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

Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As a teenager, Johnson was caught in the dreaded world of cystic acne. It can be physically and emotionally painful and challenging to treat. She was an innovator at heart, and she experimented with her homemade formulations of toothpaste, Bentonite Clay, and other readily available ingredients before turning to professional medical facials. Johnson endured painful treatments that helped but were expensive, so expensive that she decided to forgo a car to afford treatments—until she was introduced to a medical facialist that helped not only tame her acne but in a much less painful way. The experience changed the trajectory of her life as she realized that there is a better, more relaxing way to maximize results with a nature-based, cost-effective, and pain-free approach.

This transformative experience ignited a passion in Johnson to curate her own skincare line—one that was not only vegan, cruelty-free, and nontoxic, but also genuinely effective. At the time, the market lacked such options, and Johnson was determined to fill that void. She envisioned products that would not only be safe and ethical but would also deliver real results, proving that you don’t have to compromise your health or values to achieve clear, radiant skin.

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.

About Amber and How She Got Into The Industry of Skincare and Facials
Amber Rose Johnson is many things, including a mom, entrepreneur, a skincare expert, and a problem solver. Her journey to tame her cystic acne as a teen led her to become one of the premier estheticians in Southern California, and her holistic, personalized methods have created a devoted clientele. She knows how life-changing it can be to find natural skincare that can improve your skin – and your life. Amber has seen countless clients since 2000, which has led to her perfecting her Custom Organic Vegan Facials that she offers at both her Newport, Corona Del Mar, and Costa Mesa locations

“I have been mixing concoctions for skincare since I was a kid, and here I am, 35 years later, doing what I love,” says Johnson. “I want everyone who walks into Facial Lounge to feel nurtured and give them the personalized service they need. Feeling good about your skin is such an invigorating and empowering feeling. I have loved helping clients achieve that now for decades!”

As a teenager, Johnson was caught in the dreaded world of cystic acne. It can be physically and emotionally painful and challenging to treat. She was an innovator at heart, and she experimented with her homemade formulations of toothpaste, Bentonite Clay, and other readily available ingredients before turning to professional medical facials. Johnson endured painful treatments that helped but were expensive, so expensive that she decided to forgo a car to afford treatments – until she was introduced to a medical facialist that helped not only tame her acne but in a much less painful way. The experience changed the trajectory of her life as she realized that there is a better, more relaxing way to maximize results with a nature-based, cost-effective, and pain-free approach.

Johnson earned her esthetician license then began studying product ingredients and their synergistic effects with the gut microbiome, consulting with some of the biggest names in natural and medical skincare. This November she is celebrating 24 years in business at Facial Lounge and her clients come from all over the country to experience Facial Lounge’s problem solving customized vegan facials that were curated by Amber. As a single mom of two boys, Johnson’s naturally nurturing side is felt in every skin treatment. She believes that no two complexions are the same – so skincare should not be a “one-treatment-fits-all” and creates a treatment customized to each client. Facial Lounge attracts everyone from celebrities to reality tv stars, beauty influencers to the neighbor down the street, all looking for clean, clear skin, a caring environment, and a place to nurture their best self from the inside out.

What Sets Facial Lounge Apart:
Facial Lounge has medical grade, results-driven skincare and facials that are ethical, nontoxic, and results-driven.

What Problems Do You Solve For Your Clients:
Facial Lounge is dedicated to solving some of the most common and persistent skincare challenges that clients face. From acne and hyperpigmentation to aging and sensitivity, their expert estheticians tailor each treatment to address the unique needs of every individual. They understand that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why they offer a personalized approach, using clean, vegan, and cruelty-free products that are not only effective but also gentle on the skin. Whether clients are struggling with stubborn breakouts, dullness, or the early signs of aging, Facial Lounge provides a sanctuary where they can achieve their skin goals without the harsh, toxic treatments often found elsewhere. Their holistic, nature-based methods offer solutions that are both soothing and transformative, ensuring that clients leave with not just healthier skin, but also a renewed sense of confidence.

What I Am Most Proud Of?
I’m incredibly proud of the countless 5-star reviews we’ve earned on Google and Yelp, especially knowing that we’re seeing thousands of clients each month. It’s fulfilling to see how confident our clients feel after their visits, and to know that Facial Lounge’s clean, nontoxic, vegan, and pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe skincare is accessible to all skin types across the United States.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Amber Johnson, the owner of Facial Lounge, always had a strong understanding of customer service, which helped her build a loyal client base. However, she realized that while she excelled in creating an exceptional experience for her clients, she didn’t initially grasp the importance of fostering a healthy work culture for her employees. This gap became evident as she sought to grow her business and retain a motivated, happy team.

To address this, Amber not only began taking leadership classes but also took on a business partner that emphasized the importance of a positive work environment. These classes, particularly those through Driven Leadership, along with the guidance from her business partner, equipped her with the tools and insights needed to cultivate a supportive and empowering work environment. By applying what she learned, Amber was able to improve employee morale and create a work culture that reflected her values of care and excellence. This shift in focus helped Facial Lounge thrive, as a happy and engaged team naturally led to even better service for their clients.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

The story of how I met my business partner is both serendipitous and a testament to the power of persistence. He initially came on board as a business consultant, specializing in leadership and culture—two areas I knew I needed to focus on. While I had always been passionate about customer service and learning the ins and outs of that side of the business, leadership was something I wanted to master as well.

We had an agreement that he would consult with me for one hour a week, but I was so eager to learn (and I didn’t read the contract) that I ended up calling him every day for an hour. This daily ritual continued for eight years! Our professional relationship grew stronger over time, and just before COVID hit, we decided to take the plunge and become business partners.

As the world began to shut down, we worked tirelessly on our business plan every single day, even when it seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. When the world finally started reopening, we implemented our plan and officially became business partners. Now, we’re living our ‘happily ever after’—as business partners, of course!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://faciallounge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faciallounge/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faciallounge/
• Twitter: https://x.com/thefaciallounge
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxwdMJ3S6SXU5fDL6aYJlA
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/faciallounge/

Image Credits

Timothy Kwon