Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryann Ardizzone.
Hi Ryann, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had a love for the skincare industry — even while I was studying fashion in college. I was the girl who always had face masks ready, diffusers going, and a shelf full of skincare products. I’d spend my free time checking out different spas and getting monthly treatments, completely fascinated by how relaxing and transformative they could be. Somewhere along the way, skincare became more than just a hobby — it was my lifestyle.
One day I thought, why not do this myself? So, I decided to enroll in esthetician school and officially begin my skincare journey. I graduated in 2019 with my esthetician license and started working at a corporate spa and later at a sugaring studio in Newport Beach. I wanted to see both sides of the industry — the structured, corporate environment and the smaller, boutique-style setting.
Then one day, someone said something that changed everything: “Why don’t you start your own business?” At first, the idea felt impossible. I had no clients and no experience running a business, but something inside me said to go for it. With encouragement from a friend, I found a small room to rent in the back of an office space in Huntington Beach. It wasn’t fancy — no sign, no storefront — but I transformed it into my own little spa.
I started out offering Brazilian sugaring, facials, spray tans, lash lifts, and tints. To get new clients, I listed my services on Groupon and ClassPass. I remember driving in one day after a few no-shows and thinking, What did I get myself into? Can I really do this? But I didn’t give up. I kept showing up, even when it was tough, and slowly, things started to shift. My client list grew, and my little business began to thrive.
After four years, I started dreaming of having a real storefront — a space that truly reflected my vision. I looked everywhere, made calls, but nothing seemed to work out. Eventually, I decided to let it go. Then, out of nowhere, a friend sent me a photo of a small downtown space with a “For Lease” sign. I called the number immediately. It was perfect — a charming storefront just two blocks from the beach in downtown Huntington Beach.
I couldn’t believe it. It felt meant to be. I realized this was my chance to blend both of my passions — skincare and fashion — into one. And that’s how my boutique and spa came to life.
It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every moment. Building this business from the ground up has taught me resilience, creativity, and the beauty of trusting your gut. What started as a simple love for skincare has turned into something so much more — my dream career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a challenge from day one. There are always obstacles when you’re building something from the ground up. One of the hardest parts for me has been the consistency — this industry can feel like a roller coaster. Clients come and go for so many reasons — they move, start families, have changes in their schedules or finances — and that’s just part of it. But I’ve learned not to take it personally and to focus on the clients who stay and grow with me.
Even through the ups and downs, I’ve realized that showing up every day, staying passionate, and continuing to provide the best experience possible is what keeps me grounded. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it when I see my loyal clients come back time and time again and trust me with their skin.
We’ve been impressed with OC skin & sugar , 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?
OC Skin & Sugar is a one-location studio that specializes in sugaring, customized skin corrective treatments, spray tanning, teeth whitening, and lash lifts and tints. Every service is tailored to each client individually — because everyone’s skin and self-care journey is unique. I’ve always believed in taking the time to truly connect with my clients, to make them feel seen, comfortable, and confident. That personal connection is what sets us apart. I love when clients leave feeling not just beautiful, but relaxed, happy, and glowing from the inside out.
This last year has been such an exciting chapter — I expanded into a new location and introduced something I’ve always dreamed of: a boutique. Alongside our skincare services, we now offer a curated selection of clothing, accessories, candles, and skincare. The clothing line reflects a chic, effortless California style — timeless, elevated pieces perfect for everyday wear or a special occasion.
My goal was to create a space that feels special and one-of-a-kind — a place where you can come in for your favorite treatment and also find something new to wear or gift. It’s truly a blend of my two passions, skincare and fashion, and I’m so proud of how it’s all come together. I wanted to create an experience that feels personal, warm, and memorable — something that reflects who I am and what I love.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I don’t think I could have done this on my own. My family has been such a huge support from the very beginning — always encouraging me to keep going, even when things felt uncertain. Along the way, I also met someone who truly believed in me and had my back from day one, which made such a difference. And of course, my clients — without them, I wouldn’t have this business at all. Their loyalty and trust mean everything to me.
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so many people cheering me on in different ways, and I feel truly blessed for all the support that’s helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Pricing:
- Brazilian sugaring
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ocskinandsugar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oc.skinandsugar?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr; https://www.instagram.com/opalandocean?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oc-skin-and-sugar-huntington-beach?utm_source=ishare
- Other: https://Www.opalandocean.com
Image Credits
Sabrina Marie studio
