My Road to Becoming an Esthetician

A story of science, spirit, and coming home.

There was a time when the idea of a facial felt… complicated.

Growing up, my skin was my biggest source of anxiety. Hormonal shifts, constant breakouts — it wasn’t just frustrating, it was deeply personal. I didn’t just feel uncomfortable in my skin… I felt exposed. The idea of letting someone examine my face, even a professional, felt terrifyingly vulnerable. I know what it’s like to want to hide.

For a long time, I chose the “safe” path.

I built a career in a high-stress corporate environment managing budgets, navigating complex operations, doing everything “right” on paper. But underneath it all, something was missing. I wasn’t fulfilled. And eventually, I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

So I made a decision that didn’t make sense to everyone. I walked away.

My "Why"

I didn’t just want to become an esthetician. I wanted mastery. I chose one of the most rigorous programs in the country because I needed to understand the science of skin on a deep, technical level. I wanted it to be second nature—down pat—so that when someone sat in my chair, I could focus on what matters most: the healing.

This work goes far beyond skincare.

A facial isn’t just a treatment, it’s an energy exchange. It’s a moment to soften, to exhale, to let your guard down in a way that life doesn’t always allow.

Yes, I use high-quality, results-driven ingredients. Yes, I care deeply about the health and function of your skin. But more than anything, I care about how you feel when you leave.

Whole. Reset. Seen.

I became an esthetician to create the space I never had. And along the way, I also realized something else: this industry isn’t always built for everyone.

A Place for Everyone

High-end skincare often feels like a members-only club—overpriced, inaccessible, and gate kept. While I will never undervalue the training, knowledge, and intention behind my work, it’s incredibly important to me that what I offer is reachable.

Because everyone deserves to feel good in their skin. Not just the few.

That belief has shaped everything I’ve built with Sonoma Soul Studio. This chapter started in Chicago — a city that challenged me, grew me, and gave me the space to fully step into this work. But if you know me, you know my roots have always been on the West Coast. And now, I’m coming home.

This December, Sonoma Soul Studio will be returning to San Rafael, back to the place that shaped me, grounded me, and ultimately called me back. There’s something really full-circle about that.

Because this work — this blend of science and spirit, results and restoration — isn’t just what I do. It's who I am.

And whether you’ve been with me in Chicago or you’ll meet me in San Rafael, my intention stays the same: to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are…and leave feeling just a little more like yourself.

✨ Ready for a reset that goes deeper than the surface?

Bookings are open — now in Chicago, and soon in San Rafael.