Today we’d like to introduce you to Yana Hardy
Hi Yana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story doesn’t start with ‘I’ve always wanted to be an esthetician.’ Honestly, it was more like I stumbled upon it. But I’m so glad I did. I’ve always had a passion for skincare, though I often felt both excited and overwhelmed in skincare stores, wanting everything but unsure of what I actually needed. That curiosity led me to start researching, and one thing led to another until, before I knew it, I was in a classroom studying skin types.
It was only during school that I realized how much I truly loved it. I could see myself making this my career, and I knew I wanted to run my own studio someday. Shortly after completing my training at Neo Beauty School in Hallandale Beach, Florida, I worked in an aesthetic studio to gain hands-on experience with clients. That experience gave me the confidence to open my own space. It was scary and risky, but my desire outweighed the fear.
Over the years, I’ve continued to learn and grow, investing in advanced training. I developed a particular interest in facelifting massages, preventative skincare, and creating a truly relaxing experience with glowing results.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients regain their glow and confidence and to receive positive feedback that keeps them coming back. I’m excited to continue making a difference in their skincare journeys and to begin sharing my experience with other estheticians.
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?
There have definitely been plenty of challenges along the way. One of the first was starting out without a lot of business knowledge. I knew I loved skincare, but running a business required a whole new set of skills—from managing finances to marketing and everything in between. I had to learn quickly and make a few mistakes to get to where I am now.
Another struggle was building a client base from scratch. It took time, patience, and dedication to gain clients’ trust and to create a space where they felt comfortable and valued. There were moments of self-doubt, especially in the beginning, where I wondered if I was making the right decisions or if my efforts would pay off.
At some point I was working so much that it inevitably lead to a “burn out” and that taught me the importance of a work-life balance. Now I’ve learned that the best way to manage that feeling is to give myself some time, then I look for a new inspiration, learn a new technique, add a new service, try new products, or even simple things like making a new playlist or adding a new decor in the studio.
Even with these challenges, I see each struggle as an opportunity to grow. Every setback has taught me something valuable, and looking back, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally. The hard work has made my journey all the more fulfilling, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all; our skin needs different things at different times, which is why at Skin Voyage Studio, we focus on personalizing each treatment for every client with each visit. I believe that true radiance comes from within, and in our hectic world, that means taking time to care for yourself, to relax and recharge—which is what we aim to offer our clients.
I’ve been focusing on refining my facial massage techniques, like the sculptural face lift and buccal massage, which help release muscle tension and provide non-surgical lifting effects.
Our clients love our Signature Combo treatment that combines two of our most popular treatments – personalized facial and lifting massage which provides with deep relaxation as well as radian skin results.
Now, I also feel ready to start working with other professionals, helping them learn these techniques to reach even more people.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a network can be incredibly valuable. My advice would be to start by connecting with people whose work you admire. This can be as simple as reaching out through social media, attending industry events, or joining professional groups.
Social media has been a fantastic tool for me. Engaging with other professionals, sharing tips, and learning from their experiences has been incredibly helpful.
When I was first starting, I followed experienced estheticians and reached out to them, I’ve invested in a beauty business building online course that helped me tremendously, I also traveled to Utah for a three-day estie retreat that was organizes by one of the estheticians I followed on IG and that gave me a huge boost of confidence, knowledge and inspiration moving forward.
If you’re looking for a mentor, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Send that message, ask questions, and show your willingness to learn. And if you’re at a point where you can share your own knowledge, mentorship can go both ways. I’ve been having people reaching out to me with questions and I started offering consultations to share my experience and help others to grow their dream beauty business. I believe that supporting each other and being part of a community is essential for growth, both personally and professionally.
Pricing:
- Personalized Facial $155+
- Sculptural Face Lifting Massage $175+
- Signature Combo $220+
- Business Consultation $287
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skinvoyagebyyana.com
- Instagram: @skinvoyage.byyana, @skinvoyage.studio
