Meet Rachel Quinto | Permanent Makeup Artist and Educator in San Diego

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Quinto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of AVO Brows and Beauty has been my willingness to fail forward. As a permanent makeup artist, trainer, and business owner in San Diego, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from resilience. Every mistake, every slow season, every hard lesson was actually an opportunity to grow stronger, sharper, and more aligned with my purpose.

In this industry, it’s easy to feel like you have to have it all figured out from day one. But truthfully, being open to trial and error is what allowed me to refine my technique, build a brand with real integrity, and mentor future artists with empathy and experience. The artists I train at AVO hear me say this often: you don’t get better by avoiding failure—you get better by learning from it.

At the core of AVO Brows and Beauty is a belief in authenticity and continual growth. Whether I’m enhancing someone’s natural features through permanent makeup services or helping a student navigate their first model day, I approach it with the mindset that every experience is part of the process. And that mindset has shaped not just my business, but the lives of the clients and artists we serve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My craft is more than a beauty treatment —it’s about helping people recognize their own beauty—sometimes for the first time—and walk out feeling more confident in who they already are. As a permanent makeup artist, I specialize in natural, customizable enhancements that amplify my clients’ features without overpowering them. Whether it’s a microblading or nano strokes permanent makeup treatment, lip blush, or scar camouflage, I approach every appointment like a collaboration between artist and canvas.

What sets me apart is my focus on intentional artistry. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter beauty. Every face is unique, every story is different—and the way I map, shape, and connect with every client reflects that. It’s technical, yes, but it’s also deeply emotional. I’ve had clients cry tears of joy seeing their healed brows or scars camouflaged for the first time. That kind of transformation goes way beyond skin deep—and that’s the kind of work that fuels me.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come not just as an artist, but as an educator. Building AVO Brows and Beauty into a studio and training academy has been a wild ride. It wasn’t easy. There were a lot of moments filled with doubt, trial and error, imposter syndrome, and learning the hard way. But every challenge taught me something—about resilience, about boundaries, about being a better business owner and mentor.

The biggest lesson? You have to be willing to get it wrong before you get it right. Growth comes from showing up, failing forward, and learning through the mess. That’s what I try to instill in my students: progress over perfection.

What I want the world to know about AVO is this—it’s not just a studio, it’s a movement. It’s about creating beauty that feels like you, and helping others step into their power. We’re here to add a little extra to your everyday—whether that’s flawless brows or the confidence to start your own PMU journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting San Diego for a week, we’d be doing a mix of good food, good views, and good vibes. San Diego has the perfect balance of energy and calm, and I’d want them to experience both.

First stop: El Viajon Seafood in Mira Mesa. It’s hands down one of my favorite hidden gems—Mexican and Asian-inspired seafood dishes that are packed with flavor and creativity. If you’re a foodie, this spot will blow your mind.

Mornings would definitely start at SuperBloom in Mission Bay—a dreamy little coffee shop where you can sip your latte outdoors with a view of the bay. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day or take a peaceful walk along the water.

For wellness and movement, I’d take them to YogaDeck in Banker’s Hill. It’s such a vibe—outdoor yoga, good music, and the kind of calm that hits different in the middle of the city. It’s my favorite way to reset and recharge.

And for a deep reset—Thai Herb Massage in Mission Valley. Shoutout to Sita, who always gets my knots out. Thai massage is not for the weak, but if you’re looking for the best deep-tissue work in the city, this is the spot. You’ll walk out sore, realigned, and somehow floating.

Of course, we’d also sneak in beach days at La Jolla Cove or Coronado, grab cocktails and boutique finds in North Park, and if they’re into self-care (which, let’s be real, they should be), I’d absolutely treat them to a brow session at AVO Brows & Beauty. Because what’s a trip to San Diego without leaving with your best brows ever?

This city is full of culture, creativity, and community—and that’s what I love showing off most.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no doubt that I’ve worked hard to build AVO Brows and Beauty from the ground up, but I didn’t get here alone. I owe a huge part of my journey to the people who showed up for me—whether they realized it or not. From the mentors who poured into me early in my career, to the clients who trusted me with their faces (even when I was still figuring things out), to the fellow artists who shared their wins, struggles, and techniques—it all mattered. It all helped shape who I am today as an artist, educator, and business owner.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my students. Teaching has taught me just as much. Seeing them push through fear, take chances, and believe in their craft has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Their growth reminds me of why I started in the first place—to help others rise while staying rooted in authenticity.

And lastly, my family and friends have been my anchors. Their encouragement on the hard days and belief in me when I doubted myself gave me the space to dream big and build something meaningful. AVO was never just about brows—it’s always been about empowerment. And I’m grateful for every person who helped me believe that was possible.

Website: https://www.avobrowsandbeauty.com

Instagram: avobrowsandbeauty

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avo-brows-beauty/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avobrowsandbeauty

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/avo-brows-and-beauty-san-diego-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@avobrowsbeauty