We were lucky to catch up with Jenna Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jenna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The Biggest risk I’ve ever taken was moving to Houston, TX (never visited prior) to change my career path from working in Corporate America to answering my true calling and betting on myself, to pursue my true calling of being apart of the beauty industry. I became a Licensed Esthetician and this has led me to making big impacts in people’s lives.

Jenna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Midwest-Woman currently thriving in Houston,Texas.
Here’s my backstory:
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and attended a private Catholic school from elementary through high school and was often times the only person of color in many of the classrooms, this helped to developed me into someone who can strive in adversity. I was typically always the one with the biggest personality, always eager to learn and excel in everything I did, this mindset has really assisted me in being successful today.

I attended the University of Central Missouri and graduated with a degree in Fashion Business with minors in Marketing & Public Relations. Once I graduated, I took some time off to pursue a true career in Fashion as a personal stylist. This wasn’t easy to do in St. Louis, so I made a decision to then pursue my Master of Business. Once I graduated with my MBA, I just knew I was finished with school, but the beauty industry was still tugging at me.

During the 2020 Pandemic I had more time on my hands to turn my focus on what I actually enjoyed doing and find a city that had summer type weather, I began to research highly recommended beauty schools and landed on Aveda located in Houston, Texas. I moved to Houston (never visited) in 2021 right after a major freeze. I became very disciplined and determined to complete my Esthetics License by traveling 1hr 30min three days a week and working front desk for a lash three days a week for 7 months while adjusting to a new city.

In 2022 I became a Licensed Esthetician and began to explore all of my opportunities, I was eager to try every aspect of the industry. I worked as a Lead Esthetician for Massage Envy for 2 1/2 years, I became a sugar wax expert, and I held 2 pop-up shops in my hometown when I went back home. Now that I’m in my 4th year I’m currently working with a Medical Spa/ Wellness Center performing advanced aesthetic services like chemical peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning. More recently I’ve taken on a new role as a full time Esthetics Instructor which has allow me to make a long-lasting impact for aspiring estheticians. I take pride in teaching theory lessons, performing hands-on demonstrations, and pushing students out of their comfort zone to become the best version of themselves and pursue their dreams in this new career.

Currently living in an answered prayer of living a life that I truly love in my second career as a Texas Licensed Esthetician, still so happy I took that risk 4 year ago!

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely! When I reflect on my journey to get to this point I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self to take pride in what you have a passion for and go for it! I was scared of making the wrong decision and worried it would be different than what I was supposed to be doing. I would probably dual licensed in Cosmetology and Esthetics, but everything always falls into place.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Education, drive, hustle, and goal setting are the keys to being successful in this industry. I always say “I’m a forever student” I don’t want to ever get to the point where I know everything about Esthetics, I love learning new technology, techniques, and products. It keeps the industry exciting!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @TheSkinmatician_