Inspiring Conversations with Anika Garcia of Bae’s Beauty Lounge or Bae’s Esthetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anika Garcia.

Anika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a low- to middle-income household and was primarily raised by my grandmother, who played a huge role in shaping who I am today. My parents worked very hard while I was growing up, and even though they were busy, they always made sure we felt loved and supported and created special memories for us whenever they could. Losing my grandmother when I was 19 was one of the most difficult moments in my life and led me through a period where I felt lost and unsure of my direction.

For several years after that, I moved between Louisiana, Arizona, and eventually back home to California trying to find stability and reconnect with myself. During that time, I went through personal challenges that forced me to really reflect on the kind of life I wanted to build. Choosing sobriety was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m proud to say I am approaching three years sober today. That decision changed everything for me and helped me begin creating a future I could truly be proud of.

Before becoming an esthetician, I worked in the medical field because I’ve always had a passion for helping people and making sure they felt heard and cared for. At the same time, I had always been interested in waxing and lashes and thought about esthetics for years but never fully took the leap. The person who truly encouraged me to follow that path was my fiancé, who believed in me and pushed me to try esthetician school. I decided to take that step, and two years later I am now a licensed esthetician and the owner of Bae’s Beauty Lounge.

Starting my own business has been one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m the first in my family to become a business owner, and as the oldest of seven siblings, it means so much to me to be able to set an example for them and show what is possible with determination and growth. My goal is to continue building something meaningful not only for myself but also for my family and the community around me.

Today, what I love most about my work is the connection I build with each client. Whether we’re talking about life or simply enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation during their service, it means so much to me that they trust me with their time and self-care. Helping people feel confident in their skin and creating a safe space where they can relax and recharge is what continues to inspire me every day.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge I’ve faced has helped shape who I am today and pushed me closer to the life I’m building now.

One of the biggest turning points in my life was losing my grandmother when I was 19. She played such an important role in raising me, and after she passed, I went through a period where I felt lost and unsure of my direction. Over the years I moved between different states trying to find stability and clarity for myself, and during that time I also faced personal struggles that forced me to really reflect on the kind of future I wanted to create.

Choosing sobriety was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m proud to say I’m approaching three years sober today. That decision changed everything for me and gave me the strength and focus to start building a healthier and more meaningful life.

Starting my career over and stepping into esthetics after working in the medical field was another challenge, especially while learning how to build a business from the ground up. Being the first person in my family to start a business came with a lot of uncertainty, but it also gave me motivation to keep going even when things felt overwhelming.

Like many small business owners, there have been moments of doubt, learning curves, and sacrifices along the way, but each obstacle has helped me grow stronger and more confident in myself. Today I see those challenges as part of what helped shape my purpose and the passion I have for helping others feel confident and cared for through my work.

We’ve been impressed with Bae’s Beauty Lounge or Bae’s Esthetics , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bae’s Beauty Lounge was created to be a space where clients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their skin. My goal has always been to provide more than just a service. I want each person who walks through my door to feel like they are stepping into a safe environment where they can relax, reset, and focus on themselves.

I specialize in customized skincare treatments and facials designed to support overall skin health and confidence, along with full-body waxing services, lash extensions, lash lifts and tints, and wood therapy body sculpting. I enjoy being able to offer a variety of services that allow clients to care for both their skin and their overall wellness in one place. Many of my treatments are tailored to address concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and maintenance-focused skincare, and I take pride in creating personalized treatment plans that support long-term results rather than quick fixes.

One thing that sets me apart is my background in the medical field. That experience taught me how important it is for people to feel heard and supported, and I bring that same level of care into every appointment. Whether a client wants to talk about their skincare concerns, their goals, or simply enjoy quiet time for themselves, I want them to feel respected and comfortable during their visit.

I’m especially proud of building Bae’s Beauty Lounge from the ground up and becoming the first business owner in my family. Every step of this journey has been meaningful to me, and I carry that motivation into the work I do with my clients every day.

More than anything, I want readers to know that Bae’s Beauty Lounge is about confidence, self-care, and creating a space where people can feel supported while investing in themselves. Helping someone leave an appointment feeling refreshed and more confident than when they arrived is the most rewarding part of what I do.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about business growth or achievements. I define success as becoming the best version of myself and creating a life I can truly be proud of.

Over the past few years, choosing sobriety and committing to building something meaningful for myself and my future has completely changed my perspective on what success looks like. Today, success means continuing to grow as a person, staying focused on my goals, and building a business that allows me to support others while also creating stability for my family.

As the oldest of seven siblings and the first business owner in my family, success also means being someone they can look up to and showing them what’s possible with determination and hard work. I want to continue creating opportunities not just for myself but for the people around me.

Most importantly, success to me is knowing that the work I do helps people feel more confident in themselves. When a client leaves my studio feeling refreshed, supported, and happy in their skin, that’s when I feel the most successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Baesbeautylounge.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_baesesthetics_
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/lDBJBlh-DND8Yq0XCU0eAg/

Image Credits
I have included myself my fiance, clients and my family my father and my step mother as well as my sister and then I closed my mother and my brothers and sisters I am missing one of my brothers but this is all I have uncluded