About Us
Barbara Giraldo
My name is Barbara Giraldo, and I am the Founder and CEO of Empire Beauty Bar and Empire Beauty Academy.
From a very young age, I was deeply intrigued by the beauty industry. At 18 years old, I moved to Israel to further my education and expand my knowledge in the beauty business. In 1996, I opened my first business in Tel Aviv, Israel—an experience that marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
After eight years, I returned to the United States to pursue my dream of building a successful career in the beauty industry. In 2016, I opened my second business, Lavender Spa and Nails. While the business was successful, I felt there was something more I was meant to do.
Driven by a strong passion to help women fulfill their professional dreams, I founded Empire Beauty Academy in 2018. Today, I specialize in advanced skin treatments and dedicate myself to educating and mentoring students through professional skin and aesthetics courses. The journey was not easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding to achieve my goals while empowering others to achieve theirs.
Following the launch of Empire Beauty Lash & Brows, it quickly became clear that I wanted to take the brand to the next level. After months of research, planning, and self-reflection—despite doubts and discouragement from others—I chose to believe in myself, stay focused, and move forward with confidence.
Today, I proudly own and lead multiple brands, including Empire Dermis and and Empire Holistica as well as my own holistic and facial product lines.
In addition to being an entrepreneur and educator, I am a certified Phlebotomy Specialist, Medical Assistant, and International Speaker, actively sharing knowledge and experience with professionals across different regions.
I am deeply passionate about helping others grow, succeed, and believe in their potential. I firmly believe that with determination, discipline, and faith, anything is achievable. I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what the future holds for Empire Beauty and the community we continue to build.
Sheena Giraldo
I’m a Face Specialist, Phlebotomist and Medical Assistant specializing in laser treatments, facials, and lash lifts. My passion is helping women feel confident, relaxed, and beautiful through intentional services that care for both the body and the mind. Every treatment I provide is designed to make you feel seen, supported, and at ease.
I believe self-care is more than just an appointment—it’s a moment to reconnect with yourself. Every woman deserves time to slow down, breathe, and feel nurtured. Whether you’re here for skincare, laser, or lashes, my goal is to create an experience that leaves you feeling restored and confident.
I became a mother at a very young age, an experience that shaped my strength and resilience. For years, I balanced motherhood with full-time work, putting my own dreams on hold while doing everything I could to provide for my daughter.
Everything changed when my mother opened her salon from the ground up. Watching her build something of her own inspired me deeply and opened my eyes to a world I never thought was possible for me. It took two years of growth, self-doubt, and courage before I finally took the leap and left my full-time office job to follow my passion.
I earned my GED, pursued esthetics, and later expanded my education in phlebotomy and medical assisting. Today, I’m incredibly grateful to do work that fulfills me. Creating a calm, nurturing space where women feel seen, valued, and beautiful is at the heart of everything I do.
Dr. Gerardo Cabanillas
Dr. Gerardo Cabanillas completed his Medical Degree (MD) in Peru at Universidad de San MartĂn de Porres in 2009. He subsequently fulfilled one year of rural medical service in the town of Canchapalca, JunĂn Region, Peru. He worked at ClĂnica San Pablo and at Colegio San AgustĂn, both in Lima, Peru.
He later completed the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research program at Harvard University. In 2013, he entered the Internal Medicine residency program at New York Medical College. Upon completion of his residency, he pursued a fellowship in Immunology and Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas.
After completing his fellowship, he worked in Internal Medicine and Research in Los Angeles, California. He also completed the Health Innovation program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dr. Cabanillas is currently completing his second fellowship in Geriatrics and Longevity at the University of Miami, Florida, and practices in the field of Geriatrics within the CONVIVA – HUMANA consortium.
He has recently earned a certification in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine from Johns Hopkins University. Most recently, he has been appointed Medical Director of Empire Beauty Bar and Spa, where he will lead the development of hormone therapy, vitamin infusions, peptide therapy, weight loss programs, and longevity-focused treatments.
Chiara Giraldo
Hi, I’m Chiara Giraldo, I have been doing lashes and brows for about 9 years.  I am proud to be a part of the Empire Beauty Bar team as a Brow & Lash Artist, where I continue to do what I love every day. My passion for beauty and client satisfaction drives me to provide the best experience possible, and I look forward to helping you achieve your dream lashes and brows.
Natalee Giraldo
My name is Natalee Giraldo, and I am part of the team at Empire Beauty Bar, where I assist with social media marketing and front desk operations. I enjoy creating content, promoting our services online, and helping clients feel welcomed and supported during their experience. Through this role, I have developed skills in communication, customer service, content creation, and brand marketing. As I prepare for college, I plan to pursue a degree in Marketing and continue growing my passion for digital marketing and business.
Yudy
My name is Yudy, and I am a licensed esthetician with 15 years of experience in the beauty and skincare industry. For the past 4 years, I have specialized in acne treatments, helping clients improve the appearance and health of their skin with personalized care.
Throughout my career, I have developed a passion for treating concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, signs of aging, and overall skin health. I believe that every skin is different, which is why I take the time to understand each client’s needs and create treatments designed specifically for them.
My goal is not only to help my clients achieve healthier, more beautiful skin, but also to help them feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. I am committed to continuing my education and offering professional, effective, and personalized skincare services.