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

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Looking back, one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was their example. My parents didn’t just tell me to work hard—they showed me how to work hard by leading with ethics and building with consistency.

My dad started as a route driver and worked his way up to become the general manager of a large local company. He didn’t have a college degree, but he had discipline. Watching him build a successful career through sheer work ethic taught me that success isn’t always about titles or traditional education—it’s about showing up consistently and giving your best, no matter your starting point.

My mom, on the other hand, graduated from UCSB with a bachelor’s degree, but chose to stay home with us while running a bookkeeping business out of our house. She showed me what work / life balance is. She more importantly showed me how family comes before anything else.

They showed me that growth comes from discipline and that financial wellness is built through consistent choices. That mindset helps me balance being a mom to my daughter Sloane, a wife to my husband Garrett, and the owner of a high-standard spa.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Amanda, a California licensed Esthetician and Cosmetologist based in Santa Barbara and the owner of The Beauty Bar. My journey into the beauty industry began with a deep love for art and makeup from a young age. That creative passion evolved into a career in 2014, and since then, I’ve continued to grow, train, and refine my craft.

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work at the Belmond El Encanto Spa, which gave me a strong foundation in luxury skincare and client care. In 2016, I took the leap to start my own business so I could have the freedom to serve my clients in a more personalized way. The Beauty Bar is a space where skincare meets artistry in a warm, elevated setting.

We offer a range of advanced skin treatments—from custom chemical peels and dermaplaning to Hydrafacials and acne-focused care as a certified Face Reality Acne Experts. We also specialize in lash and brow services, as well as makeup artistry. Whether someone is struggling with their skin, prepping for a major life event, or simply looking to feel refreshed and taken care of, I aim to create treatments that are results-driven but also deeply relaxing.

What sets me apart is my balance of clinical knowledge with a luxury, calming experience—and the genuine relationships I build with my clients. I’ve worked with models, actors, brides, and longtime locals alike, and my goal is always the same: to help each person feel more confident, radiant, and cared for. It’s an honor to be part of their skincare journey—and their lives.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team is hard and I will be the first to admit that management it is not my passion. But I do have a very clear vision for how I want my business to feel and how clients should experience it. With that vision in mind, I hire Aestheticians who share similar morals and work habits as myself, and the rest falls into place naturally. You can teach a technical skill but you can’t teach character and work ethic. When you hire the right people, morale stays high because everyone is working toward the same goal.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Easy—work hard and be a good person. In the beauty industry, skill and knowledge matter, but what really builds longevity is how you make people feel. Clients want to work with someone who runs a professional business, communicates clearly, and is genuinely kind. I’d say 75% of my clients have been with me for 2 to 10 years—not just because of the services I provide, but because of the relationships we’ve built. I truly cherish that my clients look forward to their appointments (as do I!), not just for the results, but for the connection we share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sbbeautybar.com
• Instagram: @amanda_thebeautybar @thebeautybarsb
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/uZ9aiPYz93

Image Credits

@meganclaireco
@asiacrosonphotography
@_jessicamaher