Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Swanson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career in 2020 when I enrolled in esthetician school, and let me tell you, it’s been a long ride. At the time, I was finishing up my last semester of college, preparing to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Sociology, and getting ready to start my Master’s program. I thought I wanted to become a social worker or family therapist. My goal was simple: I wanted to help people.
Then, COVID hit. As challenging as that time was, I think it also gave a lot of people the space to rethink their careers and start something new. Small businesses began to rise, and I wanted the same for myself. At that point, I was working as a behavioral technician and in retail, all while finishing my last semester in college. I was working seven days a week, doing homework at night, and feeling drained. The thought of enduring another four years of school, work, and college loans started to feel overwhelming.
With everything shifting to online, the extra time from quarantine gave me the courage to explore a career I had always been interested in but never pursued because of doubt and fear. I wasn’t working and school was now online, so I figured, why not take the leap? I enrolled in esthetician school, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made—though it wasn’t without its challenges.
Since school was still online due to quarantine, most of my training was theoretical, and I wasn’t getting the hands-on experience I needed to feel comfortable treating people’s skin. Months passed, and I completed the coursework, but I couldn’t help but think, “How am I supposed to give a facial if I haven’t even touched a face?” That’s when I decided to get a mentor.
I found Maria Ramos, also known as The Beauty Plug by Maria, who essentially taught me how to be an esthetician from the ground up. Her guidance helped me gain confidence in my skills. After that, I tried to go solo, but, as a new esthetician, it didn’t work out. People are hesitant to book someone with little experience, and I struggled to fill my schedule. My confidence took a huge hit.
Sometimes in life, you need to pivot, and that’s exactly what I did. I realized that, to get the experience I needed, I had to work at a spa. Thankfully, I found a job at a med spa, where I worked for about two years. This spa also offered lymphatic massages, which piqued my interest in massage therapy. I decided to expand my knowledge of the human body, not just skin, but muscles as well, so I enrolled in massage therapy school.
During this time, I met amazing people who became friends and helped me through school, all while I was battling health issues of my own. But I refused to give up, and my friends, family, and fiancé were there to support me. I finished massage therapy school while battling cancer.
Eventually, I left the med spa and decided to go solo again. This time, I had faith in my work and in God that everything would work out because I had survived the toughest battles and was stronger than ever. And it did. My schedule filled up quickly, I was getting referrals, and before I knew it, I was leasing a studio space in Santa Monica. It felt like everything was finally coming together.
Then, the Palisades fires hit, just two months after I started leasing my studio. But I didn’t panic. I trusted in God that everything would work out, and it did. I ended up renting another studio space in Palmdale, where I currently reside. I also received support from one of my best friends in the industry, who now helps me by sharing her space so I can still cater to my LA-based clients in her spa in Woodland Hills. The spa name is called SkincarebyAlyne. They offer facial treatments, waxing, brow and lash services.
I am now working full-time as a solo business owner, still navigating the hard times, learning from them, and constantly gaining new knowledge to better serve my clients. Currently, I’m completing a nutritional consultant program to deepen my understanding of the body. This will allow me to not only help my clients with their skin, but also address chronic pain, ensuring that I’m treating them from the inside out as well as the outside in.
The point is, never give up on your dreams. Sometimes, we just need to trust and have faith that everything will come together in its own time.
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?
Being a solo business owner comes with its fair share of challenges and fears, but the true key to success is continuously working to better your craft. When I first started, I was trying to gain clients during a time when social distancing was the norm. I couldn’t afford a studio space, so I worked from home. On top of that, I was commuting two hours to get to work and dealing with health issues that forced me to pause my career more times than I’d like to admit.
At times, it felt like I wasn’t able to give my business the full attention it deserved, and that was incredibly frustrating. Trying to balance running a business while also fighting to stay cancer-free was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But deep down, I knew what I wanted for my life, and that vision kept me going. It was my motivation to keep chasing my dreams, no matter how tough the journey got.
I faced financial struggles, self-doubt, issues with client acquisition and retention, and burnout. The list could go on. But in the end, that’s part of the beauty of this whole experience. It’s the storm before the calm, as they say. Through it all, I’ve learned that patience is one of the most important lessons I had to embrace. I had to remind myself that I am good at what I do, and that not every client will be the right fit, and that’s okay.
What I’ve learned along the way is that it’s not the struggles that define me, but how I navigate them. They shape who I am, and they guide me toward where I’m going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed esthetician, neuromuscular massage therapist, and manual lymphatic massage specialist, dedicated to helping people feel better about themselves from the inside out. I specialize in corrective facial treatments and work closely with clients to address their unique skincare needs. Whether it’s managing acne, combating the signs of aging, treating pigmentation, or simply resetting their skin, I offer personalized solutions that cater to each individual’s concerns.
As a massage therapist, I believe in the healing power of touch and its ability to support the body in its natural healing process. My goal is to help alleviate chronic pain and provide a space for relaxation. I always pray before each session, asking that any stress, problems, or struggles my clients are facing be put aside—even if it’s just for a few minutes or hours. Stress can have a profound effect on our bodies, not just mentally, but physically, contributing to chronic pain and even acne.
What I’m most proud of are the results I’m able to achieve for my clients—whether it’s through improving their skin, relieving muscle pain, or offering mental and emotional relief. The moment I see my clients release their tension, both physically and mentally, I know they’ve received the self-care they truly deserve.
I approach every client with the understanding that skin and body care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every person is unique, and their needs should be addressed accordingly. I take great pride in my work and ensure that each treatment is customized to how my clients are feeling that day. Whether they’ve had a tough week, are struggling with persistent acne, or dealing with nagging pain, I tailor my services to help them heal and feel their best—starting from the inside out.
What’s next?
I’m excited to be settling into my new studio locations in Palmdale, CA, and Woodland Hills, and I’m eager to continue growing my business. My goal is to show my clients—and potential clients—that investing their time in me will always be worth it. Ultimately, I aspire to open my own wellness center, a place where people can leave their problems at the door and simply focus on their well-being. With everything happening in the world today, aside from personal struggles, it’s more important than ever to have a safe space where people can receive the physical and mental support they need.
In addition to being a licensed esthetician and massage therapist, I’m taking the leap to become a nutritional consultant. Health is such an integral part of our well-being, both inside and out, and gaining this knowledge will allow me to better understand my clients’ concerns. I also hope to collaborate with licensed nutritionists and dietitians so I can fully address the root causes of their health issues. As someone who has personally faced health struggles, I truly believe that understanding the connection between our body and health is essential to helping others feel their best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/SS.ESTHETICS
Image Credits
Professional headshots where captured by Evelyn Arroyo Photography (eaphotography20 on IG)
