About — Softly Strong Beauty & Wellness

Raquel is an internationally published and award winning professional makeup artist and certified lash technician. She is also an advanced yoga instructor specializing in pain in the body, trauma, cancer experiences and postnatal fitness. She is from Vancouver Island and has been in the professional beauty and wellness world for twenty years.

Raquel’s certifications include:

250 hour Yoga teacher training at Moksana Yoga.
111 hours of Intensive Yoga Therapy training, Chronic Pain, Therapeutic Relationship, Back Care, Yoga Thrive for a cancer experience, Female Core and Pelvic Floor at Functional Synergy and Ajna Yoga.
She is also a certified Postnatal Fitness Specialist through the JMG Fitness Postnatal Fitness Specialist program.

Starting her career in Toronto Ontario was an incredible experience for her. Raquel taught numerous styles of yoga classes, managed professional cosmetic lines, freelanced her trades and carried on back in her home town since 2008.

Managing makeup lines Cargo, Chanel, Guerlain and Mac Cosmetics gave her the confidence to work with all types of product and skin types. Having numerous certifications in the yoga fitness world, Raquel is the go to specialist who can help you achieve your goals. She was trained by thirty different industry experts. Including Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, Naturopathic Doctors, Strength Training and Fitness Coaches, Sexuality Educators, Registered Dieticians, Mental Health Counsellors and business coaches.

She is a mother of two beautiful children and has a strong connection to helping people with pain and trauma in the body. After experiencing a miscarriage, emergency C- Section with a traumatic birth experience, emergency Appendectomy and car accident, Raquel has overcome many obstacles in her life. From struggling with pain, anxiety and depression, she has learned how to help herself to live a pain free lifestyle and thrives on helping others. She gets true pleasure in connecting with others and giving her clients those light bulb moments that help change our patterns in the body. Giving a professional spa like experience in both fields, Raquel loves to laugh, create and build relationships.

From numerous wedding parties, photo shoots, runways, lessons and events of all kinds, you’ll get the right look. From group classes, online classes and private classes, Raquel is a seasoned specialist who can help you with your needs.

Awards, Collaborations and Testimonials

Awards, Published makeup and collaborating businesses:

Award winning makeup featured with Popeye’s Fall Classic CPA Bodybuilding www.canadianphysiquealliance.com

Published and awarding winning makeup in Home & Living Magazine www.hlmagazine.com

Third Placed winner for hair and makeup at the 2011 Canadian Hair Stylist awards (the Contessa)

Published in Italian Magazine HTrends www.h-trends.it

Numerous wedding makeup jobs for Details Planning and Event Design www.detailsbc.com

Endless Summer Fashion Show Fundraiser: www.catscradleanimalrescue.com, www.strathconahotel.com, Local Clothing: www.sitka.ca www.paradiseboutique.ca www.leblancboutique.com www.cuspclthing.com www.blissboutique.ca Hair: www.fishhairsalon.com Booking: Danielle Skykes www.club9one9.ca

Makeup artist for Fashion with Passion Fashion show www.winfashionwithpassion.com www.harbourliving.ca

Movie makeup artist for the movie Method

www.empressave.com @goldenjamaican

www.modelmayhem.com @joylamoremodel #modelmayhem

www.carreirosalon.com

www.lavishsalon.ca

www.designhousesalon.com

www.kandeglobalhair.com

www.hlmagazine.com

www.cabello.ca

www.nichemagazine.ca

@lunalashandwellness

Chantelle- @chantelllien and Mike @the_mikeness (Models)

Outlooks For Men (Suit)

Blush Bridal (Dress)

Raquel at Softly Strong Beauty and Wellness (Make up)

Violette Boutique (Ring)

Julia Loglisci Photography (Julia's Photography)

Pop Up Wedding Victoria (Julia's Secondary Business)

Platinum Floral (Flowers)

Oak Bay Beach Hotel (Venue)

FARO Pizza (Venue)

Testimonials

* Michelle B:

Raquel made my bridesmaids and I feel like queens on the wedding day, her skill, talent and creativity was evident. The makeup lasted all day, no touch-ups required, and her eye for detail was noticeable in all of our photos and especially by the guests. I would recommend Raquel in a heartbeat.

* Emily W:

Raquel’s warm personality and sunny disposition are so refreshing. During my time with her, she struck the perfect balance between giving me the look that I had in mind while gently challenging my limits with colour and drama. She was knowledgeable and experienced and so much fun to work with!

*Michelle G:

Raquel is professional, fun, and relatable. She worked with me to choose makeup that worked for both my hair and skin tone, as well as the occasion. I would recommend her to any girl who's looking to have a glam night out!

* Corinne L:

I had a full makeup application with Raquel for my husband's 50th birthday party. From the beginning to the end my experience was amazing! I had never worn false eye lashes and she applied them so... quickly and spritzed my face with Fix + from Mac and I couldn't believe how big and pretty my eyes looked and how fresh and radiant my skin looked. She is fabulous! So, for all you 50ish girls, Raquel has a lot of tips and tricks we can sure use. P.S..... My husband loved it:) I have known Raquel since she was a teenager. She is a very talented gal. I always go to her for my makeup update. Way to go Raquel!

* Gayle W: