Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayle Terry.
Hi Kayle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into esthetics began long before I ever imagined it would become my career. It started when I was around 15 or 16 years old, when I began experiencing hormonal acne along my cheeks and jawline. I was raised by a single mother, and money was tight, so seeing a dermatologist simply wasn’t an option for us. We tried everything we could think of, but nothing seemed to truly help.
Over time, my hormones began to regulate, and thankfully, the acne went away. But about a year before COVID-19, it returned. At the time, I was living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I honestly didn’t know where to begin. I became extremely self-conscious, especially about the hyperpigmentation the acne had left behind. I knew I wanted to do something to improve my skin, but I wanted to start with the least invasive approach possible.
After doing some research, I decided to schedule a professional facial. I contacted a local esthetics school and booked an appointment. When I walked through the doors, I was immediately greeted by so many beautiful, joyful women who genuinely seemed to love what they did. There was an energy in that environment that I had never experienced before.
I sat down with two instructors and explained my concerns. After a brief consultation, I was paired with an esthetician named Ashton. She was beautiful, intelligent, and incredibly genuine. She explained that I needed an enzyme facial and took the time to educate me about what enzymes were and how they could benefit my skin.
As we went through the facial, we talked about our lives and our goals. But what stayed with me most wasn’t even the treatment itself—it was how Ashton made me feel. At a time when I was incredibly insecure about my appearance, she made me feel beautiful, comfortable, and seen.
Little did she know, she was inspiring me toward something much greater—something that would take years to accomplish.
After my facial, I invested in my skincare and purchased the products the instructors and Ashton recommended. A few months later, I started researching esthetics schools and trying to figure out how I could make it work with my demanding career. At the time, I was working in corporate America and traveling frequently for trade shows, so a night program seemed like the perfect fit.
Then COVID happened, and the world shut down.
Once things began to reopen, I revisited the school I had originally considered, only to discover that they no longer offered a night program. I accepted that perhaps it simply wasn’t the right time.
Three years later, I moved to Miami, Florida, and finally enrolled in esthetics school. About three months into the program, my partner and I decided to go our separate ways. I found myself moving back to Virginia with only three months of school remaining.
Once again, I had to start over.
I began searching for another school that would accept my credits and eventually enrolled in a program in Greensboro, North Carolina. Unfortunately, none of my previous credits transferred, which meant I had to start the entire program from the beginning.
I could have allowed myself to feel defeated, but instead, I accepted the challenge.
I kept asking myself, “How badly do you want this? How badly do you need this?”
After experiencing an unbearable heartbreak and navigating so many unexpected changes, I realized that becoming an esthetician was more than a career goal. It was something I needed to accomplish for myself. It represented resilience, independence, purpose, and the ability to create something meaningful out of the challenges I had faced.
So, I started over.
I completed the program, moved back to Virginia, and was blessed with the opportunity to open my own business.
Looking back, I realize that my journey began with something as simple as wanting to feel comfortable in my own skin. The woman who gave me that feeling during one of the most insecure moments of my life had no idea that she would inspire me to pursue an entirely new path.
Today, I get the privilege of doing for other men and women what Ashton unknowingly did for me: helping them feel seen, confident, beautiful, and comfortable in their own skin.
And that, to me, is so much more than skincare. It’s the reason I do what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth, but I will say that it has been incredibly rewarding and challenging in ways I never expected. Esthetics schooling only prepares you to pass your state board exams. There is no classes to teach to how to manage and scale a business.
When I graduated from esthetics school, I never imagined I would own a business so soon. My original plan was to work at a spa, build my clientele slowly, gain experience, and eventually branch out on my own.But the opportunity to own my own business presented itself much sooner than I anticipated.
To be completely honest, I wasn’t prepared. I even doubted myself. I asked myself everyday, “Can I do this?”
I didn’t know where to start, and I had very little guidance. My family doesn’t have a long history of entrepreneurship, so I couldn’t rely on a roadmap that had already been created for me.I had to research, learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out from the ground up. I had to build everything from scratch—with a lot of grit, determination, and faith.
That was a scary feeling, especially because all I had ever known was working a traditional 9 to 5 job. Suddenly, I was responsible for everything. I knew very little about marketing, and when it came to the financial side of running a business, I truly knew nothing.
But I was eager to learn, and I think that willingness to learn is what ultimately saved me.
I never allowed my pride to become a barrier. I was never too proud to ask for help, seek advice, or admit when I didn’t understand something. I learned that there is so much power in being willing to say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.
Even now, entrepreneurship comes with challenges because owning a business is full of surprises.One week your books can be completely full, and the next week things can be unexpectedly slow. There are moments of uncertainty, moments where you question yourself, and moments where you have to remind yourself why you started in the first place.
But that’s where determination comes in.
You have to keep showing up, even when things don’t look the way you hoped they would. You have to trust your vision, trust the work you’ve put in, and believe that if this dream was placed in your heart, there is a reason for it.
I’m still learning, and I’m still growing. But I’ve come to understand that you don’t have to know everything before you begin. Sometimes, you simply have to be brave enough to begin—and committed enough to keep going.
I truly believe that when you remain dedicated to your vision, continue learning, and trust the process, everything will eventually work out in your favor.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an esthetician, my work goes far beyond performing facials. I specialize in customized facial treatments and, most importantly, skin education. My goal is to help my clients understand their skin, learn what it actually needs, and feel confident caring for it both inside and outside of the treatment room.
I’m known for creating personalized experiences rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client’s skin is different, and I believe their treatment should be just as unique. I take the time to listen to my clients’ concerns, understand their lifestyle and current skincare routine, and educate them throughout the process so they leave not only with glowing skin, but with a better understanding of how to maintain it.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Skin can be incredibly personal, especially for someone who has struggled with acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, or simply feeling insecure about their appearance. I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your own skin, so creating a space where my clients feel safe, heard, and confident is extremely important to me.
I believe what sets me apart is my approach to education. I don’t want my clients to feel like they have to depend on me for every answer. I want to empower them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their skin. I want them to understand the “why” behind their products and treatments rather than simply telling them what to use.
Ultimately, I’m not just passionate about helping people achieve healthier, more radiant skin—I’m passionate about helping them understand their skin and feel confident in it. For me, that is the most rewarding part of what I do.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is being at peace. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that happiness isn’t always about having more, achieving more, or constantly being on the go. Sometimes, it’s simply having peace of mind, feeling grounded, and knowing that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I find happiness in quiet moments, genuine connections, and having the freedom to enjoy the life I’ve worked so hard to create. Peace gives me the space to appreciate the present moment, recharge, and stay connected to myself.
For me, peace is priceless. When I have peace, I feel like I have everything I need.
Pricing:
- Facials range from $55-$120 depending on needed treatment
- Waxes range from $15-$70 depending on area
Contact Info:
- Website: https://akskinstudio.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreakayskin_studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreakayskinstudio
