We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda DiFiore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I had a couple of really bad jobs coming out of school and while I was looking for other jobs, there weren’t many options in the area I was looking. It was really discouraging to be working in places that made me hate coming in to work to do what I love doing, and those jobs really took the love out of it for me. I didn’t really feel “ready” to work for myself, only having been an esthetician for about 2.5 years at the time, but I had some money from my divorce and the sale of my house. I figured if I ever wanted to start a business, now might really be the time. Especially after the hard experiences I had at some of the spas I worked in, I really wanted to eventually get to the point where I could create a non-toxic work environment where my employees loved working. There was no logic to it for me, I felt I could do it, felt I had to do it, and it HAD to work. I still run my business somewhat intuitively, while trying to factor in the data. I went in on it with little to no research, admittedly still don’t know what I’m doing most of the time (maybe I shouldn’t admit that), but I figure it out because I have to. I’m sure most small business owners feel that way. There’s a lot of hard times, but you persist because you love this thing you built from the ground up with your heart and your own two hands.

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 Amanda, and I’m the founder of Aphrodite Esthetics, a sanctuary where skin meets soul. I’m a licensed esthetician, since 2019, and eternal student of the skin, but at the heart of it, I’m in the business of care-deep, intentional, transformational care. This year, I was joined by Karin, as my first employee, an amazing esthetician of 18 years. At Aphrodite Esthetics, we specialize in results-driven facials, holistic skin therapies, customized self-care rituals and full-body waxing. Each treatment is crafted uniquely for the individual. Whether you’re struggling with acne, hyperpigmentation, aging concerns, or just haven’t taken a moment for yourself in a while-We meet you right where you are, and go from there.
What sets us apart? It’s more than skincare. It’s the vibe, the energy, the intention. We blend clinical knowledge with intuitive care, fusing science and soul. We don’t just want your skin to glow, we want YOU to glow. We’ve created an environment where clients feel safe, seen, and supported through every phase of their skin journey and life transitions.
I’m most proud of the trust our clients place in us, not just with their skin, but also their stories. I’ve helped people cry, laugh, heal and reconnect with their bodies and their worth, all through the power of touch, ritual, and results. Our clients know we care, and when there’s another (possibly several other) esthetician(s) just around the corner, the care and intention we give, is what keeps the clients coming back to us.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

There have been a lot of close calls or near death moments for the business, more than I care to admit, honestly. The reality of owning a business that offers luxury services, is that we are not always in the budget for people, and it takes a long time to build consistent clientele in the beauty industry. There are a lot of very talented estheticians in my area, and while I don’t view it as competition, there are a lot of options for clients to book elsewhere. The products that we use to complete services and make the whole experience better for the clients are often expensive. There have been many times I have had to not pay myself at all or take a pay cut to make sure the business can pay rent or so that I can purchase more of the products I need to continue services, to pay for insurance, or to reinvest. There is a reason that not a lot of small businesses last more than a year or two, it’s costly to start up, and there are a lot of costs that people forget about until they are in it. I am lucky that I have been able to do so well with what I have had. I have made bad decisions and bad investments, but that’s how I have learned, and grown through the process.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think the thing that helped me most has been the care I put into everything I do. I show up every day and give my best every day, and to every client. Being consistent and making the experience extra, making the client feel valued and cared for goes a long way in this industry. Some estheticians I have been to, seem like they are in it only for the money, want you in and out as fast as possible to collect their paycheck and leave. My obsession: I spend most of my time considering ways I can make the experience better for my clients. How can I go above and beyond to make this facial better? This business, to me, is a labor of love. I love to make my clients comfortable and relaxed. I love to see the confidence and to give my clients a safe, judgement-free place to be themselves, and to feel loved as themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aphroditeestheticsin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aphrodite_esthetics_llc/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/aphroditeesthetics

Image Credits

Charrie Stambaugh of Photog Boss Photography Studio , Rachel Giese of Rachel Giese Creative