Today we’d like to introduce you to Lila Castellanos
Hi Lila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a Licensed Esthetician for over 20 years, with the past eleven years exclusively dedicated to caring for my clients at my private atelier, Doll Face Skincare Studio. But my esthetics journey started much earlier, as I suffered from cystic acne as a teenager. Thankfully my Aunt Nancy, an esthetician herself, came to my rescue and it was through her skilled and thoughtful care that I was inspired to follow in her footsteps. I attended the Christine Valmy School of Esthetics, and then went on to work in several different environments that include medical spas, luxury day spas, and a mobile spa business. It was through those varied experiences that I was inspired to launch my own business, and it’s been the best professional decision of my life. The process of launching a sole proprietorship was daunting at the time, however I loved that it allowed me the freedom to define my own client care model, and has offered me the opportunity to hone my passion for improving and maintaining the health and integrity of my clients’ skin.
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?
I think every business owner has dealt with their fair share of challenges, whether those be financial, resource management, supply chain issues, or things outside of their control. For example, the pandemic effectively shutdown the aesthetics industry in California for a time, and when we returned, there were a lot of questions regarding safety protocols for clients, as well as us as treatment providers.
Initial start-up costs, as well as ongoing investments in new equipment and technologies are certainly a factor for consideration, as well as rising costs for products and supplies. And as my studio is located in Los Angeles, rising commercial rental prices are an ongoing challenge. Despite all that’s involved with spearheading and running a successful business, the satisfaction and fulfillment I receive by caring for my clients far outweighs all of the demands of being a business owner.
As you know, we’re big fans of Doll Face Skincare Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My skincare philosophy revolves around providing customized, results-oriented treatments to meet a wide range of skincare goals. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all treatment approach, I offer versatile combinations of modern, up-to-date skincare technologies and products focused on the health and integrity of my clients’ skin. I was proud to pioneer Oxygen Facials on the Eastside of Los Angeles, as the first authorized Intraceuticals treatment provider in the area. Over the years my service menu has grown and now offers a comprehensive menu of skincare treatments delivered in a pampering environment that harkens to a time when luxurious personal services were the norm, allowing my clients to relax and enjoy their time here. And the retail store has evolved into an all-encompassing apothecary of skincare, body care, unique finds, and gifts. We focus on top-quality products, and boutique brands, with an emphasis on minority and women-owned businesses.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m a big believer in timing, preparedness, and hard work. I guess you could say it’s more of a “Field of Dreams” philosophy. I consider myself extremely blessed that I get to do what I love every day, and I wouldn’t be able to without the support of my loyal community of clients, my friends and family, my mentors, and of the experiences I’ve had along the way. Not only have I learned a lot of lessons, but I’ve grown as a business professional and as a person along the way, in too many ways to list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dollfaceskincarestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollfaceskincarestudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dollfaceskincarestudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lila-castellanos-8684925b/
- Twitter: https://x.com/dollface_skin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dollfaceskincarestudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doll-face-skincare-studio-los-angeles
- Other: https://doll-face-skincare-studio.square.site/
