Inspiring Conversations with Leila of Wicked Complexions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leila.

Hi Leila, 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?
I was born in Torrance, California and grew up in Calabasas, and from a very young age I was always drawn to makeup, skincare, fashion, and all things beauty. A lot of my cousins are cosmetologists, and watching them work and create made a big impression on me early on—it played a huge role in my decision to pursue a career in the beauty industry.

I received my lash certification in 2019 and later earned my esthetician license in 2022. In the beginning, I truly started from the ground up. I worked out of my bedroom, sleeping on a blow-up mattress at night so I could transform the space into a home studio during the day. That phase taught me discipline, creativity, and how to build something with very little but a lot of determination.

When COVID hit, I had to completely pause my business for the safety of myself and my family. Once restrictions and curfews were lifted, I slowly began again by renting booths at different salons and rebuilding my clientele. Eventually, I took a hiatus due to personal family reasons, which was a challenging and uncertain time for me.

In 2024, I began working at a salon in Northridge, and that experience truly reignited my passion for lashes and skincare. It helped pull me out of a creative and personal funk and reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. I’m incredibly grateful to the salon owner, Maria, for her support and belief in me during that chapter.

After the salon unfortunately closed, I made the decision to fully step into my independence and go solo. I now work out of my private studio, which my dad built for me at his indoor soccer facility. It feels like a full-circle moment—combining family support, resilience, and years of growth into a space that reflects both my journey and my vision for the future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many people starting out in this industry, I had to build everything from the ground up with limited resources. Working out of my bedroom in the early days taught me a lot, but it also came with challenges—balancing personal space with professional goals and learning how to stay consistent.

COVID was another major obstacle. Having to completely pause my business for the safety of my family was difficult, especially after working so hard to build momentum. Starting over afterward meant rebuilding clientele, confidence, and routine from scratch. I also experienced a period where I stepped away due to personal family reasons, which was emotionally challenging and forced me to reflect on what I truly wanted long-term.

That said, every struggle shaped me. Each pause, setback, and restart strengthened my resilience and clarified my purpose. Those experiences taught me patience, adaptability, and how to show up for myself and my clients even when things weren’t easy. Looking back, the challenges weren’t roadblocks—they were necessary lessons that helped prepare me for where I am today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wicked Complexions?
My business is a reflection of my passion for beauty, self-care, and personalized client experiences. I specialize in lashes and esthetic services, focusing on creating results that not only enhance appearance but also boost confidence. Each service is tailored to the individual, because I believe beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about understanding each client’s unique needs and goals.

What sets my brand apart is the combination of technical skill, education, and genuine care. I take the time to educate my clients on proper lash and skincare care, ensuring that they feel informed and confident even after they leave my studio. The space itself, a private studio my dad built for me, allows for a calm, intimate environment where clients can truly relax and enjoy the experience.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients and the community I’ve created around my brand. Seeing repeat clients, referrals, and the joy on people’s faces after a service reminds me why I do what I do. I want readers to know that my business isn’t just about lashes or skincare—it’s about creating an experience, empowering clients, and making self-care a meaningful and personal part of their lives.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to be patient with yourself and trust the process. Building a business, especially in beauty, takes time, effort, and a lot of learning from mistakes. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but everyone’s journey is different, and growth doesn’t happen overnight. Im still not where i fully want to be. Theres no rush, enjoy the journey.

I also wish I had known how important it is to invest in yourself and your education early on, not just in certifications but in understanding your craft, your clients, and how to run a business. When I first started, I focused so much on the technical side that I didn’t realize how much mindset, persistence, and client relationships matter.

Lastly, I’d tell anyone starting out to embrace the highs and lows. Every setback is a lesson, and every success—big or small—is proof that your hard work is paying off. The journey may not always be smooth, but it’s worth it.

Pricing:

• Lash Fullsets : Classic, Hybrid, Volume, Mega Vol. — starting at $120
• Lash Fills : Classic $70 Hybrid $85 Volume $95 Mega $115
• Facials : starting at $115
• Brow Services :Brow wax and mapping $30
• Microblading : starting at $400

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedcomplexions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedcomplexions
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/snNWlSP4KW
• Other: https://wickedcomplexions.glossgenius.com/

Image Credits
@charliekaine @charliekaine