Today we’d like to introduce you to Anais Alasne Munoz.
Hi Anais Alasne, 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 was born in San Diego, CA, and raised across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. I consider myself a transborder, living between two worlds.
From an early age, I was drawn to the beauty industry. Watching my grandmother perform her beauty ritual every morning was both fascinating and deeply inspiring.
Although I initially studied and pursued careers in the administrative field, it never felt fully aligned with who I was. I eventually decided to follow my heart and dedicate myself to the world of beauty and personal care. In 2015, I returned to San Diego to study cosmetology, taking my first step toward my longtime dream.
A year later, I began to notice changes in my own skin, which led me to pay closer attention to skincare. That curiosity quickly turned into passion, and in 2017, I decided to return to school to obtain my esthetician license.
After working in the field as an esthetician since 2018, I later chose to embark on a new path. I had always been a dreamer, and for years I envisioned creating a space dedicated to self-care, a place where people could disconnect, relax, and learn about their skin. That vision became the foundation for THIS IS NOT A DREAM, which I officially founded in 2021 in my hometown of Tijuana, Mexico.
In 2022, I expanded and opened a second studio in East Village, San Diego. For three years, I worked between both locations, continuing to grow, learn, and build a community around intentional skincare.
By 2025, I felt ready to evolve once again. I made the decision to close my studio in Mexico and step into a new chapter alongside my friend Diana Reyes, founder of HARD DRESSER SALON. Together, we moved into a new space in Barrio Logan, creating a shared creative environment; she focuses on hair, and I continue to grow my skin care studio, THIS IS NOT A DREAM.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think there’s such a thing as a smooth road when you’re pursuing a dream. Struggles will always find a way to make themselves known, but I’ve learned to appreciate them. In many ways, the “easy” road can become messy in the long run.
It hasn’t been smooth, definitely challenging in many ways. For example, managing two locations in two different countries, each with its own culture and clientele, was both intense and exciting. It pushed me to expand my knowledge, adapt my approach, and continuously learn not only as a business owner but also as an esthetician, always refining my skincare knowledge and facial treatments to better serve my clients and elevate their experience.
In 2025, moving and building a new space from scratch was another major obstacle, but also one of the most rewarding experiences. There were moments when I felt incredibly proud, realizing I had strengths as a business owner that I hadn’t even discovered yet. From construction and permits to building a new community and continuing to grow my brand, every step has been a learning experience, all while still working with clients at my first location across the border. It was amazing to see how folks would cross the border to continue receiving their services was very heartwarming and reassuring.
Right now, I’m balancing and focusing on two major parts of my life at once: preparing to become a mom this summer while continuing to nurture and grow my business. It feels motivating and demanding, constantly pushing me to give my best in both roles.
It’s very important to me that my child grows up seeing their mom face difficulties with confidence and resilience, understanding that there is always a solution and that growth often comes through change and perseverance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
THIS IS NOT A DREAM is known for its facials offered in a unique space that channels a dreamy atmosphere and immersive universe. I specialize in professional and personalized treatments tailored to both you and your skin, always approaching skincare from an integrative perspective by considering different aspects of your lifestyle and overall well-being.
My practice focuses on repair and nurturing the long term health of the skin. I believe in working within a slow paced environment, allowing the experience to fully sink in through music, intentional touch, and presence. The products I use are crafted in a lab in Sausalito, CA, using ingredients sourced directly from their microfarm as well as local farmers and suppliers, and are thoughtfully formulated to support your skin’s overall health.
At THIS IS NOT A DREAM, I prefer to approach skin therapy with tenderness rather than from a mindset of “fixing” or achieving a “perfect complexion.” That means embracing a “less is more” approach instead of chasing fast results.
Understanding your skin, recognizing how lifestyle impacts its natural processes, and genuinely enjoying your skincare routine rather than seeing it as a chore can ultimately help you build a healthier relationship with your skin and care for it more intentionally. To me, caring for the skin is a form of self-love and a meaningful way to practice mindfulness.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think success is an ongoing state that requires steady navigation, and it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to thrive in every area of business or professional practice all at once. Because of that, I believe one of the most important qualities is the ability to learn from mistakes and see them as opportunities for personal and professional growth. That perspective creates a more sustainable and fulfilling sense of accomplishment.
I would also say that one of my greatest strengths and something that has been essential in building consistency and client loyalty is my ability to cultivate honest and respectful relationships. Being thoughtful and clear in the way I communicate, whether discussing skin goals, concerns, product recommendations, or even deeper personal conversations, has allowed me to form genuine connections with the people I work with.
It’s been incredibly heartwarming to realize that, through this journey, some of my guests have become people I can truly call friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thisisnotadreamskin.com/
- Instagram: thisisnotadream.skin
Image Credits
Lola Rey
