Q&A with Shayla Espasa

It’s no secret that Shayla’s been a client favorite since joining the SKINREMEDY fam - so we’re shining a little spotlight on her journey, skincare wisdom, and a few fun facts you might not know. With over 19 years of aesthetic experience (yep, she knows her stuff), Shayla brings not only deep expertise but a true passion for helping clients achieve that lit-from-within glow. Her blend of skill, heart and warmth makes her an incredible part of our team. So we sat down for a fun Q&A to talk shop, skincare must-haves, and her go-to advice for glowing skin.

Pssst...New to SKINREMEDY?

We’ve got a welcome treat tucked at the end of this post just for you!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN AESTHETICIAN?

I’ve loved “beauty” since I was a child, often getting into my mother’s and aunt’s makeup, perfumes, and body products. I had my first facial when I was 15. It was a very memorable experience, but it wasn’t until i was in my early 20s working as an admin when I started getting regular facials at a spa near my home called Mysha Day Spa. Unbeknownst to her, my Esthetician there—also named Melissa—inspired me to pursue licensure in skin care.

WITH OVER 19 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, WHAT’S A LESSON THAT’S STUCK WITH YOU?

You must keep learning. This industry is ever-evolving and to be at the top of your craft, you must stay up to date on the latest and greatest. Also, be a client! Getting facials regularly will help keep you inspired and avoid burnout.

HAVE YOU WORKED IN ANY UNIQUE OR INTERESTING PLACES BEFORE JOINING SKINREMEDY? HOW DID THOSE EXPERIENCES SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO SKINCARE?

Probably the most unique was working on a cruise ship in the southern Caribbean. I learned a lot from that experience but nothing really pertaining to my approach to skincare lol

WHAT DREW YOU TO JOIN THE SKINREMEDY TEAM?

I truly believe life leads you where you are meant to go, and when I met Melissa through a peer, I was immediately drawn to her enthusiasm and passion. Her approach to skincare and wellness deeply resonated with mine.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF TREATMENT TO PERFORM?

Clinical & effective, yet soothing and relaxing.

HOW HAS WORKING IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS OVER THE YEARS HELPED YOU DEVELOP YOUR UNIQUE CLIENT CARE STYLE?

It has made me adaptable and confident to handle any situation, and any personality.

ANY GO-TO SKINCARE ADVICE?

Your skin is a reflection of your internal world… take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health as best you can. Live authentically and practice self care. Wash your face every night, wear your spf daily, find a moisturizer appropriate for your specific skin type, drink half your weight in H20, and find an Esthi-bestie you can trust.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH YOU COULD GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF WHEN YOU STARTED IN AESTHETICS?

Finish my nursing degree; it will only help you in your aesthetician journey!

WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD DURING YOUR CAREER AS AN AESTHETICIAN?

I could mention magazine features or celebrity clients, but honestly, the most memorable part of my career has been the relationships I've built with every day women. It's the conversations in the treatment room, the ones that happen when the lights are low and guards come down. The realness, the vulnerability, the laughter, the heartbreak, the strength... it's all inspiring. Women are incredible and no matter what, we always show up for each other.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND?

Family time. Traveling. Slow mornings/relaxing. Exploring. Being in nature. Quality time with friends.

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN! IF YOU WERE ON A DESERTED ISLAND AND COULD ONLY BRING THREE BEAUTY/SKINCARE PRODUCTS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Omg only 3!? How would i survive?!? I’m going with AlumierMD SensiCalm Cleanser, May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon, and Elta MD UV Sheer.

💥RAPID FIRE ROUND!

COFFEE OR TEA?

Coffee

MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT PERSON?

I’ll get back to you once i’m on HRT :-/

BEACH DAY OR COZY CABIN WEEKEND?

Beach

SHEET MASKS: LOVE THEM OR SKIP THEM?

Love ‘em

FAVORITE SKINCARE INGREDIENT?

Hyaluronic Acid

GO-TO SELF-CARE RITUAL AFTER A LONG DAY?

Mineral bath with a golden latte or a glass of wine—depending on what kind of day it was.

DREAM VACATION SPOT?

South Africa + Seychelles

LIP BALM OR GLOSS?

Balm

NETFLIX BINGE OR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE?

Outdoor adventure

FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND AFTER WORK?

Unwind after work? what does that mean?? lol

LAST SHOW YOU BINGE WATCHED?

1883

FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD?

Pasta

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

“Love yourself enough to struggle”

Top: On deck of a Princess Cruise Ship where she practiced Aesthetics - Circa 2008
Bottom: Vacationing with family in Spain