We recently connected with Kristina Hoertner and have shared our conversation below.

Kristina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were starting over again, I think the biggest thing I’d do differently is trust myself sooner. I don’t like to live with regrets — and truly, I believe everything happens in the exact time it’s supposed to — but if I could go back and talk to past Kristina, I’d tell her: “Just do it.” Do it sooner. Start school sooner. Start the business sooner.

Not because I feel behind — but because I love what I do so much, I wish I had more time to do it, and to meet even more people through this work. I was scared to take the leap and go out on my own, scared to trust that clients would follow me, or that I could support myself. But the truth is, I was more ready than I gave myself credit for.

If I could change anything, it would be letting go of the fear and stepping into my path with more confidence, earlier on. That said, every step — even the hesitant ones — brought me to where I am now, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m originally from Los Angeles but moved to Tennessee when I was young. For a while, I kept trying to leave — but something always pulled me back to Nashville. When the pandemic hit, I was working a dead-end job that didn’t light me up, and I realized I needed to make a change. I’ve always loved skincare, brows, and connecting with people, so at 30, I made the decision to go back to school and completely start over — and it ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made.

While I was still in school, I recieved a job offer at a locally owned waxing studio. At the time, my real passion was facials and makeup, but I decided to say yes anyway, just to learn a new skill. I’m so glad I did — because I fell in love with hair removal and the confidence it can give people.

Today, I offer a range of services including full body waxing, brow shaping and lamination, lash lifts, and customized facials. My goal is always to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where clients feel relaxed, taken care of, and leave feeling like their most confident self. Waxing is such a personal and intimate service, and I don’t take that lightly. I’m here to make you feel safe, seen, and smooth.

What sets me apart is the genuine relationships I build with my clients. Some of my closest friendships actually started from the treatment room! I’m deeply invested in my people — we laugh together, cry together, talk about life, dogs, heartbreak, growth… and then do it all over again four weeks later. I’m a professional, absolutely, but I’m also a real person, and I bring that energy to my work.

I’m most proud of the fact that I built this business from the ground up — through resilience, passion, and a lot of heart. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that this isn’t just a beauty service — it’s care, connection, and confidence, wrapped into one appointment.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy I have for growing my clientele has been a mix of staying consistent on social media and leading with authenticity!

I make a conscious effort to let my personality shine through in everything I post — from sharing behind-the-scenes moments in the studio to offering tips, showcasing my work, and even just talking to the camera like I would a friend. That kind of realness helps potential clients feel like they already know me before they walk through the door and makes existing clients feel connected to me as well!

Once they come in, I focus on providing a great experience, not just a great service — one that feels welcoming, personalized, and professional. That connection is what keeps people coming back and spreading the word. A lot of my growth has come from referrals, and I truly believe that’s because I’ve built a brand that feels like me and a space where people feel seen and taken care of

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that really illustrates my resilience is the journey I took to even get into this industry. I waited over a year just to start school after finally being accepted. And once I did, I was going Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 9 PM, while also working part-time. It was exhausting, but I was determined.

After graduating, I spent three years working for someone else, slowly building my clientele, growing my skills, and learning the ins and outs of the business. Eventually, I hit a point where I felt the pull to go out on my own — but that decision didn’t come lightly. I had just gotten divorced and was navigating a really lonely and tumultuous chapter in my life. I didn’t know if my clients would follow me or if I’d even be able to support myself. It was terrifying, but I took the leap anyway.

What most people don’t know is just how much their support meant to me during that time. My friends, family, and clients probably have no idea how deeply I love and appreciate them — how much it meant to see people rebook, refer others, or simply believe in me when I was still learning how to believe in myself again. Looking back, I’m proud of how I kept showing up for my future, even when things felt uncertain. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t always loud or glamorous — sometimes it’s just quietly choosing yourself, day after day

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skinfluencenashville.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinfluence.nashville/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Skinfluence/61573449950449/

Image Credits

Photos were taken by Valerie Quintero