Today we’d like to introduce you to McKayla Owen.
Hi McKayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a small-town North Carolina girl, born and raised. At 22, I made the move to Smithfield, Virginia to continue a relationship that had started as long distance. What began as a leap of faith in love has now grown into a 15-year journey, and that decision ultimately led me to a place I now proudly call home.
Moving away from my family and the only home I had ever known was a major adjustment. The first year brought plenty of homesickness as I learned to navigate a new state, a new town, and a new chapter of life. Though, overtime, Smithfield truly became home. I fell in love with its charm, natural beauty, waterfront, and the strong sense of community that makes this town so special.
Not long after moving here, I dreamed of one day owning a business in Historic Downtown Smithfield. I worked a few local jobs while figuring out where my path would lead before eventually building a career in the corporate world. After nearly five years, I realized I wanted something more fulfilling and aligned with my passion.
My growing love for skincare, combined with my desire to help others feel their best, inspired me to enroll in Esthetics School at age 28. It was a big leap of faith, but it changed my life.
Today, more than three years later, I’m proud to be a Professional Esthetician and Business Owner. Opening my own business in Historic Downtown Smithfield has made that dream a reality, and choosing to follow my passion remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My esthetics school experience was not what I had hoped it would be. While it wasn’t the educational experience I envisioned, I was determined not to let that define my future in the esthetics industry. I stayed focused, sought out additional education on my own, and spent countless hours practicing facial treatments on friends, family, and anyone willing to support me. I knew that if I wanted to become the Esthetician I aspired to be, I had to put in the extra time and effort beyond the classroom.
The beginning of my journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and reinforced how much I wanted this career. From passing my State Board exams and earning my Esthetics License to opening and growing my own business, every milestone has been incredibly rewarding.
Like many new business owners, I knew building a clientele would take time and consistency. I focused on creating more than just a facial—I wanted every client to leave feeling individually cared for and having experienced what I now call “The Jensen Skin Experience.” Over time, one happy client became two, then four, then many more through word-of-mouth referrals. I feel incredibly grateful for the support of this community, which has played such a meaningful role in the growth of my business. Social media has helped me share my work, but the trust and recommendations from my clients have been the greatest compliment and the foundation of my success.
We’ve been impressed with Jensen Skin, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jensen Skin is Professional Esthetics and beyond—it’s an experience, a brand, and a lifestyle. At its core, Jensen Skin is about community, support, balance, and helping people feel confident in their own skin. My mission is to make skincare and self-care feel approachable, enjoyable, and sustainable rather than overwhelming or intimidating.
While I offer a variety of non-invasive, results-driven skincare treatments, I specialize in customized Facial Massage. This has become the signature of the Jensen Skin experience and what many clients know me for. By combining intentional massage techniques with personalized skincare treatments, I help improve circulation, relieve facial tension, encourage healthy lymphatic drainage, and create a deeply relaxing experience that benefits both the skin and overall well-being. Every facial is customized to what my client’s skin needs that day because no two clients—or their skin—are ever the same.
In addition to customized facials, Jensen Skin offers LED light therapy, high-frequency treatments, nano infusion, and full-body red light therapy all while using natural products, many of which are locally sourced. My goal is to deliver effective treatments while creating an environment where clients can truly slow down, relax, and reconnect with themselves.
What sets Jensen Skin apart is the experience. I strive to create a welcoming space where clients feel comfortable, heard, and genuinely cared for. I take the time to educate my clients, build lasting relationships, and make skincare feel less like a task and more like a lifestyle.
I’m most proud that Jensen Skin has become more than a business—it’s become a recognizable brand that people connect with on a personal level. From the logo and aesthetic to the lifestyle and values behind it, Jensen Skin has a strong identity, and I’m proud to be the face of that brand. When people see me, they think of Jensen Skin. And when they think of Jensen Skin, I hope they think of someone who genuinely cares about this community. Whether I’m walking down Main Street, supporting other local businesses, or buying a cocktail for a client when I run into them around town, those moments matter.
To me, Jensen Skin isn’t just about skincare. It’s about relationships, community, and showing up for people. I’m proud that the brand reflects who I am, and that people associate Jensen Skin with connection, support, and a genuine investment in the community we call home.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I absolutely would consider myself a risk-taker. I have always been someone who is inspired by ideas and possibilities, and my creative mind often allows me to see the vision before all of the details are fully figured out. Over time, I have learned that taking risks is not about ignoring the unknown—it is about being willing to work through the uncertainty and trust yourself enough to take the first step.
When I entered the esthetics industry, I was encouraged by many to spend time working under other professionals before opening my own solo studio. While I understood the value in that path, I felt strongly that Jensen Skin had a vision and identity of its own. Before I had even completed my required hours in esthetics school, I had secured the keys to my first studio location.
It was a risk, but it was also a decision I approached with a great deal of passion and commitment. I knew there would be challenges, but I also knew that building something meaningful would require stepping outside of my comfort zone. I believe risk often comes with uncertainty, but it also creates opportunities that may not exist if you never take the chance.
Opening an esthetics studio in a small town was another leap of faith. I had people question whether a business like mine could thrive in Smithfield, but I believed in the community and in the experience I wanted to create. I knew that if I provided quality services, built genuine relationships, and stayed consistent, the right clients would find me.
Today, I am incredibly grateful for the support Jensen Skin has received. Many of my clients are local, while others travel from surrounding areas because of the experience and relationships we have built together. That growth has been a reminder that taking a risk is only the beginning—the real work comes from showing up, continuing to learn, and earning the trust of the people you serve.
My advice is not simply to take a risk, but to believe in your vision enough to pursue it and be willing to put in the work required to make it a reality.
Pricing:
- Services $60-$165+
- Products $10-$75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jensenskin.com
- Instagram: Jensen Skin
- Facebook: Jensen Skin
