Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Corrin.
Hi Leah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began with a deeply personal struggle that shaped both my career and purpose. As a teenager, I battled persistent acne that left me feeling frustrated and self-conscious. I tried everything—medications, antibiotics, even Accutane—but nothing provided a lasting solution. When I finally cleared my acne, I faced a new challenge: melasma which is a common skin condition that causes discoloration. The professional products I turned to for help often triggered future breakouts, leaving me searching for a solution that didn’t exist.
This personal journey ignited my passion for skincare and led me to pursue aesthetics. After graduating at the top of my class, I launched my business, Essence of L, straight out of school. My parents encouraged me to develop marketing and financial plans, and with their guidance—and a loan—I opened my doors. Starting with one treatment room, I worked tirelessly to build trust and provide exceptional care to my clients.
Over the years, I expanded from offering basic treatments to running a full-service medispa with advanced technologies like cutting-edge lasers, radiofrequency, and microneedling. My passion for skincare innovation also led me to create EOL Skincare, a line that reflects my belief in safe, effective solutions for acne, melasma, and anti-aging.
The road wasn’t always easy. During COVID, I faced the heartbreak of a divorce and the financial strain of a business shutdown. But instead of giving up, I channeled my energy into building an online store and rebranding my skincare line. Today, my business has thrived for over 20 years, and I have a team of talented professionals who share my vision of helping clients feel confident in their skin.
A turning point in my personal and professional life was meeting my husband, Matt, during the pandemic. He has been an incredible addition to the EOL family. Not only has he been my greatest supporter, but he’s also become an integral part of the business. Matt helps develop and test new products, brainstorms creative product names, and assists with daily operations. His insights and enthusiasm have brought a fresh perspective and strengthened the foundation of EOL. Through his support, we have also rebranded the skincare line to be more gender inclusive.
Looking back, I’m humbled by the challenges and milestones that have brought me here. I’ve built my career on resilience, a client-first philosophy, and a commitment to offering solutions that truly work. My story is proof that when you turn pain into purpose, you can create something meaningful—not just for yourself but for the people you serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road to success has included a few personal and professional struggles. Building a business from scratch as a young entrepreneur came with its own challenges. When I started Essence of L, I had to rely on my family for financial support because banks were hesitant to lend money to someone just starting out. While the journey was tough, it motivated me to create a strong vision.
Professionally, staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry requires constant learning, reinvestment, and adaptation. There have been countless late nights, trial-and-error moments, and decisions that carried significant risks, such as purchasing expensive laser equipment or introducing new treatments. It was crucial to build trust with my clients and ensure that every product and service aligned with my brand’s values.
On a personal level, one of the most challenging periods was during COVID-19. The pandemic not only forced my business to shut down for three months but coincided with heartbreak and going through a divorce. I had to start over emotionally and financially, which was a daunting task. However, instead of giving up, I focused on creating an online store for skincare products, which allowed me to support myself and expand my reach internationally.
That period of uncertainty also led to a fresh start in my personal life as well as a rebranded skincare line and streamlined operations. Despite the struggles, these challenges have made me more resilient and adaptable. Each setback has shaped the foundation of Essence of L, reminding me of the importance of perseverance, innovation, and authenticity in both business and life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in medical aesthetics, focusing on delivering acne-safe solutions for anti-aging while prioritizing overall skin health. My work is rooted in helping clients achieve confidence through effective skincare and advanced treatments tailored to their unique needs. From treating stubborn acne to addressing signs of aging, I combine decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver real, transformative results.
What I’m Known For:
Acne-Safe Skincare: My journey began with my own struggles with acne, which gave me a deep understanding of how skin works and what truly helps. I’m known for developing products under EOL Skincare that are effective yet gentle and free from pore-clogging ingredients that often worsen acne.
Advanced Treatments: At Essence of L Medi Spa, we offer a range of state-of-the-art treatments, such as Sciton’s Forever Young BBL Hero, HALO, MOXIE, Sylfirm X, and HydraFacial. These technologies allow us to address a wide variety of skin concerns with precision.
Personalized Care: I’m proud of creating a space where every client feels valued. We tailor treatments to each individual’s goals, budget, and lifestyle. The little touches make our services unforgettable.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
20 Years of an award-winning Business: Reaching this milestone in a competitive industry while staying true to my values is something in which I take immense pride. I’ve grown from renting a small room in a hair salon to owning a thriving medispa with a loyal client base. We were awarded two national awards, starting 2025 off with a BANG for Top Aesthetician + Top Medi Spa in Canada!
Client-Centric Philosophy: Everything I do revolves around the client experience, from product formulation to treatment plans. I’ve built trust with my clients, many of whom have been with me for years, and that’s invaluable.
Community Contributions: Giving back is a core value of Essence of L. We regularly donate skincare products, services, and time to local charities and events, which reinforces our commitment to the community.
What Sets Us Apart:
Authenticity: My personal journey with skin struggles informs everything we do. Clients know I’ve been in their shoes and that relatability builds trust.
Innovation with Integrity: We use FDA-registered labs to create effective, results-driven skincare, and we only offer treatments that we know work. I test all products and treatments on myself before introducing them to clients.
Personal Touch: From tailored care to the simple act of giving a flower, we focus on creating memorable experiences that make clients feel cared for and special.
A Legacy of Excellence: I’ve built this business with heart and intention, focusing on long-term client relationships, education, and results over trends or quick fixes.
Helping clients love their skin and feel confident is my passion. That’s the foundation of everything we do.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I Like Best About Our City:
Strong Community Spirit: Our city has a warm, connected community that truly supports local businesses. Whether it’s through attending events, shopping locally, or volunteering, there’s a strong sense of togetherness.
Thriving Local Events: I love how the city comes alive with events like the Surrey Mayor’s Gala, the Peace Arch Pumpkin Run, and the many charity galas. These events not only bring people together but also provide opportunities to give back.
Natural Beauty: We’re surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, from beautiful parks to nearby beaches, which provide a perfect escape when life gets busy. I love how accessible it is to enjoy the outdoors.
What I Like Least About Our City:
Traffic and Urban Sprawl: As our city grows, traffic congestion and urban sprawl have become significant challenges. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when commuting or navigating busy areas.
Housing Affordability: The rising cost of living and housing affordability is a concern for many people in our community. It’s something I often hear from clients and team members alike.
Limited Awareness of Small Businesses: While there is strong community support, it can sometimes feel like small businesses still face challenges in gaining recognition amid larger chain stores or franchises.
Despite the challenges, I believe the positives far outweigh the negatives. Our city is full of potential and opportunities for growth, and I’m proud to be a part of this community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://essenceofl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EOLMedispa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EOLMediSpa
- LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/leah-corrin-698030249