We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Phoebe Guymer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Phoebe below.
Hi Phoebe, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?
Kristi, my first boss, was truly inspiring and pivotal in my career. She owned a luxury facial spa in Rancho Santa Fe and took me under her wing, teaching me the importance of small details, like personalizing client experiences and creating a welcoming atmosphere. From practicing soft, kind conversations to mastering the art of touch, Kristi emphasized care and intention in everything we did.
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when Kristi fired me. I was busy falling in love and didn’t want to be at work when I didn’t have clients; my work-life balance was out of alignment. She told me I reminded her too much of herself, that she loved me, and then let me go. While it was bittersweet, I now realize it was one of the best things that happened to me. It gave me the push I needed to start my own business, armed with the confidence, skills, and tools she had instilled in me. Today, I run a successful business, make my own schedule, and I’m engaged to the man I was spending all that precious time falling in love with.
Kristi’s mentorship shaped me into the business owner I am now, and I’ll always be grateful for her lessons on confidence, service, and believing in myself.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always envisioned creating a space where I could blend creativity, connection, and care—a place where people could feel truly seen and nurtured. Health and wellness have captivated me for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I became fascinated by the relationship between diet and skin, realizing how sugar and dairy were affecting my complexion. This sparked my passion for understanding the body as an interconnected whole.
At my spa, we bring this holistic philosophy to life, helping clients achieve radiant skin and overall well-being. We use organic skincare products from trusted brands like Eminence and Living Libations, known for their pure, natural ingredients. Our treatments are designed to not only nourish the skin but also support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Lymphatic drainage is a cornerstone of every facial we offer, helping to reduce puffiness, release toxins, and improve circulation.
What we’re best known for is our Buccal Facial Sculpting Massage, a transformative treatment that works from both the inside and outside of the face. It begins by addressing tension in the neck, shoulders, chest, and occipital muscles to create a foundation of relaxation. Then, we move to the facial muscles, using precise techniques to release tight fascia and stimulate lymphatic flow. The intraoral portion involves gently working inside the mouth to relieve tension in the masseter and other facial muscles, unlocking areas of tightness and encouraging fluid drainage from the cheek pockets. This deeply therapeutic treatment not only sculpts and lifts the face but also leaves clients feeling lighter, more relaxed, and refreshed.
We’re also known for our signature “glowy facials,” which feature organic products rich in natural enzymes and acids sourced directly from nature, not synthetically made. These treatments rejuvenate the skin while respecting its integrity.
Our spa is more than a place for skincare—it’s a sanctuary where clients can unwind, feel cared for, and leave with a renewed sense of balance. We take pride in creating an environment of warmth and intentionality, where every detail is designed to promote rest, peace, and radiance.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Last year, I was blindsided when I was given just 30 days’ notice to leave the space I was renting. It was devastating—With clients booked through the end of the year and prepaid packages to honor, I knew I had to act fast. . Every day, between clients, I walked up and down the streets of La Jolla, searching for a new home for The Well. I knocked on neighbors’ doors, tracked down landlords’ phone numbers, and followed every lead I could find. I was relentless in my search, hassling anyone who might be able to help.
Finally, something came through. I found a space that, while far from perfect, had potential. With the help of a small team of friends and family, we spent the entire month of December transforming it into what is now The Well – Holistic Facial Spa. We knocked down walls, painted, built cabinets, tore up carpet, and removed popcorn ceilings—and I made so many trips to Home Depot that I swore I’d never go back!
What started as a stressful situation turned into an incredible opportunity. Expanding has been amazing for the business. I now have two estheticians working with me, and on Sundays, when we’re closed, the space is rented to Kimberly, who works with trauma patients using techniques like hypnotherapy, breathwork, and sound baths. Looking back, I’m proud of how I turned what felt like a crisis into a chance to grow and create something even better.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Funding my business was a slow and intentional process, and I’m proud to say I never borrowed money or spent beyond my means. While I was in school to become an aesthetician, I started seeing clients—mostly friends and friends of friends—out of my mom’s spare room. She didn’t charge me rent, which allowed me to save!
When it was finally time to go out on my own, I found a room for rent in my dream location in La Jolla. By then, I had been preparing for this step for years. I had gradually accumulated equipment, like luxury treatment tables, facial steamers and my microdermabrasion machine by taking advantage of great deals whenever they came up, even before I was ready to use them. I stored these items away, knowing they were part of a larger plan.
When I moved into my new location, I was able to cash flow all the renovations using the savings I had built up from the previous year. It was incredibly rewarding to bring my vision to life without going into debt or overextending myself. I’ve always been intentional about growing at my own pace, minimizing stress, and staying true to what feels sustainable for me and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewelllajolla.com
- Instagram: @thewell_lajolla
- Facebook: The Well – Holistic Facial Spa
- Youtube: @thewelllajolla
Image Credits
Vanessa Erdody