We recently connected with Diana Diep and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.
When I made the career shift from Naturopathic Medical School to Clinical Esthetics and Laser, I knew I wanted the best training possible. I enrolled in a top-rated, well-established school—owned by a member of the Board of Cosmetology—who could talk about esthetics for hours and had a talent for breaking down and rebuilding laser devices to improve their efficiency. From day one, I knew I was in the right place. The instructors were knowledgeable, professional, and passionate, and every moment in the classroom felt purposeful. There was no fluff—only real, applicable knowledge delivered by experts in the field.
That experience made such a lasting impression that I’ve since returned to school to become a licensed esthetics instructor myself.
Coming from the fast-paced, clinical environment of Western medicine, the esthetics classroom felt like a completely different world—softer, more empathetic, and deeply focused on creating a safe, healing experience. The contrast was striking, and honestly, refreshing. The solid foundation I received allowed me to step into the treatment room after graduation with genuine confidence.
Still, I’ll never forget the nerves I felt during our early clinic sessions. After just two weeks of learning treatment techniques, we began working with real clients—and I was terrified to touch a stranger’s skin. But soon, something incredible happened. Clients began requesting to stay with me until I graduated, saying they appreciated the care and attention I gave them. That affirmation meant the world to me.
The Laser program brought its own set of challenges. I was so nervous at first I could barely eat lunch during the first two weeks! My instructor lovingly called me her “cautious flower” because I prioritized client comfort, even during intense treatments like tattoo removal. But by the end of the program, I had every protocol down to a science—and I loved it.
That growth, from uncertainty to mastery, inspired me to give back. Now, I’m working toward becoming an educator, so I can help future students find their confidence, just like I did.
Diana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Diana, the heart and soul behind Drunk Skin LLC, an innovative esthetics studio rooted in compassion, science, and a refreshing twist of fun. I am an Arizona native and proud first-generation Chinese American, my story is as rich and multifaceted as the skin I help clients care for.
I was born to immigrant parents from China and Vietnam who built their lives—and a family-owned Chinese restaurant— I spent much of my childhood in the loving care of my grandmother. I didn’t know that the close bond we had would later become a powerful turning point in my life. While studying for my bachelor’s degree in Communications at Arizona State University, I stepped up to become my grandmother’s full time caregiver after a leukemia diagnosis. The experience lit a fire in me—I wanted to do more, to be more. So, I returned to school and enrolled in Naturopathic Medical school, determined to support others through holistic healing.
Although my grandmother eventually passed, my journey was far from over. In fact, it had just begun. Inspired to help people heal from the outside in, I found a calling in esthetics. I wanted to work with individuals long term, not just in moments of crisis. The skin is the largest organ of the body—and we can’t forget it in the conversation about wellness.
Now a licensed esthetician, certified laser technician, and oncology-certified specialist, I bring my deeply personal mission to life through a partnership with a non profit, offering free and discounted skincare services for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments. My specialty in oncology facials focus on easing the harsh side effects of radiation and chemotherapy—offering not just relief, but a sense of normalcy and care during a vulnerable time.
But I didn’t stop there.
When I first started in 2022, I worked in clinical settings alongside MDs, optometrists, and MedSpas. But I realized so many clients were relying on single treatments to ‘fix’ their skin. Real change happens at home, with education and consistency.
That realization sparked the launch of Drunk Skin LLC—a playful name with a meaningful backstory. I’m actually allergic to alcohol, so I can’t drink. But I wanted to create a space that felt like a happy hour—light, welcoming, social—except for your skin! My slogan is: ‘A new kind of happy hour.’
And what’s on the menu? Transformative facials, chemical peels, and skincare regimens rooted in science and tailored to each client’s unique needs—especially those with sensitive skin, skin of color, or complex medical histories.
I am a firm believer that 80% of skincare results happen at home, not just in the treatment room. That’s why I’m choosy about the brands I carry. Among my favorites:
• Hale & Hush: A local, small company specializing in formulas for sensitive skin—manufactured and distributed just a mile from my studio.
• Lira Clinical: A female-owned, clinical line featuring a tree resin from Greece, these “smart peels” offer gentle but effective alternatives to traditional peels and harsh, popularly used ingredients like retinol.
• Dermaesthetics of Beverly Hills (DBH): A Korean-American brand that beautifully blends Eastern philosophy with Western clinical science.
Whether helping a client glow for an event or offering healing support during cancer treatment, my approach is always the same: ethical, personalized, and rooted in genuine care.
My advice? Interview your esthetician. Make sure their philosophy aligns with yours. Skincare is personal—and you deserve someone who sees and supports you.
With Drunk Skin LLC, I am not just giving facials—I’m giving confidence, education, and a fresh perspective on what it means to care for ourselves. And trust me, happy hour has never looked this good.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
What’s been most helpful for me in succeeding in this field is truly living my passion. Skincare isn’t just my career—it’s my lifestyle. I eat and breathe esthetics, constantly immersing myself in new knowledge through daily podcasts, professional discussions, and an intentional community of wellness practitioners. This network allows us to support one another—not just in business, but in self-care too, which is vital for longevity in this field.
Equally important is the support I’ve had at home. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader since day one. He’s been my demo model through every new modality, so he’s experienced firsthand the treatments I offer long before they hit my menu. His belief in me has fueled my confidence and pushed me beyond my comfort zone—even to moments like this, being featured in a magazine simply for doing what I love.
That’s what I believe creates true success in esthetics: relentless passion, a commitment to growth, a strong support system, and the courage to keep showing up—even when the next step feels uncertain. I know that as long as I keep honing my craft and staying grounded in my “why,” success will follow—both in the treatment room and as an educator for the next generation of skincare professionals.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession—working in the field of Esthetics has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. The only thing I would do differently is focus solely on skin from the start, rather than branching into services more aligned with cosmetology like lashes, semi-permanent makeup, or spray tanning.
Initially, my heart was set on Oncology Esthetics. But I quickly realized that while it’s incredibly rewarding, it’s also challenging to meet financial goals within that niche alone. That led me to explore clinical esthetics, where I found my passion in chemical peel facial treatments. Today, I proudly specialize in both: advanced corrective skincare and oncology-safe treatments.
In hindsight, every step—even the detours—served a purpose. Exploring other modalities gave me the clarity and experience I needed to fine-tune my path. So, while I might have streamlined my focus earlier, I have no regrets. It all brought me to exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.getdrunkskin.com
- Instagram: @Getdrunkskin
- Other: hellodrunkskin@gmail.com
Image Credits
@idoadventureco