We recently connected with Leeann Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.

LeeAnn, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

When I first decided to become an esthetician, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I initially expected to find a job and work under someone for a while, learning the ropes of the industry along the way. However, after countless interviews and hitting roadblock after roadblock, I found myself facing disappointment after disappointment. I began to feel like I just didn’t fit the mold many high-end spas seemed to expect.
That’s when I had a pivotal realization:

As a consumer, I often struggled to find inclusive spas where I truly felt welcome. I knew there had to be others who felt the same way. It was then that I decided to create something different — an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their style, background, or appearance, could feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Upon making the decision to start my own practice, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I was ready to take the leap. The first step was developing a clear vision of what kind of clinic I wanted to create — one that prioritized inclusivity and made every client feel welcome, regardless of their appearance or background. From there, I dove into the logistics, such as securing a location, managing finances, and sourcing high-quality products that aligned with my values. It was crucial to build a brand that reflected both my personality and the needs of my target audience.

One of the key challenges in the early days was navigating the complexities of starting a business from scratch. Everything from budgeting to marketing, and even understanding the legal requirements, was a learning curve. I faced rejection, especially in terms of finding the right space and making sure I had a sustainable business model. There were times when I wondered if I had made the right decision, but my passion for providing a unique, inclusive experience kept me going.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change much, but I do wish I had been more patient with myself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and doubt your abilities when you’re new to entrepreneurship, but things take time to fall into place. My advice for any young professional considering starting their own practice is to make sure you’re clear about your ‘why’ — your purpose and the unique value you want to bring to the industry. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Mentorship and networking are invaluable when starting out. Lastly, embrace challenges as part of the process; they will shape you and your business in ways you might not expect.

LeeAnn, 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?

Hi! I’m LeeAnn, the owner of L.R. ACNE LAB. We are a skincare clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico dedicated to helping people achieve healthy, confident skin! My journey into the skincare industry is deeply personal. I struggled with adult acne for years and know firsthand how frustrating and isolating it can feel. That experience is what drove me to become an esthetician, with a focus on helping others who are also suffering from acne and other skin concerns. I wanted to create a space where clients wouldn’t just get a treatment but would feel heard, supported, and fully guided through a personalized skincare journey.

At my clinic, we offer a range of services, including facials, customized skincare plans, and our popular Acne Boot Camp program, designed to tackle even the most stubborn acne. We also provide professional-grade products from Face Reality, Glymed+ and Colorescience, which I’ve personally vetted for their effectiveness and skin health benefits.

What truly sets my clinic apart from others is the one-on-one approach I take with each client. I don’t believe in quick fixes or a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, I work closely with my clients to understand the root cause of their skin issues, particularly acne, and create a customized plan that addresses their unique needs. I’m not just focused on offering treatments—I’m deeply invested in my clients’ results, and I’m with them every step of the way, providing ongoing support and adjustments as needed.

The thing I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone regain their confidence after feeling defeated by their skin issues for so long. For potential clients, I want you to know that when you come to my clinic, you’re not just another appointment—you’re getting a partner who is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your skincare goals. Your success is my success, and I care about getting real, lasting results for each and every client.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One important lesson I’ve had to unlearn in building a business is the idea that “if you build it, they will come.” In reality, it’s been much more challenging than I anticipated. As a newcomer in the industry, I didn’t fully understand how hard it would be to gain the trust of potential clients who had never worked with me before. It wasn’t enough just to offer services; I had to figure out what would make someone choose me specifically, and why I’d want to go to me if I were the client.

Through this process, I also realized that not everyone is going to like or connect with you and that’s okay. As a recovering people pleaser, this was especially tough to come to terms with. I had to learn that I can’t make everyone happy, and that trying to do so isn’t sustainable for my business or for my own well-being. Instead, I’ve focused on creating authentic connections with clients who truly value what I bring to the table, and that has made all the difference.

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

Aside from training and knowledge, I believe one of the most important factors for succeeding in this field is resilience and a mindset of continuous learning. In an industry that’s always evolving, it’s crucial to stay adaptable and open to new techniques, trends, and client needs. No matter how much you learn, there’s always more to discover. This mentality has allowed me to approach challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow and improve.

Resilience has been key to my success, especially when things didn’t go as planned or when progress seemed slow. There have been moments of doubt, but I’ve learned to push through setbacks, knowing that growth often comes from the toughest times. Being willing to admit that I don’t know everything has opened me up to new perspectives and allowed me to constantly refine my skills and business approach. Whether it’s learning from peers, industry leaders, or even my clients, staying humble and curious has helped me continue evolving as both an esthetician and a business owner.

For anyone looking to succeed in this field, I’d say the ability to bounce back, embrace change, and always be willing to learn is just as critical as technical expertise. It’s this combination of resilience and a thirst for growth that will help you stand out and thrive over the long term.

Contact Info:

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