I want to first give a BIG THANK YOU to all of our loyal clients who have stuck with us through every version of Estheem—especially over the past five years since Covid rocked our industry. We appreciate not only your loyalty, but also your belief and patience as we worked toward creating an amazing space to share with you again.

The beginning

I became an esthetician in 2001 and began my career at My Retreat Day Spa, where I absorbed everything I could about esthetics and business. Over the years I built a loyal clientele and eventually managed the spa. In 2011, I made the difficult decision to step out on my own, and Estheem was born in a little house on Elizabeth Street in downtown Vacaville.

As the breadwinner of my family, I embodied the phrase “Do it afraid.” I built the business on credit cards, secondhand furniture, and sweat equity. We opened in August 2011, and just six months later I learned I was pregnant with my second child. I still remember doing payroll and hiring a new employee from my hospital bed. From those early days, Estheem grew with the help of a small team and the word-of-mouth support of our community.

Personal growth

In 2017, I began a personal journey of reclaiming my own story. Through counseling, healthier habits, and deep reflection, I made significant life changes. I ended a marriage that no longer aligned with my purpose, started a podcast with close friends, and embraced single life for the first time in 18 years.

When Covid hit in 2020, the beauty and wellness industry was shaken. With my nine-year lease ending, no certainty of reopening, and no financial relief in sight, I made the choice to leave Elizabeth Street. Over the next few years, Estheem appeared in four different one-room locations, always with the question hanging in the air—would we rebuild?

Redefining Estheem

The truth is, during this time I struggled to feel passionate about my work. I knew skin health was about more than what we put on the surface—it was about what we put in our bodies, how we manage stress, and how we care for ourselves in daily life. My energy and connection with clients had always been the heart of Estheem, and I felt a deep pull to integrate that even further into my practice.

The last two years of personal transformation have instilled in me a renewed desire to share what I’ve learned with our community. Our new vision for Estheem blends results-driven treatments with deeper care for the whole self.

Looking ahead

Some of you may notice changes in me and may wonder what I’ve been doing. I intend to share more through transparent conversations and tailored transformation sessions... more on that soon.