering determination. Her dedication to the art of beauty therapy goes beyond routine treatments; she finds fulfillment in witnessing the joy and satisfaction on her clients’ faces after each session. Sharing her knowledge in beauty, skincare, and personalized treatments has become her mission, empowering her clients to achieve ultimate results.
Working overseas has transformed Bernadette’s personality, instilling in her traits of responsibility, open-mindedness, resilience, and perseverance. However, her journey was not without challenges. Homesickness and the pressures of adapting to a new environment tested her resolve. Yet, with her husband and children by her side and drawing strength from her mother’s moral values, she overcame these hurdles.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Bernadette Fares has been honored with the prestigious “Excellence in Beauty and Aesthetics Award” by Kasosyo Awards. This accolade not only acknowledges her individual achievements but also celebrates her role as an inspiration to fellow beauty professionals and Overseas Filipino Workers. Bernadette’s story is a testament to the resilience and tenacity that define the spirit of Filipino OFWs worldwide.
Looking ahead, Bernadette envisions creating her own brand in the beauty sector, formulating her skincare products, and furthering her expertise in the aesthetic industry. Her goal extends to her homeland, where she aims to provide job opportunities, align beauty services with international standards, and uplift her community.
To her fellow kabayans abroad facing challenges, Bernadette imparts invaluable advice: pursue your dreams with ambition, set achievable goals, face challenges as tests of your capabilities, educate yourself limitlessly, and surround yourself with uplifting environments that recognize your worth. Join her on her beauty journey @integritybeauty_, where she continues to inspire others with her passion, dedication, and unwavering spirit.
