Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Marie.
Hi Cara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the beauty industry started with a very personal struggle. I had horrible acne growing up as a young teen. I was bullied by my peers in school which at one point, completely shattered my confidence. I tried everything, and nothing seemed to work. But instead of giving in, I became obsessed with learning the why behind skincare. That struggle ended up becoming my passion and my purpose. I knew immediately that I wanted to help others feel confident in their skin—because I remembered exactly what it felt like not to.
I graduated high school and enrolled in Aveda’s Esthiology program and never looked back… well sort of. 5 years into my career, I began teaching what I love to other aspiring Estheticians which was probably the best years of my life! I had a full circle moment when I was welcomed a position as an Instructor at Aveda, the same
location I was a student at, and got to work along side the teachers who I looked up to so much when I was their student.
I also always knew I wanted to be a business owner. Growing up, my aunt owned a dance studio, and I thought she was the coolest person ever. She was strong, successful, and completely in charge of her own world—and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps one day.
After 10 years of working in the industry as an Advanced Practice Esthetician and Instructor, I opened Sunshine Aesthetics! Originally launched in a Sola Salon Suite in 2024 that I shared with an old student of mine (another full circle moment). I poured everything into that space and within 10 months, I outgrew it. I took a huge leap of faith and expanded into my own private salon studio, and honestly, that move has been the biggest accomplishment of my entire career.
Today, I strive to keep Sunshine Aesthetics as a welcoming, community-driven skincare lounge where confidence and results meet affordability. My mission has always been simple: help people glow from the inside out and without breaking the bank. Because feeling confident should never be a compromise!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! I have had crazy ups and downs in this industry, but I wouldn’t trade the bumps in the road for anything because as much as they may suck at the time, they always lead you into the exact place you need to be. Building a business from scratch, especially without any business loans or funding, meant I had to wear every hat at all times—esthetician, receptionist, marketer, bookkeeper, plumber… you name it. But running my business solo has really made me slow down and relish in the moments, and also allows me to fine tune every detail how I want it to be so I’ve been very grateful for that experience.
One of the biggest blessings in those early stages was having a close friend of mine who also owns a spa. I leaned on her constantly for advice! At one point, I asked, “How do you know so much about all this stuff? I always feel like I’m forgetting something, it’s giving me so much anxiety” and she goes, “Welcome to the club! That feeling will always be there. I’ve been in this for 4 years and I still feel like I have no idea what I’m doing.” That moment made me laugh, because she is literally the smartest business woman I know, and also gave me the push i needed to not hold back until the plan is “perfect” — because honestly, what is perfect? I realized if you wait for perfect, your dream will never happen.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth, but every setback taught me something important about resilience, boundaries, and trusting myself even when things felt messy. Every twist has brought me closer to building the community-driven, sunshine-filled space I always dreamed of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sunshine Aesthetics?
Sunshine Aesthetics is a modern, welcoming skincare and waxing studio where expert care meets real-life affordability. I specialize in custom facials including acne treatments, full-body waxing, and I’m also well known for my brow and lash services.
What really sets Sunshine apart is the vibe: warm, judgment-free, and focused on honest, personalized care. Whether it’s your first facial or you’re a self care regular, I meet you where you are with tailored treatments and no pressure.
Clients come for services like my thorough Brazilian waxes and detailed facials, but they keep coming back for the connection and community we’ve built. Brand-wise, I’m proud of every thoughtful detail—from the soft, yet warm color palette to our tagline, “Your beauty, our sunshine,” which reflects my mission to brighten your confidence without breaking the bank.
And I’m excited to share we’re launching spray tanning soon! It’s exactly what my menu needs, a perfect glow option for all seasons, so you can shine inside and out.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is spending time with my daughter. Watching her grow, hearing her little laugh, and seeing the world through her eyes. It’s honestly the best part of my life. She keeps me grounded, goofy, and reminds me not to take things too seriously. She is the better version of myself and my daily motivation to reach for the stars.
I’m also happiest in the small, simple moments—a smoothie in hand, music playing, driving with the windows down on a sunny day, being at peace with nature or somewhere by the water. I also love a night in with my favorite people, laughing until it hurts. I’m someone who finds joy in comfort, connection, and creating spaces (literal or emotional) where people feel safe and seen.
Oh—and good brows. Really good brows make me happy too. Especially when I did them 🙂
Pricing:
- Glow All Out Facial $99
- Oilplaning Facial $89
- Brow Wax and Tint $35
- Brazilian $65
- Lash Lift $89
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesunshinelounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowwith.cara/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunshine.Aesthetics.mn
