Inspiring Conversations with Lauren Pickard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pickard.

Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From an early age, I took an interest in skincare and beauty products. My mom always had me using sunscreen so that was a habit always instilled in me. I would read magazines and all the ads, try the samples that were stuck to the page, apply facial masks several times a week, skin care was always fun and a solace for me. When I started getting breakouts in my teens, I would spend hours online reading reviews of products and articles about skin and ingredients. It made me feel like a little skin scientist. I spent way too much time in the mirror picking at pimples (it’s a miracle I didn’t scar myself) but I was so fascinated with what would come out of the pores and how it could even form there in the first place. I was always buying a new cleanser, finding an excuse to buy a new spot treatment, there was never a time when my bathroom drawer wasn’t filled with various skincare products.

In 2015, I was working as a clerk typist and having trouble deciding what I truly wanted to pursue as my career. Growing up, I saw the example of getting a corporate or government job but I had no interest in living the life of a 9-5. I was on a personal journey of wanting to define my life and not get caught up in life and career that I was not truly passionate about. I had started doing yoga and reading books on personal growth and it had opened my mind to pursuing a life that was true to me. So I asked a friend where she went to cosmetology school, set up a tour (it was the only school I visited) and signed up for the esthetic program all within the same week. While in school, I was so focused, all I could think about were my dreams and goals I had written about in my journal and helping others find confidence, just like I have, through taking care of their skin. I worked for an esthetician at a medical spa in a plastic surgery office which allowed me to shadow and learn about more advanced skin treatments and different brands and products through meeting with reps. I have always been fascinated by cosmetic surgery and was able to learn a lot about the more medical side of skincare and treatments to be able to produce true results.

Fast forward to 2020, the pandemic hit and I was laid off from my full-time esthetician position. Though it was a time when many were feeling uncertain, especially with spas and personal care services being shut down several times, I couldn’t imagine giving up my dream and going back to an office job. So without giving myself time to let fear or doubt set in I invested my last check into starting my own business. I set up accounts, bought equipment, told myself a million times and sometimes through tears, I could do this and here I am a year later. Everyday, I get to enter my studio and connect with clients who become friends and see their joy and transformations, it’s an amazing feeling.

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?
My journey was not easy but the experiences build character. There are many feelings of uncertainty, the pressure of knowing I am the creator of my success but rather than looking at it as obstacles, I look at it as these are the solutions to my ideal future and a future that helps others.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an esthetician located in Beverly Hills, CA specializing in corrective skincare. I provide result-driven treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, age management as well as educate clients on the importance of lifestyle habits as the skin is a reflection of our overall health. My studio is your place to be who you are and my goal is for you to fall in love with your skin and to gain or enhance your confidence in putting your best face forward. “Beautiful Skin, Endless Confidence”. I specialize in correcting hyperpigmentation as well as extractions to clear pores and improve skin texture and am an Acne Specialist. I work on all skin tones especially skin of color which can be more prone to scarring and pigmenting easily.

My services are customized for your specific skin concerns and needs and include HydroFacials, chemical peels, microcurrent, custom facials and acne treatments.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I would love to help you on your skincare journey! The best form of contact for questions or inquires of service is to email [email protected]. You can also visit my website which has descriptions of services as well as scheduling and availability information.

As a service provider, one of the best forms of support is word of mouth. If you know someone looking for support in caring for their skin, I am the person for them. Also, feel free to give me a follow on Instagram or if you have received a service a review on Google would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: laurenpickardskin.com
• Instagram: lauren.pickard.skin