Inspiring Conversations with Christina Willshee of Austhetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Willshee.

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?
After immigrating to the US with my family as a teenager, I was overwhelmed with opportunity beyond what I could have ever dreamed of back home. Being raised in Australia, I always had ambitions of making it out of my sleepy beachside hometown. Moving to California was a dream come true for me, especially when I made the decision to establish myself in Los Angeles as a young adult. After the pandemic put a wrench in my academic plans as an English major, my employer at the time offered me an opportunity that changed the trajectory of my life completely – tuition reimbursement to go to school in order to attain my esthetician license. What seemed like a totally random move for me at the time, turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made for my future. Being able to pursue a career in something I’ve always been so passionate about was such a blessing, and so I completed my A.S. Degree in Esthetics with flying colors and became a fully-licensed professional within a month of graduating. I went solo fresh out of school, opening my beloved business Austhetics in 2023. Today Austhetics is blossoming beyond anything I could have ever wished for! Offering head-to-toe waxing, lash lifts, and brow laminations – no day in my studio ever feels like work because I am so lucky to be able love what I do and do what I love as a profession! Being able to serve my community in each of their own unique self-care journeys truly makes my day, every day! I deeply value the relationships I cultivate in my studio, and live to see the smiles on my clients faces when they embrace the skin they’re in. Making people feel their best for a living is truly the most rewarding career imaginable, and I am ever so grateful to have found my own way on this path.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth is definitely not a word I’d use to describe this journey, however every setback or struggle truly molded me into the esthetician and business owner I am today. Opening my own business fresh out of school was my first harsh reality check in this industry, having overhead like rent and inventory, all while starting at ground zero. It was a gamble trying to establish myself with 0 clientele right out of school, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way given the chance. It taught me important lessons of patience, perseverance, and resilience. I never gave up even on my hardest days, and just kept learning from the experiences being thrown at me.

As you know, we’re big fans of Austhetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Austhetics is all about creating a warm, friendly, fun, and safe space for my clients to explore and elevate their own unique self-care journeys. As a CA licensed esthetician, I pride myself on the education of my community – teaching my clients how to care for themselves and the skin they’re in! I live to see a boost in my client’s self-esteem after they receive any of my services, and I value the meaningful relationships I cultivate with anyone and everyone that comes through my door. Offering an array of head-to-toe waxing services, as well as lash lifts, brow laminations, and tinting – we are quickly growing into our community’s go-to destination for all things self-care! Austhetics is all about making self-care accessible to ALL, and it is our mission to give all of our clients not only the most comfortable and memorable experience, but the highest-quality result with each and every service. Let us be your guide in your own self-care journey!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Stick with it! If owning a business or pursuing your passion as a career is a goal of yours, you need to commit to achieving it 100%. Back when I was balancing three jobs trying to get Austhetics off the ground, my energy was spread so thin I had nothing left to dedicate to my dream. Only when I made the decision to specialize and run Austhetics full-time rather than running it like a side-hustle, did I achieve the success I am so grateful for today. It’ll be a process, but trust it! Pursue your passions, and really dedicate yourself to achieving whatever goals you may have! It’ll be so worth it if you just stick with it!

Pricing:

• Brow Wax: Shaping (+ Mapping) $40
• Underarm Wax $30
• Lash Lift $120
• Brow Lamination $120
• Brazilian Wax $70

Contact Info:

• Booking site: austheticsla.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/austhetixxla
• Facebook: facebook.com/austhetixxla
• Phone number: (310) 404-8462
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 412 W Whittier Blvd, Montebello CA 90640 “Located within 213 Beauty Studio”