Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vicky Keisler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Vicky , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The skincare industry faces intense competition in a saturated market dominated by industry giants with substantial profit margins offering similar products. Additionally, niche organic brands and medical spas provide cutting-edge treatments using advanced devices available only through doctors and physicians. This crowded landscape makes it challenging to stand out without a significant financial investment.

As a smaller skincare spa specializing in acne treatments and prioritizing organic, all-natural ingredients over heavily marketed over-the-counter medical solutions, we face unique challenges. Competing against these alternatives demands constant innovation and strategic marketing, often straining profitability. Rising operating costs and ever-evolving consumer expectations further increase the challenges of maintaining and growing our business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Vicky Keisler and I have been dedicated to the skin care profession for over 20 years. specializing in cystic acne and hyperpigmentation. Born and raised in post-war Vietnam, my journey has been shaped by resilience, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to my clients. , I was raised by my grandmother, whose love and teachings instilled in me the values of hard work, compassion, and faith in Karma. These principles continue to inspire me both personally and professionally.

I founded Na’ava Skin Care Spa in Irvine, California, starting from a single treatment room. Thanks to my expertise and devotion, the spa has grown into a thriving 5-room establishment, serving clients from all over Southern California and beyond, including New York, Florida, Vietnam, China, and Singapore. Na’ava is renowned for its holistic, noninvasive approach to skincare, providing effective treatments for severe acne cases and hyperpigmentation.

Na’ava’s success is also driven by its use of my product line. “Paniym” is an exclusive line of products that proudly compliments the treatments that I provide. “Paniym,” meaning “face” in the Hebrew Bible, reflects my desire to blend Hebrew and Buddhist values, emphasizing purity, harmony, and wellness. Each product is crafted with organic and all-natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, aligning with the spa’s philosophy of gentle yet powerful skincare. Under my direction and leadership, Na’ava Skin Care Spa has earned a reputation as one of the best skincare destinations in South Orange County. My passion for helping others achieve radiant, healthy skin is only matched by my dedication to building meaningful relationships with our clients and team. My story is one of transformation, community, and a steadfast belief in the beauty of natural healing.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding a skincare business is no small feat, and for me, it required creativity, determination, and a lot of faith. When I decided to start Na’ava Skin Care Spa, I didn’t have the luxury of a large savings account or investors waiting in line to support my vision. Instead, I had to build by business one client at a time. I had to rely on my resourcefulness and the support of those around me.

The journey began with a single room and a dream. I had years of experience in skincare, specializing in treating cystic acne and hyperpigmentation, and I knew I had the expertise to help people who struggled with their skin. But expertise alone wouldn’t pay the bills. I needed the tools, products, and a space to turn my vision into reality.

My initial capital came from a combination of personal savings and borrowing. My husband, who has always been my biggest supporter, believed in my dream and helped fund the first steps of my business. It wasn’t a large amount, but it was enough to rent a small room, purchase high-quality organic ingredients for my treatments, and invest in a few essential pieces of equipment.

I also worked hard to save money by starting small and being smart with my choices. Instead of going for a lavish space or expensive advertising, I focused on word-of-mouth marketing and building relationships with clients. I knew that if I could provide exceptional results and care, my clients would become my ambassadors, helping me grow the business organically.

As the spa began to gain traction, I reinvested every dollar I could back into the business. Over time, those reinvestments allowed me to expand from one room to a five-room office in a Medical Clinic, grow my product line, and attract clients from all over the country and even internationally.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey as a business owner has been one of resilience, adaptability, and learning to embrace opportunities in unexpected places. When I first decided to open Na’ava Skin Care Spa, I knew I needed a location that would not only accommodate my needs but also help me stand out in a competitive market. After much thought, I made the decision to lease space in a medical building—a choice that proved to be one of the most fortunate decisions I’ve ever made.

In the beginning, I had no idea just how much this location would contribute to my growth. At the time, my business was small, operating from just one room with a handful of loyal clients. But being in a medical building gave my spa an edge. It added a level of credibility and professionalism to my brand, making it easier for new clients to trust me, especially those seeking solutions for severe skin issues like cystic acne.

The location also allowed me to build relationships with other professionals in the building, such as dermatologists and healthcare providers, and doctors. Some of them were kind enough to endorse my business and refer patients who needed specialized care that aligned with my expertise. These referrals not only helped me grow my client base but also validated the quality of my work.

However, resilience was key. Leasing space in a medical building came with higher costs than other commercial spaces, and I often worried about meeting expenses. But I stayed focused, working tirelessly to provide exceptional service and build a reputation for results. I reinvested everything I earned back into the business, slowly expanding my offerings, upgrading my equipment, and creating a warm, welcoming space that clients loved.

Today, Na’ava Skin Care Spa operates out of five treatment rooms in the same building, serving clients not just from Southern California but from across the country and even internationally. I’m incredibly grateful for the decision to lease in a medical building—it gave me a foundation to grow, partnerships to strengthen my brand, and the confidence to weather the ups and downs of running a business.

My resilience story is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the right environment can make all the difference. By trusting my instincts, staying adaptable, and putting in the hard work, I turned a simple space into the thriving business that Na’ava Skin Care Spa is today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naavaskincarespa.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/naavaskincarespa
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/naavaskincarespa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com
• Yelp: biz/naava-skin-care-spa-irvine
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@naavaskincarespa