Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Nelson
Hi Brittany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into esthetics wasn’t a straight path, but every turn along the way led me exactly where I was meant to be.
I originally pursued veterinary technology after high school because of my love for animals, but I quickly realized it wasn’t my true calling. That led me to cosmetology school in my early 20s, where I unexpectedly fell in love with skin. While I appreciated learning about hair and nails, skincare fascinated me in a way nothing else did. I knew I wanted to focus on esthetics exclusively.
I made the smart decision to complete my cosmetology license before going back to school specifically for esthetics, allowing me to fully specialize in what I truly loved. By 2010, I had earned my esthetics license and officially stepped into the industry.
For over a decade, I managed spa departments, led esthetic teams, mentored and trained professionals, and developed service protocols while building a dedicated clientele. As my reputation grew, so did my books, often to the point where I had to turn people away and place them on a cancellation list. Clients frequently told me, “You should open your own business with the demand you have. I would follow you anywhere.”
But imposter syndrome is real. Even with years of experience, there’s always that little voice that makes you doubt yourself. Am I really ready? Can I actually do this? I knew I had the skills, the knowledge, and the clientele, but stepping out on my own felt terrifying.
Investing in my business was another huge fear. It’s one thing to dream about being your own boss, but another to actually sign a lease, invest in expensive devices, and commit to skincare lines with hefty opening orders. It’s a huge financial risk, and it’s scary. But I knew that to create the business I envisioned, I had to push past that fear. You have to spend money to make money.
In August 2022, I took a chance on myself and started my own esthetics business inside Phenix Salon Suites in Maple Grove. Now, I get to offer my clients the personalized care they deserve, without corporate restrictions telling me what to sell or how to treat skin. I’ve built something that aligns with my values: luxury treatments, medical-grade skincare, and results-driven services for everyone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all! But I believe anything truly worth having doesn’t come easy.
One of my biggest struggles early on was breaking into the esthetics industry. After getting my cosmetology license, I was ready to start my career as an esthetician, but every time I applied for jobs, I kept getting turned down. Companies told me I needed more hours and that they preferred my license to specifically say Esthetician instead of Cosmetologist, even though cosmetology requires more training hours and is the study of all three areas: hair, nails, and skin.
Instead of giving up, I doubled down and went back to school again to get my esthetics license, making sure no one could question my qualifications. But even after I got into the industry, I faced a new challenge: fear.
Investing in my business was another huge struggle. It’s one thing to dream about being your own boss but another to actually sign a lease, invest in expensive devices, and invest in skincare lines that came with significant upfront costs. It was a financial risk, and it was scary. But I knew that to create the business I envisioned, I had to push past that fear and invest in myself.
Taking the leap to open my own business was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done but also the best. Every challenge along the way, whether it was the fear of starting over, the financial investment, or navigating business ownership, has led me to where I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is built on one simple belief: skin health is confidence. It’s not just about facials or products. It’s about transformation, self-care, and feeling your absolute best in your skin. Every treatment is designed with intention and tailored to each client’s needs. I specialize in results driven skincare with a focus on medical grade treatments, advanced esthetics, and customized client experiences. My goal is to bridge the gap between a spa-like experience and true clinical results because you shouldn’t have to choose between relaxation and real results.
What sets my business apart is honesty, expertise, and customization. I don’t believe in pushing unnecessary services or selling products just for the sake of making a sale. Unlike corporate spas that promote specific brands, I personally handpick high performance, medical grade skincare lines alongside professional products that cater to a range of budgets and skin concerns. Every product and service I offer is carefully researched, tested, and chosen with intention.
I also take pride in offering an inclusive, client centered approach. My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their skin type, tone, or experience with skincare, feels seen, heard, and empowered. Whether someone is looking for medical grade treatments, age management, pigment correction, acne-clearing solutions, or maintaining skin health, I create a customized plan that meets their unique needs.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust, loyalty, and meaningful friendships I’ve built with my clients. This isn’t just a business. It’s a space where people feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely cared for. At the end of the day, my brand isn’t about quick-fix trends or sales tactics. It’s about empowerment, education, and long-term skin health.
At the core of my business is one promise: I’m here to deliver real results with your skin, your way, always.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I used to let fear keep me small. For years, I knew I wanted to open my own business, but the what ifs held me back. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t get clients? What if I couldn’t afford it?
But here’s what I’ve learned: fear and growth can’t exist in the same place.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was walking away from a secure job to go all in on my own business. I had no safety net, no guarantees, just a belief in myself and the drive to build something meaningful.
The truth is, when you want something so deeply, when you can see it, feel it, and believe in it like it already exists, it’s not just a dream. It’s your future waiting for you to claim it. And in that moment, you realize the real risk isn’t failure. It’s staying in a place that no longer serves you.
Risk is terrifying, but staying stuck is even scarier. The most pivotal decision you’ll ever make is betting on yourself. If you’ve put in the work, if you know you have something valuable to offer, then the only real failure is never taking the chance. The unknown is intimidating, but the regret of never trying? That’s unbearable.
Pricing:
- Acne Bootcamp Treatment: $130-$160
- Custom Facial Treatment: $160
- Chemical Peels: $175-$370
- Hydrofacial: $200-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luminescence-aesthetics-llc.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luminescence_aesthetics_/?hl=en#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090193159655
- Other: https://linktr.ee/luminescenceaesthetics?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8576d91b-d84e-47da-8f12-51f506c6ac49
