We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karla Guillen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karla , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Opening Simplicity Studio wasn’t something I planned out perfectly it came from a place of necessity. I was going through a divorce and had to figure out how to support myself and my daughter, so I took a leap with what I had… which at the time was essentially nothing.

I didn’t have a big financial cushion or a detailed business plan. What I did have was my skill, my work ethic, and a deep determination to create stability for my life. I built Simplicity Studio from the ground up, step by step, trusting that if I stayed consistent and took care of my clients, it would grow.

Six years later, that risk has turned into something I’m incredibly proud of. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s proof that sometimes the biggest risks come from moments where you don’t really have another option and those moments can shape something truly meaningful.

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’m the owner of Simplicity Studio, and I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. What started as a career behind the chair eventually turned into something much deeper for me creating a space where women can feel taken care of, confident, and seen.

I got into this industry at a young age, and over time I realized it wasn’t just about beauty services. It’s about connection. My clients don’t just come in for a service they come in to relax, to talk, to reset. That’s something I’ve always valued and intentionally built into my business.

At Simplicity Studio, I specialize in services that enhance natural beauty in a way that feels effortless and elevated. I focus on creating results that make my clients feel like the best version of themselves without overdoing it. My goal is always for someone to leave feeling more confident than when they walked in.

What sets me apart is the experience I provide and the relationships I’ve built. I’ve had many of my clients for years, and that loyalty means everything to me. I truly listen, I care about the details, and I take pride in being consistent and reliable. In an industry that’s always changing, I’ve stayed grounded in quality, trust, and genuine connection.

What I’m most proud of is that I built this business from nothing during one of the hardest times in my life, and I’ve been able to sustain and grow it for six years. That didn’t come from luck it came from resilience, showing up even when it was hard, and never losing sight of why I started.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is that I’m real. I care deeply about my clients and the work I do. When you come to Simplicity Studio, you’re not just another appointment you’re walking into a space where you’ll be valued, respected, and taken care of.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

For me it has been word of mouth and social media.
Some of my clients have been from recommendations. Hearing “hey I gave your number to one of my friends, coworker, someone off the street” is a total compliment. Also people on social media come across my page and message me. It’s definitely a great feeling knowing people choose me for their services.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I don’t have a team per se however what I do know is that you have to show up 100 percent. Make your business your priority. People come for you so if you don’t take it serious clients will slowly stop coming making your business fail.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Simplicitystudiobyk
• Facebook: Simplicity Studio
• Yelp: Simplicity Studio

Image Credits

Myself