Ashland
New Richmond
Rice Lake
Superior
News
Beyond the Trail: Rachel Aranda | Cosmetology Graduate
October 15, 2025
For Rachel Aranda of Hayward, the road to Northwood Technical College has been years in the making. Married at just 16, she took on the role of provider early—raising a family, building multiple businesses, and putting her own dreams on hold to support others.
Rachel always had a passion for beauty and cosmetology, starting at age 15, but life had other plans. “God is always first,” she said. “He had a different path for me.” That path led her and her husband to open Main Street Tacos in Hayward, a business born from both faith and determination.
When they were just $3,000 short of opening their doors, the family gathered around the table to pray for a way forward. “We were praying together, asking God to show us what to do,” Rachel said. “And in that very moment, some local friends stopped by with someone they wanted us to meet.” That unexpected visitor turned out to be the answer to their prayer, someone who helped them secure the final funding needed to get their loan approved. Not long after, Main Street Tacos opened its doors and began serving the Hayward community, providing jobs for family members and a place built on faith and hard work.
Rachel Aranda, owner of Polished Beauty & Spa in Hayward, sits at her nail station surrounded by her color collections. Aranda graduated from Northwood Technical College’s Cosmetology program in spring 2025.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in the Aranda family. In addition to Main Street Tacos, Rachel and her husband started a car detailing business that their son now proudly operates. And while she was helping build businesses for others, Rachel quietly kept her own dream alive.
Years later, with her family thriving and her faith as strong as ever, she applied to the Cosmetology program at Northwood Tech—without telling anyone. “I didn’t want to say anything until I knew I could really do it,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s not easy to keep a secret in a close-knit family.”
When her family finally found out, they couldn’t have been more excited. “They were so happy that I was finally getting to chase my dream,” she said.
That dream came full circle when Rachel graduated in the spring of 2025 and opened Polished Beauty & Spa in Hayward soon after. The salon has quickly gained attention for its stunning, upscale design and commitment to giving clients a true luxury experience. From the moment guests step inside, they’re welcomed into a relaxing space where every detail—lighting, scent, and atmosphere—is meant to rejuvenate. “It’s more than just a service,” Rachel said. “It’s about helping people feel seen, cared for, and beautiful inside and out.”
Her dedication and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed. Polished Beauty & Spa has been nominated for New Business of the Year for the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, with the ceremony and awards taking place in November. “I’m so excited,” Rachel said. “To be recognized so soon after graduating and opening my doors—it’s such an honor. It means so much to me and my family.”
From tacos to tresses, Rachel’s journey has been guided by faith, family, and a drive to help others succeed. Between running Main Street Tacos and Polished Beauty & Spa, raising four children, mentoring other locals to open businesses of their own, and cheering on her son’s detailing business, she says her work never feels like work. “I love what I do,” she said simply. “It’s fun, it’s fulfilling, and I’m grateful every day.”
