We were lucky to catch up with Lydia Tobler recently and have shared our conversation below.

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

I started my business in a salon suite with just $3,000 and a lot of determination. From day one, I treated it like a full time job. I showed up every single day, held myself accountable, and gave it 110%, even though no one was watching. That mindset helped me keep going.

The biggest step in getting established was putting myself out there. When you own your own business, no one is going to hand you clients, it’s up to you to get your name out there. Networking was, and still is, nonnegotiable. I talked to everyone. I built relationships in my community, introduced myself everywhere I went, and made sure people knew who I was and what I did.

One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was staying consistently booked. That first year takes grit. It’s easy to feel discouraged when your schedule isn’t full, but I stayed focused, kept showing up, and doubled down on building connections.

If I could go back, I honestly wish I had started sooner. That’s the only thing I would’ve changed. I did the best I could with the resources I had at the time, and I’m proud of that.

For anyone thinking of starting their own practice, my advice is: talk to everyone. Don’t be shy! Your next client might come from a casual conversation at the coffee shop or hot yoga. Put yourself out there, network intentionally, and volunteer when you can. Serving your community builds trust and visibility. You never know who’s watching or how a small interaction can lead to something big.

Lydia, 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 Lydia Tobler – a licensed advanced esthetician, educator, and professional makeup artist turned small business owner in Cincinnati, Ohio. I specialize in customized facial treatments and homecare education, with a strong focus on adult acne, hyperpigmentation, and sustainable, cruelty free beauty practices.

My journey into this field was deeply personal. I suffered with severe Grade 4 adult acne while working in the beauty industry for some major makeup brands. As a professional makeup artist, I had the best products and knew all the techniques, but no amount of skill could make my makeup sit right on inflamed, painful skin. It was incredibly frustrating and, honestly, embarrassing. I decided if I wanted clear skin, I needed to learn how to truly take care of it. That led me to learn about the function and science of skin, esthetics school, and eventually, to opening my own practice.

What I’ve built today is a skincare practice that prioritizes real results, ethical product choices, and client education. I don’t just treat skin, I help people understand it. I guide my clients through their acne journey, often helping them clear their skin without needing to resort to prescriptions like Accutane. I also offer seasonal facials, advanced exfoliation treatments like dermaplaning and chemical peels, body treatments for the underarms and back, and private makeup lessons using only cruelty free products.

What sets me apart is the combination of my lived experience, technical training, and genuine passion. I know what it feels like to be self conscious about the way your skin looks and to feel like you’re doing everything right but still not seeing results. That empathy is built into everything I do.

What I’m most proud of is how many clients I’ve helped regain confidence, not just by clearing their skin, but by educating them to take control of their skincare long term. I’m also proud that I’ve built a business rooted in values: I only use and recommend cruelty free products and I’m mindful about sustainability in my practice.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients or followers to know, it’s this: You don’t have to settle for feeling defeated by your skin. There’s a solution and I’d love to help you find it. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn acne, dark spots, or you’re just ready to feel good in your bare skin again, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My biggest pivot was becoming an esthetician. I have a Bachelors Degree in Concert Design and Technology with an emphasis in Sound Engineering and spent nearly a decade working in live music. In 2019, I had the biggest year of my career including working Coachella, Stagecoach, and Inkcarceration – and then the pandemic shut everything down. With no concerts or gigs, I got a job at a grocery store and used that paycheck to put myself through esthetics school.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It was scary, unpredictable, and honestly, a little heartbreaking at times, but I’m so proud of how I turned a tough situation into something meaningful.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes – though if I could go way back, I might have just committed to medical school and become a dermatologist. I still think about it sometimes! A lot of my clients who are doctors tell me I should do it, and who knows? Maybe I will go back to school one day. But truthfully, I love what I do. Being an esthetician allows me to focus on education, prevention, and long term skin health in a way that feels really aligned with who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lydiatobler.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: @lydiatheeesthetician
• Facebook: Lydia Thee Esthetician