Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Maltese.
Hi Gina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I became a licensed esthetician in 2013 and spent nearly a decade honing my skills and deepening my understanding of skin health before launching my own business in October 2022. That moment was especially meaningful for me—I opened my doors just three months after having my son. It was definitely a leap of faith, but one that was rooted in my passion for skincare and my desire to create a space where clients could experience both visible results and true relaxation.
My approach is very personalized. I specialize in custom facials and incorporate advanced technology like LED light therapy—blue, red, and yellow—as well as radio frequency using the Zemits CrystalFrax Pro. Every treatment is customized, because I believe skin responds best when we treat it with both intention and care. I have worked with many Plastic surgeons and Dermatologist, a few who are still my mentors to this day.
I’m a master esthetics educator with over eight professional certifications, and I’m always investing in continuing education to stay ahead in the industry. What drives me most is helping people feel seen, respected, and confident in their skin.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I became a licensed esthetician in 2013, but I didn’t open my own business until October 2022—right after having my son. Starting a business with a three-month-old at home was incredibly challenging. I was navigating postpartum recovery, learning to be a new mom, and at the same time trying to build a brand and client base from the ground up.
One of the biggest struggles was stepping away from the security of a steady paycheck and benefits, and stepping into the unknown of entrepreneurship. There’s a huge mindset shift that happens when you go from being an employee to being fully responsible for everything—marketing, booking, finances, client experience—while also trying to stay inspired and creative in your craft.
There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and questioned if I was doing the right thing. But those struggles also taught me resilience. They reminded me why I chose this path: to create a space that truly honors people, where clients feel seen and cared for, and where I can bring both science and soul into every treatment. It’s been hard, but it’s also been deeply rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a bi-coastal esthetician based in both Pennsylvania and Ventura, California, and I specialize in custom facials for all skin types and needs—whether someone is dealing with acne, signs of aging, pigmentation, sensitivity, or just needs to reset and restore balance. Every treatment I do is personalized, which means no two facials are ever the same. I take a holistic approach that blends high-tech tools with intuitive touch and thoughtful care.
I integrate blue, red, and yellow LED light therapy and radio frequency (RF) using the Zemits CrystalFrax Pro into every facial to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and support long-term skin health. I’m also very intentional with the product lines I use—everything is chosen for both performance and skin compatibility, especially for clients with compromised or reactive skin.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve built my business from the ground up—starting just three months after having my son—and created a space where people feel genuinely cared for. Clients often tell me they leave feeling not only refreshed on the outside, but calmer and more grounded on the inside. That means everything to me.
What sets me apart is the balance I bring between science and soul. I have the training, the tools, and the certifications—but I also lead with compassion, and I take the time to understand my clients as people, not just skin types. I’m proud to say that many of my clients see visible transformations in their skin—and keep coming back because they feel safe, supported, and truly seen.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is being a mom to my son—he’s truly the purpose of my life. Watching him grow, laugh, and explore the world fills me with a sense of joy and purpose that nothing else can. He inspires me every day to be better, to stay present, and to work with intention. He’s also the reason I took the leap to open my own business. I wanted to create a life that offered him both flexibility and stability, while also being an example of following your passion and creating something meaningful.
In addition to being a mom, I find happiness in the connections I build with my clients. Helping someone feel good in their skin, seeing them light up after a treatment, and witnessing the real progress they make over time—it brings me so much joy. I truly believe that when people feel better about themselves, it ripples out into every other part of their life. My work isn’t just about skin; it’s about creating moments of peace, relaxation, and confidence.
At the end of the day, my son is my heart and my greatest motivation, but my clients are what keep my passion alive. It’s the balance of both that makes my life so fulfilling.
Pricing:
- DermeLuxx Hydro Diamond Facial $165
- CrystalFrax PRO RF skin tightening $200
- Triple Exfoliation Facial $175
- Specialized Custom Facial $125-$250
- Oxygen Calming Facial $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theskintherapistgi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givalentineskintherapist
Image Credits
@Jossy.Photography
instagram
Jocelyn Casian
