Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Drayton.
Hi Kristen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I did not always have an interest in skincare and beauty. I was born with very sensitive skin which did not allow me to use many of the beauty products that were on the market without developing allergies and uncomfortable rashes. The most severe reaction I experienced occurred during my late twenties after using a popular fragranced brand of body wash and perfume, where I suffered an allergic reaction which led to a condition known as: Post-Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation (PIH). PIH is an over-production of the protein melanin that occurs after an event of trauma to the skin. I had undergone a severe case of PIH (discoloration) covering 90 percent of my torso. The effects of this condition left me with extremely low self-esteem, so during the summer instead of wearing trendy summer dresses and beachwear, I wore long sleeve clothing or used body makeup to cover the unsightly dark blemishes that left me scarred by that earlier traumatic event. After seeing several doctors and receiving minimal help, I began doing research into my own skin condition and found myself becoming interested in the subject of skincare and skin conditions. It was then that a friend recommended that I see an Esthetician who specialized in treating people of color. Over time, between the treatment I received from the Esthetician and applying a few of the methods learned from my own research, my damaged skin began to heal, and as it did, my confidence restored.
The results of my recovery inspired me to pursue a career in skincare where I enrolled and completed my course of study from Citrus College in Glendora, CA in 2015 to become a Licensed Esthetician by the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Upon completion of my studies and licensing in 2015, I decided to go into business for myself and established “Natural Born Beauty.” In January 2021, I decided to do a rebranding and changed the name of my business to “Kristen Drayton Aesthetics.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! I will say that there were a few times that I thought about letting the business go and going back into Healthcare for a steady paycheck and benefits. However, deep down inside I wouldn’t be happy if I had given up because I’d be giving up on a dream, which is my passion. That fact that my business survived the whole COVID situation is a testament that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. Yes, I had to make adjustments, but out of those adjustments, new income streams were birthed under the umbrella of “Kristen Drayton Aesthetics.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned, I’m an Aesthetician (a person who treats skin conditions). I’ve been in this profession for seven years as of this past August. Within the last two years, I really honed in on a particular niche for two reasons. 1. I was naturally attracting a particular group of people without any effort. 2. I knew there was a need in reference to treating people with darker skin like myself. To sum things up, I specialize in treating Hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) and Acne in people with Melanin-rich skin. Meaning people of African, Asian, Hispanic descent etc. I chose these two conditions because I once suffered from them both, which allows me to empathize with clients.
Within the skincare industry, there is definitely a disparity when it comes to the knowledge available for skin of color for several reasons…it’s not taught in Esthetics or Dermatology schools. According to a recent study 47% of Dermatologists felt that their medical training didn’t prepare them to treat Black skin. My experience in Esthetics school was truly evident of that. Whilst the education I received from the school was superb, there was not much information in regard to the treatment of “Skin of Color.” After graduation, I took several courses that focused on treating darker skin tones and learning about its unique physiology. Most recently, I became a Certified Multicultural Skin Specialist. In addition, most clinical trials for skincare product lines are not performed on people with skin of color. So this is why I’m so passionate about implementing change within my industry. I am a firm believer in educating people! Everyone who comes in my treatment room, takes one of my courses, or has a virtual appointment with me will leave with an abundance of knowledge. I don’t believe in just giving someone a facial or chemical peel, etc., each client will leave my presence with knowledge on how to care for their melanin-rich skin. It makes me feel so proud when I hear clients tell me that I’ve helped them clear their hyperpigmentation after 20-plus years: or when I read several reviews with a common theme indicating that I’ve educated them. In Black American Culture, there is a statement that has been passed through the generations that says…”Black Don’t Crack.” In other words, we are less prone to premature aging (fine lines and wrinkles). While there is some truth to this statement, it’s not a license to neglect one’s skin. And I’ve seen a lot of negligence in my practice, which leads to the high rate of hyperpigmentation and other chronic conditions in people of color. So, that’s why I’m here to help.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Oh Yes! I have learned perseverance in the midst of a crisis, to appreciate life even more, and I have been able to tap into my creative abilities beyond imagination.
Pricing:
- Classic Facial $90
- Gentlemen’s Power Facial $120
- KDA Signature Facial $120
- The Perfect Derma Peel $300
- Chemical Peel Series $765
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristendrayton.com
- Instagram: @kristendraytonaesthetics
- Facebook: @KDAestheticsLLC
Image Credits
Photographers: Will Utley and Tyree Vance.
