Kelly Aldridge shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kelly, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to fully trust myself and the path I am on. In the past, I was afraid to go after my dreams or even say them out loud because of outside influences that made me second-guess myself. Over time, through self-talk and affirmations, I’ve built the confidence to stand on my vision. When I see successful business owners, big corporations, or celebrities, I think to myself, “That person was once in the position I am, dreaming big and working hard so that others could see them as they see themselves.” That’s my constant reminder to continue on my path and follow through with my vision.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Kelly Aldridge, I am a licensed esthetician and the owner of Piel de Miel LA. My brand is about empowering people to feel confident in their own skin through wellness and beauty.
Piel de Miel was started at a pivotal shift in my life: it was COVID, I had just quit my 9-5 office job, and I was pregnant. These circumstances were enough to stress anyone out (trust me, I surely was), but throughout it all, I knew I was called to do something different. I trusted that everything would work out despite the uncertainty in the world, and surely enough, with dedication to my craft and to myself, Piel de Miel came to life.
I don’t see my business as a job; as they say, if you’re doing what you love, you don’t work a day in your life, and I truly do love what I do with a passion. For me, it’s more than just sugaring and facial treatments; it is about creating experiences and an environment where people feel cared for, comfortable, and connected.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I don’t think there is one relationship that has shaped my perspective on myself. If I’m being honest, my clients are the ones who have had the biggest impact on how I see myself. In connecting with them and going through everything that life throws at us, I’ve grown as much as they have. The fact that other people are comfortable coming to me with their vulnerability or difficulties has taught me to trust myself, lead with my heart, and realize that I am building something more than just beauty; it’s a real human connection.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wound in my life has been the one of losing friendships. Everyone talks about romantic breakups, but no one ever talks about the pain of a friend breakup. You go from talking to someone every day, building a bond, getting close to their family, sharing your worries, your hopes, and your dreams, to complete silence. Those losses have shaken me deeply and have provoked a lot of self-reflection, but it has also taught me to honor myself and my boundaries.
Healing is never linear, and of course, some days are harder than others. I’ve learned not to shame myself for feeling sad or reminiscing on the good times. I’ve also learned to hold gratitude for the love and lessons those friendships gave me, shifting my mindset from “this is missing” to ” I was so lucky to experience that”.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to cherish relationships that are rooted in mutual growth and respect. Understanding that not everyone is meant to walk with me on this journey.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
A belief that I used to hold on to tightly was that I had to have my life figured out at such a young age. I thought that if I didn’t follow a certain path or have a certain job, I was failing in life. Growing up, I was always presented with the idea that in order to be successful, I had to graduate from college and get a 9-5 office job. The idea of pursuing a trade like esthetics or even starting my own business never crossed my mind because it was never presented as an option. Life is not a one-size-fits-all; what interests you one day might not interest you the next. With these experiences, I’ve come to learn that everything happens at the perfect time; it’s all about trusting the process.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people would say that I made them feel seen, safe, and empowered, and that I inspired them to trust themselves and follow their own path. That I was able to make them feel confident, both inside and out. I would also hope people tell the story about my journey and how I trusted myself, took risks, and pursued my dreams with courage. All while being a devoted mother to my amazing daughter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/7e3d6eralvh6el/location/LY0QVZ91N22MW
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieldemiel.la?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pieldemiel.la?_t=ZP-903ZT7IIhnb&_r=1
Image Credits
Karen Aguilar
