Exploring Life & Business with Ishtar Gomez of Ishthetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ishtar Gomez

Hi Ishtar, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a little girl, I had a dream that I would move to LA and work on film sets doing makeup and hair. If you had told me back then that I wouldn’t end up on that path, I wouldn’t have believed you. But life has a way of guiding us where we’re meant to be.

I’ve always been passionate about skincare, but I eventually realized that my true calling was deeper than just beauty—I loved helping clients navigate their unique skincare needs. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and being able to customize treatments for each individual became something I genuinely loved.

I started working at a spa, providing facials, and within three months, I was promoted to lead esthetician. I absolutely loved my time there, but then the pandemic happened. Like so many others, I found myself unsure of what to do next. The thought of going out on my own felt impossible at the time.

During the pandemic, I started small—creating “Facial in a Box” kits that allowed clients to give themselves spa-like treatments at home. That idea took off, and soon, I was getting inquiries about house-call facials. I started slowly, offering peels and gradually expanding my services to include full European facials.

That experience gave me the confidence to take the leap and find my own space. I discovered Magnolia Salon, the perfect place to bring my vision to life. That’s where Ishthetics was born—merging my name, Ishtar, with aesthetics. Now, I get to do what I love every day, helping people achieve healthy, glowing skin while building a business that truly reflects my passion.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Building a business is definitely a journey, and it’s not always a smooth ride! One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of patience. When I moved my business from Pasadena to Redondo, I lost about 50% of my clientele, and it felt like I had to start over from scratch. There were definitely some slow days, and it was easy to feel discouraged. But I had to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Growth takes time, and consistency is everything.

I also realized how important it is to set strong boundaries from the beginning, like having a 24-hour cancellation policy. These foundational steps might feel tough at first, but they’re key to building a successful business. Trust me, when you stay true to your values, the right clients will show up.

I used to see people on Facebook sharing how much money they made in just a few months, and while I’m sure that’s amazing for them, it’s important to remember that’s not the norm for most of us. I’m not saying you can’t achieve that success—it’s definitely possible—but it takes time. Building a business realistically takes about 3 to 5 years, especially in a competitive place like LA. It’s okay if things don’t happen overnight—just stay the course, keep putting in the work, and know that success will come!

As you know, we’re big fans of Ishthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

What sets my brand apart is how personal I make every experience! I truly love getting to know my clients, remembering our conversations, and customizing every service to meet your unique needs. While I have a great menu of services, I’m all about listening to your skin. If I notice anything different from last time, I’ll chat with you, ask questions, and make sure we adjust your treatment to get the best results. I even like to follow up with my clients and check in to see how their skin’s doing—I’m here to help!

I specialize in European-style facials, which are the perfect blend of relaxation and results. My services include everything from dermaplaning to peels, LED therapy, hydrodermabrasion, lash lifts, brow waxing, and more! I also have monthly promotions, so there’s always something new to try.

What I really want readers to know is that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you! I love helping you understand what’s best for your skin so you can get the most out of your treatments and feel amazing.

I’m definitely known for my dermaplaning—your skin will feel like soft, smooth velvet! But what I’m most proud of is creating a space where you can relax, feel heard, and leave feeling like the best version of yourself.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

What I love most about our city is the never-ending adventure—there’s always something new to explore, from hidden gems to amazing restaurants. I never get bored! But what really tugs at my heartstrings is seeing the city mistreated. It’s so disheartening to find trash at the beaches or see people struggling without a home. I wish we could all take better care of our beautiful city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ishthetics.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: Skincarebyishthetics