We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlotte Benson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Charlotte, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission, at its core, is to offer customized facial treatments and personalized skincare recommendations that genuinely enhance the health and appearance of the skin. But over time, it’s grown into something so much deeper than that. I strive to build empathetic, meaningful connections with my clients. I want them to know that when they step into my treatment room, they have my full, undivided attention. My goal is for every single client to feel supported, seen, and care for- as if we are walking this skin journey together. I even get a little buzz of joy when a client becomes so relaxed during a treatment that they fall asleep-it tells me they feel safe, nurtured, and at peace in my space.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
– I got into the beauty industry because I’ve always loved the way self-care and pampering can make someone feel-confident, radiant, and empowered. Early on, I knew I wanted to be the person people turned to not just for beauty, but for genuine care. I wanted to help others feel beautiful in their own skin and give them a safe space to unwind, recharge, and be seen.
Esthetics gave me the perfect path to do that. It allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, and I truly believe in supporting others from the outside in. The skin fascinates me-its our body’s largest organ, our first line of defense, and our literal armor. Being able to help someone heal, protect, and feel proud of that skin is incredibly rewarding. This work is so much more than facials-it’s about building trust, creating comfort, and helping people feel whole.
– I offer customized facial treatments that are tailored to each client’s unique skin type and goals. I work exclusively with Sorella Apothecary, a local skincare brand that I absolutely love. Not only are their products beautifully crafted and incredibly effective, but they also smell amazing and elevate the entire treatment experience. One of the things I appreciate most is that the brand was created right here in our community. Because the founders understand our dry desert climate firsthand, their formulas are especially thoughtful and well-suited to the needs of my clients.
Beyond just treating the skin, I focus on creating a relaxing, restorative experience that supports both skin health and overall well-being. Every product and step in my treatment is chosen with the intention to help my clients feel cared for, nurtured, and glowing from the inside out.
– What sets me apart is the level of intentionality and presence I bring to every treatment. I’m not just focused on results-I’m focused on the experience.
As a solo esthetician, I am able to give my clients something deeply personal: one-on-one attention, consistent care, and a sense of trust that builds over time. I’ve created a space where people feel safe to relax, be themselves, and feel truly seen-not just as skin, but as a whole person. That connection is what I value most, and I think my clients can feel that in everything that I do.
– One of the things I’m most proud of is my commitment to continued learning. This industry is always evolving, and I believe it’s so important to stay curious, stay educated, and never get too comfortable. Whether it’s diving into advanced techniques, understanding ingredient science, or learning how to better support my clients emotionally-I’m constantly seeking ways to grow. I’m proud of the knowledge I’ve gained, the passion I’ve kept alive, and the way I’ve built a business rooted in both expertise and genuine heart.
– I want people to know that my work is deeply personal. It’s not just about skin care-it’s about connection, care, and creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported. I’ve built my business around empathy, education, and experience. I genuinely care about helping people feel good in their skin, not just for the hour they’re with me, but long after they leave my treatment room.
Whether you’re struggling with skin issues, looking for a moment of peace, or just starting your skincare journey-I’m here to walk that path with you. This work is truly my passion and my way of giving back through healing, connection, and care.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
– A moment that truly tested my resilience was when I lost my father. I was in the fourth year of business, finally building momentum-repeat clients were coming in, retail was picking up, and I felt like I was starting to find my rhythm. Then everything paused. I had to take time away from my studio, and there was a period when I wasn’t sure if I’d return at all.
But gradually, I found my way back. The kindness and support from my clients & fellow estheticians-some of who reached out just to send love-meant the world to me. That outpouring reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. I did lose a few clients during that time, but I gained something deeper: perspective, grace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Coming back wasn’t easy, but I pressed on, not just for myself, but for the people who believed in me.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
– One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is people-pleasing and the belief that I had to do everything on my own to be “enough.” In the early stages of my business, I poured so much of myself into trying to make every client perfectly happy, sometimes at the expense of my own energy and boundaries. I would even stay late into the evening to do facials after hours, just to accommodate everyone’s schedule-because I thought that’s what I had to do to succeed.
I also felt like asking for help-or accepting feedback-meant I wasn’t capable or strong enough. But over time, I realized that trying to do it all alone wasn’t sustainable, and it wasn’t healthy. I had to learn that setting boundaries isn’t selfish-it’s self-respect. That I could still care deeply about my clients without sacrificing my own well-being. And accepting help, support, or even constructive criticism doesn’t make me less professional-it makes me human, and better at what I do.
Letting go of that pressure allowed me to grow not just as a business owner, but as a person. I show up for people more grounded, more present, and more confident.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Keenanesthetics.com
- Instagram: @keenanesthetics
- Facebook: Keenan Esthetics
Image Credits
Miss Megan Photo