Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Rogers.
Hi Kristen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an esthetician actually started a little differently than I had originally planned. I went into the beauty industry thinking I wanted to become a makeup artist because I always enjoyed doing my own makeup. I loved how creative you could be with it and how many different looks you could create depending on the occasion, whether it was something simple for everyday wear or getting dressed up for a special event. At the time, I really thought that was what I wanted to do.
When I enrolled in school, they encouraged me to study skincare as well. It wasn’t something I had really considered before, but I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. As I started learning more about skincare, I became interested in understanding how the skin works, why different skin concerns happen, and how treatments and products can actually help improve them.
I became a licensed esthetician in Maryland in 2013, and over the years I continued gaining experience, furthering my education, and developing my own approach to skincare. The longer I worked in the industry, the more I realized how important it was to me to treat each client as an individual. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person isn’t necessarily going to work for someone else. I wanted my clients to feel comfortable asking questions, understand what was going on with their skin, and know that I was recommending treatments and products because I genuinely believed they would benefit them, not because I was just trying to make a sale.
Eventually, I reached a point where I wanted the freedom to do things my own way, which led me to open Skinsational LLC in December 2019. I wanted to create a space where people could feel comfortable, relax, and know they were receiving treatments based on what their skin actually needed. I also wanted to be able to spend quality time with my clients, get to know them, and build relationships beyond just their appointments.
Since opening my business, I’ve continued to learn and grow, both as an esthetician and a business owner. One of the most rewarding parts of what I do has been the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. Having people continue to come back, trust my recommendations, and refer their friends and family means so much to me. Being recognized as Best Esthetician in Montgomery Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards was definitely a proud moment, especially knowing how much my clients and their support have contributed to where I am today.
It’s funny looking back because I originally went into the beauty industry thinking I’d be doing makeup for different occasions, and instead I ended up building a career around helping people understand and feel more confident in their own skin. More than 13 years later, I’m still learning, still growing, and genuinely enjoying what I do. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and grateful that something I never originally planned on turned into a career and business that means so much to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! I opened Skinsational in December 2019, and just a few months later COVID happened. So before I even really had a chance to get my business established, everything shut down. That was definitely not how I expected my first year of owning a business to go!
Since then, the economy has been one of the biggest challenges. Everything has gotten more expensive, from the products and supplies I use to the cost of keeping a business running. My clients are dealing with those same increases in their personal lives, so I completely understand that getting a facial isn’t always going to be a priority. It’s hard trying to keep my services reasonably priced while also making sure I can afford to keep doing what I do.
Business can also be really unpredictable. I can have a fully booked week and then have cancellations that completely change what I expected to make. Some months are great, and others are slow, but the expenses don’t stop just because business slows down.
The industry has also changed so much since I started in 2013. Social media has become a huge part of everything, and sometimes I feel like there’s more focus on what’s trending, who’s popular, and what products are being promoted than what’s actually best for someone’s skin. There’s so much information available online, and not all of it is accurate. It can be frustrating trying to educate people when they’re constantly seeing different advice from influencers and social media.
There’s also a lot more competition now, especially with med spas, larger skincare businesses, and new people entering the industry. As a solo esthetician, I don’t have the same advertising budgets, staff, or resources that larger businesses have. There’s pressure to constantly market yourself, introduce new services, and keep up with everything, and honestly, it can be exhausting.
Then there’s everything that goes into running a business on your own. I’m not just performing treatments. I’m also managing appointments, ordering supplies, handling finances, marketing, cleaning, and taking care of everything else that needs to get done. Even on my days off, there’s usually something business-related that needs my attention.
I think one of the hardest parts has been accepting that you can work really hard and still have things happen that are completely outside your control. There have definitely been times when I’ve questioned myself or wondered if I’m doing enough. But I’ve put a lot into building Skinsational, and I’m proud that I’ve managed to keep it going through everything that’s happened since I opened.
We’ve been impressed with Skinsational LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Skinsational LLC is my skincare business where I specialize in customized facials, corrective skincare, and helping people understand their skin better. I offer everything from relaxing facials to more advanced treatments for concerns like acne, aging, dehydration, and overall skin health.
Some of the services I offer include my Skinsational Signature Facial, HydroGlow treatments, teen and acne facials, and treatments using radio frequency, microcurrent, cryotherapy, and lymphatic drainage. I like being able to use different techniques and adjust treatments depending on what someone’s skin actually needs.
I think one of the biggest things that sets me apart is that I take the time to get to know my clients. When someone books with me, they’re seeing me every time. I get to learn about their skin, what they’ve tried before, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re hoping to improve. I also try to be realistic with people about what they can expect from treatments and what they can do at home.
I’m not someone who’s going to recommend a bunch of expensive products or treatments just because I can. If I think something less expensive will work, or that someone doesn’t actually need a certain treatment, I’m going to tell them. I’d rather someone trust me and feel comfortable coming back than feel pressured to spend money.
I also want people to know that they don’t have to know anything about skincare before coming to see me. Some people have been getting facials for years, and others have never had one. I don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed about their skin or like they should already know what they’re doing.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built and the fact that people continue to trust me with their skin. I’ve had clients who have been coming to me for years, and I don’t take that for granted. I want Skinsational to be somewhere people feel comfortable, can ask questions, and know they’re getting honest advice.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think I’ve had a little bit of both! Opening my business in December 2019, right before COVID shut everything down, was definitely some pretty bad timing. I had no idea when I started that just a few months later I wouldn’t even be able to work.
But I’ve also had some really good things happen that I never planned for. I originally went to school to become a makeup artist, and if they hadn’t encouraged me to study skincare, I honestly don’t know if I would have ended up doing what I do today.
I’ve also been fortunate to meet some really wonderful people throughout my career. Some of my clients have been with me for years, and their support and referrals have helped my business more than they probably realize.
I think luck can definitely affect the opportunities you’re given and the circumstances you end up in, but I also think you have to put in the work. I’ve had things go my way, and I’ve had plenty of things not go my way. I’ve had to figure out how to deal with both.
I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten to where I am because I’ve been especially lucky. I’ve worked hard for what I’ve built, but I can also appreciate that some of the best things in my career happened because of decisions or circumstances I never originally planned for.
Pricing:
- Skinsational Signature Facial $155
- HydroGlow Lux $200
- HydroGlow $165
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skinsational.skincaretherapy.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen_esthetician?mdxt=cDRpdzVqM3p0a2th
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Skinsational?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=e43785df-9fd0-493f-bf8f-c3c71a0f2789
