Kaitlin Sandanshiv shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kaitlin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think a lot of people misunderstand what goes into running my skincare business. From the outside, it might look easy to start and manage, but the reality is very different. Treating someone’s skin takes so much knowledge and care because every person’s skin is unique. I have to understand exactly what each ingredient does and how it can benefit a client’s skin. Plus, my education never really stops, esthetician school is just the beginning, and I’m constantly learning more to better serve my clients. I also have to manage my schedule, deliver amazing customer service, recommend the right homecare products, and keep my treatment room clean,
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kaitlin Sandanshiv, a licensed esthetician and the owner of Skin by Kaitlin and The Beauty Collab Studios in South Gate, CA. I specialize in personalized, results-driven skincare treatments, tailoring every service to each client’s unique needs. With Skin by Kaitlin, my focus is on real results and educating clients so they feel confident in their skin. With The Beauty Collab Studios, I’ve created a space for other beauty professionals to grow their own businesses in a supportive, professional environment. Both ventures are built on passion, education, and the belief that beauty is about confidence, inside and out.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My first job was at a small grocery store, where my manager, Nancy Meza, taught me more about work than anyone else ever has. Even as a manager, she never acted above any task, she stocked milk, bagged groceries, and pitched in wherever help was needed. She worked hard, always gave her best, and showed incredible patience when dealing with customers. Twelve years later, she’s still my greatest role model and a close friend.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For most of my life, I let fear hold me back, mainly my shyness and worrying too much about what others thought of me. But now that I’m 31 and so much more confident, I’ve realized something: no one’s really keeping tabs on you. The only people who do are the ones who are envious, and their opinion was never worth holding yourself back for.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
100% yes! What you see is who I am. I don’t share too much of my personality online, but when clients meet me in person, we almost always click right away. I try to keep it more professional on my business page. I love posting memes, and many clients end up following my personal Instagram, that’s where you’ll see even more of the real every day me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was meant to do, and I’m just getting started. I began my journey at 25, an age when many people are finishing school or starting graduate programs. In my early 20s, I felt completely lost, and I want people to know there’s always time to change careers and start fresh. My next goal is to become an esthetics instructor within the next few years, and eventually explore electrolysis school.
Contact Info:
- Website: Skinbykaitlin.com thebeautycollabstudios.com
- Instagram: Skinbykaitlin & thebeautycollabstudios
