Exploring Life & Business with Katya Acosta of Xela Esthetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katya Acosta.

Hi Katya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in esthetics because of my own experiences with skincare and wanting to help others feel more confident in themselves. What began as a personal passion quickly turned into something I truly loved, so I pursued my esthetics license and continued educating myself beyond school through hands on experience, advanced techniques, and ongoing learning. Over time, I built Xela Esthetics as a space that prioritizes comfort, privacy, and results while still feeling warm and welcoming. Today, I specialize in treatments like customized facials, Korean lash lifts, and brow styling, and I’m grateful to have created a business where I can help clients not only look their best but also feel cared for and confident when they walk out of my studio.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like many people starting their own business, one of the biggest challenges was building confidence in myself and learning how to grow a business while still developing my skills. I also had to learn how important it was to stay true to my morals and the kind of environment I wanted to create. I have definitely had my share of negative experiences with spa owners who did not share the same values when it came to client care, honesty, and trust, and those experiences really shaped my perspective on the type of business I wanted to build for myself. That pushed me to create a space that truly prioritizes the client experience, genuine relationships, and making people feel cared for rather than just treated like another appointment. Starting as an independent esthetician also meant wearing many hats at once from marketing and booking to continuing education and client care. Every challenge pushed me to grow, stay consistent, and become more intentional about the experience I create for my clients, and looking back those struggles helped shape both me and Xela Esthetics into what it is today.

As you know, we’re big fans of Xela Esthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Xela Esthetics is more than just a skincare business to me, it is deeply personal and rooted in who I am. The name “Xela” ties back to my Guatemalan roots and is inspired by Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, while also honoring my great grandmother. As a Latina owned business, I take a lot of pride in creating something that reflects both my culture and my values. One of the biggest goals behind my brand is making self care feel more accessible in an industry that is often seen as unattainable or strictly luxurious. While I absolutely want clients to have a relaxing elevated experience, I also strongly believe that self care is a necessity, not a privilege. If you are not able to take care of yourself properly, it becomes much harder to pour into and care for others.

At Xela Esthetics, I specialize in customized facials with a strong focus on both results and client experience. I consider myself a results based esthetician, so I truly care about helping clients achieve healthier skin and long term confidence, not just providing a temporary service. What sets me apart most is the level of care and intention I put into every appointment. I never wanted my space to feel overly sterile, intimidating, or clinical like some environments can feel. Instead, I wanted it to feel like an extension of home, warm, comforting, and judgment free. Whether a client wants to talk about life, vent, laugh, relax quietly, or even fall asleep during their treatment, I want them to feel completely safe and comfortable in my space.

Something I am most proud of brand wise is the trust I have built with my clients. I have worked hard to create an environment where people feel genuinely cared for, listened to, and respected. To me, beauty and skincare go beyond appearance, it is also about how people feel emotionally when they leave my studio. I want readers to know that Xela Esthetics is built on intention, authenticity, culture, and care, and every service I provide comes from a genuine passion for helping people feel confident in themselves.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think risk taking can be really intimidating, especially when you are stepping away from something stable and familiar, but I also believe that some of the most meaningful growth comes from being willing to bet on yourself. One of the biggest risks I have taken was leaving a stable job to pursue an independent career and fully invest in myself and my business. It was a huge leap because there is always uncertainty when you are building something on your own, especially in an industry that can be very competitive.

At the same time, I knew I wanted to create a business that aligned with my values, my vision for client care, and the type of environment I believed people deserved. I think sometimes risk is less about acting fearlessly and more about trusting yourself enough to take the next step even when the outcome is unknown. I was also incredibly fortunate to have the support and guidance of my family, who have stood by me through every decision and reminded me to keep going even during moments of doubt. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to continue pursuing this path.

Now, looking back, I see that risk as one of the most important decisions I have made because it allowed me to build something that feels authentic to who I am and how I want people to feel when they come into my space.

Pricing:

• Facial Services $105-155
• Brows $20-$105
• Lashes $25-$115

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xela-esthetics.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xela.esthetics/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xela.esthetics

Image Credits
Xela Esthetics