We recently connected with Emily Schirmer and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

A defining moment in my career was when I worked with one of my youngest clients — a teenager who was experiencing a severe case of acne. He came to me feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and discouraged after trying countless trending “how I cleared my skin” routines online. He had already worked with other professionals, but his skin wasn’t responding the way he’d hoped, and he was starting to lose faith in the process.

I still remember our first consultation. He opened up through tears, telling me how he avoided mirrors, didn’t want to leave his room, and felt like his acne was taking over his life. My heart broke for him. I gently shared parts of my own acne journey, hoping to show him he wasn’t alone — and that healing was possible. I promised to support him every step of the way and to create a plan tailored just for him.

Although hesitant at first, he committed — and he was incredibly consistent. He followed every recommendation, we checked in weekly, and over time, the results started to show. Three months later, after one of our appointments, he broke down in tears again — but this time it was gratitude. He told me I had helped him regain his confidence, and that he felt ready to start college without the weight of skin insecurity holding him back.

He’s still my client today, although acne is no longer our focus. He’s learned how to care for and maintain his skin, and we’ve built a relationship that goes beyond treatments. That experience truly changed me — it reminded me that my work is about so much more than skin. It’s about connection, trust, and helping people feel like themselves again. I’ll always be grateful for that moment, and for every client who lets me be part of their journey.

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.

I actually didn’t plan to become an esthetician. I started my career in visual communications after graduating from FIDM, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in the fashion industry. Around that same time, my acne was a huge emotional burden — I wouldn’t go to Trader Joe’s or the gym without a full face of makeup. Growing up in the Midwest, dermatology wasn’t really accessible unless you were from a more privileged background, so at 25 I decided to take matters into my own hands. I enrolled in esthetics school in Downtown LA while working full time at a restaurant. My first facial ever was in school!

At first, I was simply there to fix my own skin. But the more I learned about chemistry, ingredients, and anatomy, the more I completely fell in love with skincare. As I began applying what I was learning to my own skin, I saw dramatic changes — not just physically, but in my confidence. For the first time, I felt comfortable going out without foundation. That shift made me realize I wanted to help other people feel the same way — and that science, not trends, was the answer.

Today, I run Emily Nicole Studio, where I specialize in customized, science-based facials — especially for acne and hyperpigmentation. My approach is holistic in the sense that I don’t rely on prescriptions, but everything I recommend is backed by research and thoughtfully selected for each client’s lifestyle, skin concerns, and budget. Whether you’re a busy mom, a bride-to-be, or someone who just started hot yoga, I tailor treatments and home care routines to fit your life — not the other way around.

I offer 70-minute fully customized facials because your skin can change quickly — travel, stress, hormones, sun exposure — (just to name a few stressors) and I want every session to meet you exactly where you are. I also make education a key part of the experience, so clients learn how to recognize when their barrier is off, how to adjust their routine, and how to maintain results long-term.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients give me — it’s an honor I don’t take lightly. I research constantly, lose sleep over skin plans (in the best way), and light up when I get a message saying someone got complimented on their glow. That’s what it’s all about.

And if I could leave people with one myth to ditch — please stop making your own skincare at home! There are brilliant chemists who study formulation for years to create stable, effective, safe products. We need them — they do what we can’t.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly, my most effective strategy has been focusing fully on the clients I already have. I pour my energy into giving each person exceptional service, keeping detailed notes on their skin journey, and making sure they feel genuinely cared for every step of the way. I believe when you truly show up for people, they remember it — and they tell others.

I trust that word of mouth is powerful, and that if I stay consistent, focused, and aligned with my purpose, the universe will meet me there. My growth has been steady and authentic because it’s built on real relationships and real results.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I truly believe that success in this field comes from showing up with intention — and the universe will respond in interesting, often unexpected ways. Beyond education, it’s about staying present, being adaptable, and deeply caring about people.

Before becoming an esthetician, I spent over 10 years working as a maître d’ in the restaurant industry. That experience taught me how to think quickly, solve problems on the fly, and build meaningful relationships with guests — all while managing a lot of moving parts. I developed a habit of keeping detailed notes about customer preferences, and that naturally carried over into my skincare practice.

Now, I document everything about my clients’ skin — what they’re using, how their skin feels and looks at each appointment, even how their lifestyle might be impacting their results. That level of attention helps me personalize each treatment and build long-term trust. It’s not just about skin — it’s about connection, intuition, and treating people like individuals, not protocols.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilynicolestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilynicolestudio/

Image Credits

Kaylen Myhre