Meet Lesly Avra of Inner You

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesly Avra.

Hi Lesly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Lesly Avra. I have been working as a professional hairstylist for many years, and over the past few years, I have been developing my own projects — a private Hair studio and INNER YOU, an Holistic Private SPA Boutique in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles.

I was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. I grew up in a family of hairstylists and, from an early age, was surrounded by creative, beautiful, and happy people. Because of this, I developed a desire very early on to create creative looks, come up with new styles, and develop my own direction within the beauty industry.

I began experimenting creatively when I was just 13 years old. By the time I was 15, I already had my first regular clients — neighbors, friends, and school teachers. Looking back now, I realize that this was when my professional journey in the beauty industry truly began.

After high school, I studied professional hair school. But even then, I wanted to develop my passion for beauty not only as a creative calling, but also as an independent, successful, and financially sustainable business. So I also enrolled in the economics program at a University in Kyiv, where I eventually earned a master’s degree in economics. At that time, it was important for me to gain knowledge in business and economics as well — knowledge that I believed would eventually help me create a successful business in the beauty industry.

But my creative and professional path unexpectedly led me to television, where, somewhat ironically, I became deeply involved in editorial work. Despite having a successful career as a television program editor at one of Ukraine’s leading television networks, I continued developing my skills as a hairstylist, doing hair for both television employees and invited guests. I worked at that pace for a total of 16 years.

I loved working with people, making them feel beautiful, listening to their stories, and watching their transformation — seeing how their energy changed, how their eyes began to light up, and how confidently they felt in front of the camera.

It was during that time that I realized that creating outer beauty can transform a person not only on the outside, but also from within. Beauty is something people need — not only beauty in the world around them, but also their own. People need to love themselves and feel happy, because an external transformation can often become the beginning of an internal one.

That is still what I believe today.

But I never imagined that my successful and carefully planned life would one day suddenly change direction and carry me more than ten thousand kilometers away from my hometown.

I never thought I would fly across Europe, cross the Atlantic, and land on the shores of the Pacific Ocean to begin my life almost from scratch — in Los Angeles.

But sometimes life dictates its own terms.

In 2014, I stepped off a plane at LAX with my two sons, one of whom was only six years old. No friends, no family — just me and my children. And the steps of that airplane staircase went down one after another, step by step, toward a life I knew nothing about yet, and toward a land where I would have to learn how to live all over again.

The first years in the United States were quite difficult, as they probably are for many people: adapting to a new country, taking jobs that did not reflect my qualifications just to support myself and my children, difficulties, and constant stress. But I had a goal — to move upward.

I studied, learned English, and continued improving my skills as a hairstylist so I could stay current with new trends and techniques. I prepared for my licensing exams. In 2018, I received my cosmetologist license, and in 2019, I rented my first station in a beauty salon.

Perhaps it was my new life in the United States that first made me realize that, in addition to external beauty, people also need to take care of their inner state.

Here, especially, you have to be strong, resilient, determined, and hardworking if you want to succeed in an extremely competitive environment. But constant pressure can often lead to stress and burnout. And because of burnout, people sometimes begin to lose themselves — their true essence, their inner strength, their inner fire.

I had seen those fading lights in people’s eyes many times before, when successful and driven people suddenly became exhausted and, because of constant pressure and stress, began to lose that one thread connecting their consciousness with their true desires and their authentic selves.

I had to go through it myself.

And just when I felt that I was about to give up, I gathered myself and raised my hands back up.

I simply stopped, took a restorative pause, and began working on my own process of recovery and transformation. Eventually, I developed a series of restorative practices for myself that brought back the light in my eyes, my strength, my belief in myself, my energy, and my motivation for life. And it worked. I was able to find my way back to myself.

And suddenly, I had an idea. I realized that I wanted to create a space where people could not only take care of their external beauty, but also take the same kind of pause that I had once taken — a small stop in the middle of a busy and intense life, a chance to reset, relax, restore themselves physically and emotionally, renew their life energy, and find their way back to themselves.

That is how the idea for INNER YOU was born — a restorative and inspiring space.

Today, the atmosphere at INNER YOU is a combination of my professional experience and the personal practices that have become an important part of my own journey.

This space was created for one important purpose — to give people time for themselves: to enter their own inner space, release muscular blocks and physical tension that sometimes stay with us even in our sleep, let go of emotional tension and information overload, and create room in the mind for new thoughts, sensations, and inner clarity.

That is how my journey began — with a desire to make people beautiful. And with experience came the understanding that beauty is important not only to create, but also to preserve: to keep it from fading, to fill it with energy and strength, so that it can remain within a person for as long as possible, making them happier.

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?
Looking back, I cannot say that I ever saw my path as particularly difficult. Of course, there were serious changes in my life and moments when I had to make important decisions, but I never saw myself as someone who was fighting against circumstances. I simply kept moving forward.

I think one of my main characteristics is that I am not afraid of the unknown. When I feel that it is time to move forward, I do not hold on to what is familiar simply because it feels safe.

At the same time, I have always been incredibly fortunate with the people who have appeared in my life. Somehow, the right people appeared at exactly the right moment, and opportunities emerged where I least expected them. I see this as a kind of divine support, and I believe that God has always guided me in one way or another.

I have always continued to live life fully — traveling, connecting with people, taking acting classes, learning, and growing. This has helped me maintain my energy, satisfy my curiosity, and remain open to life.

So today, I do not see change as an obstacle. I see it as a natural part of life. I may not always know where the next step will lead, but I trust myself enough to take it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As I mentioned, INNER YOU became a natural continuation of both my professional journey and my personal experience with energetic restoration.

The full vision of the concept began to take shape in 2020, when I attended a professional trade show and saw a demonstration of Head Spa products and equipment. I remember being fascinated as I watched the demonstration, and that was the moment when I finally realized: I would create my own space based on Head Spa and restorative practices.

For several years, I carried this idea with me, explored it, refined it, and perfected it even while it was still only a project. Eventually, my Head Spa concept with restorative practices became a unique, personalized ritual — a journey toward inner calm and finding your way back to yourself.

And in 2025, the vision I had carried for years finally became a reality.

Today, an intimate Holistic Private Spa Boutique called INNER YOU is located in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles.

I also continue to work as a professional hairstylist, while INNER YOU is a deeper experience.

At the heart of this experience is complete relaxation through a comprehensive treatment using organic beauty products. It includes a head massage, aromatherapy, water therapy, sound therapy, guided meditation with my own personalized guidance, and tea reflection.

I personally designed the interior of the space and chose every detail with great love — from the atmosphere and scents to the clothing worn by the staff. Every element was thoughtfully created so that a person could finally stop, gradually release tension, relax, and feel as though they had stepped outside their usual sense of time.

At the end of the relaxing treatment, I say only one phrase to my clients:

“You are love.”

Because I believe that love is not something we need to search for somewhere outside ourselves. It already exists within each of us.

And you know what? People leave my space feeling lighter, calmer, happier, and more centered. Many have told me that they want to share this experience with their loved ones and friends.

That is why I specifically created a separate line of gift certificates — a beautiful opportunity to give someone close to you this new and memorable experience.

If I had to describe the philosophy of INNER YOU in one sentence, I would say:

“INNER YOU is a journey into the fourth dimension, where time is focused only on you — here and now.”

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Of course, my life journey has been shaped not only by my own decisions, but also by the people who appeared in my life in the right place and at the right time.

But above all, I am grateful to my parents for their love and for what I consider a special gift. I have always felt that my ability to give people love and beauty is a gift from God that was passed on to me through my parents.

My sons have also given me a great deal of strength. During periods of major change, they were the ones who motivated me to keep moving forward and continue growing.

I am also very grateful to my friends — the people who believed in me, supported me, and stayed by my side during different periods of my life.

And, of course, I am grateful to my wonderful clients. Their trust, experiences, stories, and feedback continue to help me improve and grow to this day. Because of them, I understand that I am truly creating something meaningful.

I have always felt that I have somehow been lucky with people and circumstances. People appeared on my path who helped me exactly when I needed it, and opportunities appeared when I least expected them. I see this as a kind of divine support.

But I also believe I should give myself credit for never stopping and for continuing to search for and discover myself.

I practice yoga, meditate, live a mindful and healthy lifestyle, travel, try new things, and allow life to surprise me.

I think it is this curiosity and love for life that keeps me moving forward. I still want to discover different sides of myself, and I dream of one day writing a book in which I bring together different stories from my life and personal experiences, encounters, and situations that changed and transformed me.

But what truly moves me forward is inner love and faith. And a purpose — the kind that, even at night in the darkness, lights the way like a moonlit path and leads you toward your own light.

Pricing:

• $169 (Inner Hour Ritual) Your ritual includes:✨ Aromatherapy
✨ Therapeutic Head Massage
✨ Scalp Brush Cleanse with Italian Botanical Oway Hair Care
✨ Waterfall Therapy
✨ Guided Meditation & Breathing Techniques
✨ Sound Therapy
✨ Express Blow-Dry
✨ Tea Reflection
• $179 (Inner Hour) A journey back to your true self through a harmonious blend of spiritual and modern spa rituals. This signature treatment nurtures your body, mind, and spirit, helping you release tension, restore balance, and reconnect with your inner calm.Aromatherapy and sound therapy accompany every moment, enhancing the immersive experience.This transformative treatment includes:AromatherapyTherapeutic Head MassageGuided MeditationFace SpaDécolleté MassageBreathing TechniquesHand MassageSound TherapyTea ReflectionEvery moment is designed to refresh your energy, improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and leave your body, mind, and spirit renewed.At Inner You, every visit is a mindful return to your truest self.
• $229 (Renewal) A journey back to your true self through a harmonious blend of spiritual and modern spa rituals. This signature treatment nurtures your body, mind, and spirit, helping you release tension, restore balance, and reconnect with your inner calm.Each session revitalizes your hair, scalp, and skin while promoting relaxation and easing anxiety. Aromatherapy and sound therapy accompany every moment, enhancing the immersive experience.This transformative treatment includes:AromatherapyHead MassageScalp ExfoliationGuided MeditationHair TreatmentsFace SpaDécolleté MassageBreathing TechniquesHand MassageEvery moment is designed to refresh your energy, improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and leave your body, mind, and spirit renewed.At Inner You, every visit is a mindful return to your truest self.
• $299 (Voyage) A journey back to your true self through a perfect blend of spiritual and modern spa experiences. This 2-hour signature treatment nurtures your body, mind, and spirit, helping you reconnect, restore balance, and embrace your inner calm.Your hair, scalp, and skin are revitalized, while the anti-anxiety effects of guided meditation, aromatherapy, and sound therapy leave you feeling deeply relaxed and renewed.This luxurious journey includes:AromatherapyHead MassageScalp ExfoliationGuided MeditationHair TreatmentsFace SpaDécolleté MassageBreathing TechniquesHand MassageFace MassageProfessional Hair BlowoutTea ReflectionEvery moment is designed to enhance relaxation, promote circulation, reduce tension, and nurture your natural glow.At Inner You, every visit is a mindful return to your truest self.
• Value: $676✨ Sunday Special: $540 (Save $136 / 20% OFF)The ultimate 2-hour head-to-toe escape for two! Both guests will swap midway to enjoy BOTH full treatments: our rejuvenating Inner Hour Head Spa Ritual and a deeply relaxing Body Massage.Your ritual includes:✨ Aromatherapy✨ Therapeutic Head Massage & Scalp Brush Cleanse (Oway Botanical)✨ Waterfall Therapy & Sound Therapy✨ Guided Meditation & Tea Reflection✨ Full-Body Relaxation Massage✨Express Blow-DryExclusively available on Sundays.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inner-you.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inner_you_la/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575002002531
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/inner-you-sherman-oaks
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@inner_you_la