Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hedrick.
Hi Stephanie, 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?
I definitely didn’t grow up thinking I’d be an esthetician. I actually went to college for IT Networking and Security Management. My interest in skin health really started with my own issues. I tanned a lot in my teens and began noticing sun spots way earlier than I should have. In my early 20s I discovered that there were professionals and products that could truly help people with concerns like mine.
After dealing with my own skin challenges, I realized how life-changing good skincare can be and I wanted to be that person for someone else. But there was never a “perfect” time to go back to school. Then life threw my family a few curveballs, and in a strange way it opened the door for me to finally pursue esthetics.
I went to esthetics school, became licensed, and opened Esthetics By Stephanie Marie inside Grace Collaborative Salon in Van Wert, Ohio. When I started, it was just me in a tiny room trying to build something from scratch. Today, one year later, it’s still me in a tiny room but now I specialize in advanced, results-focused treatments like HydroDiamond facials, NanoInfusion, chemical peels, SWiCH, dermaplaning, and full body waxing.
One thing about me is that my treatments are corrective and science-backed, but still relaxing. I believe deeply in the importance of touch and how it can calm the nervous system, lower stress, and make someone feel genuinely cared for. If my hands aren’t working on your face, I’m massaging. My clients know they’ll be taken care of and leave glowing.
I’m also a Circadia retailer and help clients with homecare both in person and remotely, which has been amazing for people who aren’t local.
My business has grown so much, and I’m genuinely grateful. I get to help people every single day and that’s honestly the best part of all of this.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been bad, but it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I spent hours and honestly whole days just sitting in my little room hoping my phone would ring or that maybe someone would walk in and give me a chance. Starting from zero is no joke.
I’m blessed that my mom and dad believed in me enough to loan me the money for my startup. Things like sheets, blankets, towels, and the first round of products. Without them I wouldn’t have even opened my doors.
Even with that help, the mental side has been rough. I dealt with imposter syndrome a lot at first. When you’re new, it’s hard not to question yourself or compare yourself to people who’ve been doing this for years. I’ve learned that estheticians are all different. So I just have to be myself, do my best, and the clients who align with me will come.
And you really have to love doing this, because the behind-the-scenes work is no joke. I still spend endless hours trying to figure out social media — what to post, how to keep people interested, how to get them to trust me with their skin. Building relationships, building a reputation, and staying in front of my audience takes way more time and energy than I ever imagined.
Then there’s the dishes and laundry. Ugh. Every day when I get home from work, I’m doing loads of laundry, making notes from the day if I didn’t have time between clients, and catching up on texts and social media messages.
But looking back, all those long days, the quiet moments with no clients, the posting and crossing my fingers has all pushed me to grow and work harder.
We’ve been impressed with Esthetics By Stephanie Marie LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Esthetics By Stephanie Marie is my skincare studio in Van Wert, Ohio. I focus on results-driven, corrective treatments but still keep everything relaxing and comfortable. My goal is simple: help people feel confident in their skin while giving them a place where they can slow down and actually breathe for a minute.
I specialize in advanced skincare like HydroDiamond facials, NanoInfusion, chemical peels, SWiCH, dermaplaning, and full body waxing. I’m also a Circadia retailer, and a huge part of what I do is helping clients build customized homecare routines both in person and remotely. I love educating people, breaking things down in a way that makes sense, and helping them understand why their skin behaves the way it does.
One thing I’m known for is blending results with relaxation. I don’t just apply a mask and walk away. If my hands aren’t working on your face, I’m massaging your shoulders, arms, scalp, something. Touch is important for stress, healing, and just feeling cared for, and I want every client to feel that when they’re with me.
What sets me apart is my honesty and how much I truly care. I’m not going to sell someone something they don’t need or make empty promises. I take the time to learn people’s concerns, goals, and lifestyle so I can create a plan that actually fits their life. My clients know they’re listened to, not rushed, and that their results matter to me just as much as they matter to them.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built. My business started with zero clients a year ago, and now I get to help people every single day, whether it’s clearing acne, softening fine lines, improving texture, or just giving them an hour of peace. I’m grateful for every person who walks through my door, and I hope people can feel that in my work.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was super shy. I had anxiety disorder as early as kindergarten, and with my dad being a Marine, we moved around a lot. That was tough, especially for someone shy, but it taught me how to adapt, stay optimistic, and always give my best effort.
I always loved animals and actually wanted to be a veterinarian when I was little. I’m also the oldest, and when my younger brother and sister were old enough and my mom went back to work, I took being “in charge” very seriously. My brother still loves to bring up the time we weren’t allowed to have friends over while our parents were gone. His friend wouldn’t leave, and I didn’t want to get in trouble, so after asking him three times to go home… I punched him right in the nose. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://EstheticsByStephanieMarie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estheticsby.stephh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555970712573
- Other: https://share.google/oF3hyGWGolPdnWW3L
Image Credits
Nicole Morehead Photography
