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An Inspired Chat with Mackenzie Olsen of El Cajon/ Fletcher Hills

We recently had the chance to connect with Mackenzie Olsen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My family- I just welcomed my second son into the world in February. I love spending time with my sweet little family and making memories with them.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a licensed esthetician who specializes in result driven esthetics. I work with clients of all ages struggling with acne and problematic skin. I have a background in dermatology and worked in private practices for over 9 years. I am passionate about addressing the root cause of a client’s acne rather than just treating the surface problems. I have over 15 years of dedicated experience as a skin therapist and I have a deep understanding of the various factors that contribute to acne; including diet, hormones, bodily functions and environmental triggers. I take a comprehensive approach to my client’s skin health and consider both internal and external factors to help them achieve healthy skin.

In 2019, I began specializing in eyebrow services—combining technical skill with my lifelong love for art. Growing up, I spent much of my free time immersed in creative projects, so working with brows felt like a natural extension of that artistic expression. My goal is to help my clients feel confident, refreshed, and naturally beautiful.

With a foundation in skincare and a passion for creativity, I offer a range of personalized esthetic services including custom facials, brow shaping/ lamination/ tinting, and lash enhancements.

I took a leap in 2020 and opened my own business to create a more personal, creative space for my clients.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my husband. My husband and I are high school sweetheart; we’ve been together for 18 years and married for 10. Being in a relationship with my husband for the past 18 years has deeply shaped the way I see myself. His steady, unconditional love has been a mirror—reflecting back the parts of me I struggled to see as worthy. Through his patience, support, and unwavering belief in who I am, I’ve learned what it means to feel truly loved without conditions or expectations. That kind of love has softened me, helped me grow, and most importantly, taught me how to love myself. I’ve come to understand that I am deserving—not because of what I do or how I show up, but simply because I exist.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up before I ever really got started. I launched my business with so much excitement, only to be shut down less than a month later when the COVID stay-at-home orders hit. The beauty industry came to a sudden halt, and with it, all the plans and momentum I had built. I remember sitting in the quiet, questioning everything—had I made a mistake? Was this dream meant for me? But somewhere in that stillness, I found resilience. I reminded myself why I started in the first place and chose to believe that this season wouldn’t last forever. That decision—to hold on when it felt easier to let go—became one of the defining moments of my journey.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you ask my friends what truly matters to me, they’ll tell you it’s my family—because they are my whole world. My husband and our two boys, ages five and six months, are the heart of everything I do. They give my days meaning and my life so much joy. I’m also deeply rooted in my big family back home in Michigan—my parents, step-parents, and five siblings have shaped who I am and continue to be a constant source of love and support. Family isn’t just important to me—it’s everything. It’s where I find strength, purpose, and the reminder of what really matters most.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss the connection we’ve built just as much as the services themselves. As an esthetician, I see many of my clients every month, and over time, those appointments become more than selfcare—they become real relationships. I truly love getting to know the people who lay on my treatment bed, hearing about their lives, and creating a space where they feel seen, cared for, and completely themselves. My customer service and personability are at the heart of what I do, and I think that genuine connection is what my clients would miss most.

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