Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a beauty professional?

Before finding my passion in the beauty industry, I spent 10 years working in various dead-end jobs, always feeling like something was missing. I eventually decided to go back to school for Esthetics with the original intention of pursuing makeup, which had become a new creative outlet for me. But once I got into the program, everything changed. I became obsessed with skin care! Before esthetics school, my skincare routine was literally just washing my face with bar soap (so cringe, I know!) I had no knowledge of products, ingredients, and had never even stepped foot in a spa before. But learning about skin health and how transformative it can be lit a fire in me. My confidence grew each day and helping people feel good in their own skin became my mission. The beauty industry has actually been a huge part of my life being surrounded by cosmetologists – so in many ways, I was destined to be here. It just took me a little while to find my own path.

Was there a specific moment or experience that motivated you to start your business?

In the first two years after becoming licensed, I worked under other spa owners, gaining hands-on practice, knowledge of various product lines, and valuable experience learning what I did, and didn’t, want in my future career. I hadn’t initially planned to open my own business, but the opportunity came when a fellow esthetician was relocating and offered me the chance to take over her treatment room and established clientele. Around the same time, I realized that my vision for client care and ethical practices didn’t fully align with the direction of the spa I was working for, so I chose to follow the path that felt most authentic – one where I could grow, lead with integrity, and create the kind of client experience I truly believed in. 

What key strategies have you used to grow your business from the ground up?

Building my business has been a combination of community connection, client trust, and a deep commitment to education. From the beginning, I made it a priority to show up locally – participating in & hosting community events, pop-up markets, and networking opportunities that allowed me to authentically connect with people face-to-face while building credibility as an expert within my field. 

One of the most impactful strategies has been creating genuine, respectful relationships with my clients. I focus on trust, transparency, and education during every visit, walking them through each step of their unique skincare journey so they feel confident and cared for. This personalized approach has led to word-of-mouth referrals from clients who send their friends and family my way.

I’ve also prioritized continuing education and staying current with new industry techniques, ingredients, and tech so I can always offer the most effective treatment protocols and up-to-date advice.

Can you describe a turning point or milestone that significantly contributed to your business’s growth?

While I’m still in the process of growing my business and expanding my clientele, one of the biggest turning points so far has been choosing to niche down and fully align my services with what I’m most passionate about – corrective treatments with long-lasting results. I made the decision to remove treatments that didn’t truly excite or fulfill me and instead focused on results-driven skincare with customized services and homecare treatment plan packages to suit my clients lifestyle and budget. This allowed me to deepen client trust and deliver more consistent, long-term results. It also introduced higher profit margins and gave my clients a more personalized experience, which ultimately supports their goals and my business growth. 

How do you manage the challenges of keeping a work-life balance?

Creating a healthy work-life balance is something I’ve had to learn to be intentional about, especially in such a hands-on, service-based industry. Incorporating practices like walking, journaling, or simply being by the water helps me stay grounded. I also remind myself to pour into the things that bring me joy outside of work – whether that’s traveling, quality time with loved ones, or creative hobbies.

I’ve also learned the importance of time blocking – setting aside dedicated time for back-end admin work like client communications (pre and post treatment check-in’s), website & protocol revisions, financial logs, and continued education. Outside of business hours, I try to unplug and avoid checking messages or DMs, which helps me maintain mental space, avoid burnout, and enjoy the present moments with those closest to me.  Honoring my own well-being allows me to show up as the best version of myself for my clients and my business.

What keeps you motivated, especially on the slow months?

During slower seasons, I stay motivated by staying engaged. For me, that often means planning and participating in events outside of the treatment room – whether it’s educational workshops, community pop-ups, or networking opportunities for fellow beauty professionals. These events keep my energy up and remind me that there’s so much more to growing a business than just being fully booked year-round.

I also use the extra time to get creative, invest in continuing education, and refine my overall client experience. 

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your journey so far?

One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been the opportunity to pour into other estheticians through education. Teaching on stage at national trade shows in front of thousands and being recognized in top industry publications like Dermascope Magazine and Les Nouvelles Esthétique (LNE) as a trusted expert has been a true honor – and honestly, a full-circle moment. Knowing that I’m helping to inspire, guide, and uplift fellow professionals in their own careers is deeply rewarding. It reminds me that our industry is so much more than just what happens in the treatment room – it’s about building community, sharing knowledge, and leaving a lasting impact.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of what you’ve achieved?

One of the proudest moments in my journey so far has to be Collab Con, hosted by The Esty Collaborative. The event brought 50+ estheticians together for connection, education, and inspiration. Seeing our vision come to life, and watching fellow beauty professionals & entrepreneurs come together to learn, share, and support one another was heart-filling. To us, this wasn’t just another conference, it was about creating a space where estheticians felt seen, celebrated, and empowered all while walking away with life (and business) changing connections. Knowing that we helped cultivate that environment, and that it made a real impact, confirmed to me The Esty Collaborative is achieving what we set out to do.

Where do you see your business heading in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see my business continuing to make an impact – both in the treatment room & within my community. I want to keep helping clients achieve their skincare goals but also pour more into education, mentorship, and events through The Esty Collaborative. My goal is to build a brand that empowers, connects, and creates real change in our industry and the way people view skin & self care.

How do you set your business apart from others in your niche, and what makes it unique?

What sets my business apart is the experience I provide both inside and beyond the treatment room. My approach is rooted in education, personalization, and genuine connection. I don’t just offer skincare services, I walk clients through every step of their skin journey with honesty, ease, and tailored guidance extending into their personalized home care routines.

As an educator, I also bring advanced training, ingredient knowledge, and a deeper understanding of skin science into every service. My clients know they’re not just getting a facial, they’re receiving a customized, results-driven experience and learning the how’s and why’s in each step.

I’m also huge on the client experience and offer a calm, welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and never rushed. Personalized touches and creating trust makes all the difference, in my opinion.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting their journey in the beauty industry?

You don’t have to do it all alone! Build a solid support system, whether that’s friends, family, a partner, or a community of like-minded beauty professionals & entrepreneurs who understand & relate to your journey. Surrounding yourself with people who cheer you on makes a huge difference!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and take full advantage of the free resources out there. Podcasts, YouTube tutorials, Facebook groups, and mentorship opportunities can all give you insight and encouragement when you need it most. Growth takes time, so give yourself grace and stay open to learning at every stage.

Are there any resources or tools that have been particularly helpful in your success with running your business?

Having the right tools in place has made a huge difference in how I manage and grow my business. My booking system through Square has been essential for scheduling, payments, and client communication. It helps me stay organized while giving my clients a seamless experience.

I also rely on Canva for marketing and social media design, it makes creating content easy, even with little technical experience. Google Workspace is another staple for keeping track of documents, client forms, and spreadsheets when planning for events and education and tracking expenses.

And honestly, the most valuable resource has been my esty tribe, connecting with other estheticians, mentors, and educators through trade shows, podcasts, and online groups has given me so much insight, encouragement, and inspiration!

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your experience in the beauty industry?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to always honor your values and trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel aligned, whether it’s a client, a partnership, or a business decision, it’s okay to let it go. In my experience, releasing what no longer serves you often makes space for greater opportunities, better energy, and long-term success!

This industry will constantly challenge you to grow, but staying rooted in integrity has been my compass, in business (and life.) When you build a business based on what truly feels right, everything flows more naturally, from attracting the right clients to showing up with confidence and in your purpose every day.