Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Sandanshiv.
Hi Kaitlin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2019, I turned 25, wasn’t working, and was feeling very lost- so I decided to enroll in the Esthetician Program at Cerritos College. I’ve always been interested in skincare but didn’t know how to make it a career. I wanted to be able to help people feel confident and secure by treating their skin. The face is the first thing people see when you see and talk to them. I completed school by Thanksgiving that year and passed my license test in January 2020. In February 2020, I began working at a local salon, but we had to close down in March 2020 due to covid. There wasn’t much I could do, so I began offering in-home mobile facials in July 2020, and that’s how Skin by Kaitlin started. It was hard on the body to bring a massage table, steamer, table, products, towels/linens, etc., to every home. But this was the only way to get my business out there during this time. I would offer both waxing, facials, and lash lifts.
By January 2021, I began working from home in South Gate and was only accepting referrals as clients. It limited me to only a certain amount of clients. Fast forward to February 2023, I came across a studio in Whittier. I took the risk and signed the lease, and that was probably the greatest turning point in my career. Being in a shared salon with other service providers helped me grow and gain clientele. Recently this past November I moved into a private suite in South Gate (Hollydale) area so I’m much closer to my family and clientele.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has truly been a rollercoaster, but I’ve been able to overcome every obstacle that has come my way. It’s not easy being a solo esthetician because you have to do everything: schedule clients, keep track of finances, order products, drop ship products, clean/laundry, marketing (Instagram posts & emails), build relationships with clients, take courses to expand my education, and many other things. I’ve invested almost all my money on classes, new products, upgrading equipment, and constantly restocking supplies—all in hopes of hoping my business will be worth it.
Gaining and retaining clients can sometimes be a struggle because receiving a facial is not instant gratification like when you do your nails or lashes. It takes proper home-care products along with monthly facial treatments. But once a client notices a difference, then they’re hooked then turn into clients for life. I rely mostly on Instagram and referrals for growing my business. I’ve tried Google ads and Yelp ads, but they haven’t been as helpful as what I’m doing now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Skin by Kaitlin?
I’m a licensed esthetician. This license allows me to do facials, waxing, lash extensions, and lash lifts. I treat clients’ skin with customized facial treatments and lash lifts. I offer standard facials, dermaplane facials, nano infusion treatments (anti-aging/skin rejuvenation), and back facials, and I specialize in treating acne.
I’ve suffered having hormonal cystic acne along my jaw and cheeks. It was embarrassing being an esthetician and not being the perfect example of clear skin. This was one of the major reasons I wanted to pursue a career in aesthetics. I am dedicated and care so much for my client’s skin needs. I listen and carefully do what’s best for every client. So I decided to take an acne course with Face Reality, and I have managed to clear my skin and several other clients in 3-6 months. It’s a combination of homeware products strictly from Face Reality and in-person bi-monthly treatments. Clear skin is achievable if the client is 100% committed.
Clients come in wanting to clear their acne, lighten hyperpigmentation, reduce their fine lines and wrinkles, and increase their hydration. We work together and build home skincare routines—it’s 80% homecare and 20% in-person treatments. I custom-select cleansers, exfoliators, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens for exactly what my client needs— no one’s skin is the same. I have samples & full-size products in stock, or I drop-ship orders to clients’ homes, which makes it easier for both of us. My goal is for every person leaving my treatment room to learn something about their skin and how to improve their skin concerns. I chose to work with Circadia Skincare (for normal, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation), Face Reality Skincare (for acne), and Osmosis Skincare (holistic)—all three are affordable, correct & prevent, and the most effective lines I have personally used.
A favorite service I love doing is lash lifts. It’s a perm on the lashes that enhances the natural lash, which allows you to still wear mascara and lasts 6-8 weeks curled. Clients feel confident and ready every morning since lash lifts are very low maintenance.
A new service I brought in a few months ago was the Nano Infusion Treatment. This service infuses pure retinaldehyde(retinoid for sensitive skin) into the skin and is customized with different boosting powders to target wrinkles, dehydration, acne, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. It’s become my most popular service because clients instantly feel firmer and hydrated skin.
I also include Celluma LED light therapy in my facial treatments. Light Emitting Diode (LED) is the application of light energy to the body for therapeutic benefits; non-invasive, painless, and requires absolutely no downtime. Blue light penetrates into the epidermis and kills acne bacteria. Red light penetrates to the subcutaneous tissue and has been shown to enhance collagen and elastin production by fibroblast activity. An excellent add-on because all my clients can benefit from it.
Something I recently put together was an on-hand Dermaplaning course, a mechanical form of exfoliating the skin with a scalpel while removing all vellus hair. Perfect for other estheticians who are looking to learn a new skill and add to their service menu. We go over step-by-step techniques, safety, types of blades & exfoliators, and troubleshoot any complications.
What’s next?
I have so many ideas for the upcoming year. I’ll be taking several educational courses in the upcoming months and attending trade shows in Las Vegas and Long Beach to try new products and add some new services. My books are always open for new clients, and my inbox (Instagram or email) is available for any questions someone might have. My services are results-driven and preventative skincare.
Last November, I had a self-care class at CSUF. I spoke about how to care for your skin with different products and lifestyle choices, and Q&A. There’s another class coming up in March—open to all students.
This year I will be taking my cosmetology license test and assisting a hairstylist. Can’t wait to be duo-licensed.
In the next 5-10 years, I see myself being a full-time instructor at a community college, teaching esthetics and cosmetology and still servicing my clients in my treatment room.
I love being an esthetician! I didn’t know I could be this happy with my life. I’m excited for what the future holds.
I’d also like to give a huge thank you to my husband, Sidhant; I wouldn’t be here without his support.
Contact Info:
- Website: skinbykaitlin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinbykaitlin
