We recently had the chance to connect with Chrissy Lewis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chrissy , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days are rooted in intention.
I begin quietly usually with a stretch, warm lemon water, and a moment to set the tone for how I want to feel grounded and present.
Then it’s on to the garden. Some morning light with a coffee ( add raw milk, coconut cream and maple syrup in hand) , There’s something deeply healing about being in nature before I tend to skin.
Once I’ve had my moment with the soil, I shift into esthetician mode. At my skincare studio, it’s all about helping my clients reconnect with themselves through sculpting facials, lymphatic massage, and skin education rooted in science. I have an amazing client list so I look forward to each person coming in and catching up, having a moment of silence before we get into some skincare magic.
In between clients, I hydrate with electrolyte fueled water, chart on my last client to keep their skincare goals on point, check up on any orders and emails.
By evening, I wind down with my dogs in the garden, usually barefoot, watching the chickens roam or picking something fresh for dinner. This is where I remind myself that beauty isn’t just skin deep, it’s how we live, what we consume, what we tend to.
I live by rituals, not routines. They keep me balanced in the chaos, and help me cultivate a life that feels both full and intentional.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chrissy — a licensed esthetician, skin health educator, and founder of The SD Facialist, a skincare studio rooted in clinical results, soulful rituals, and deep care. With over two decades of experience, my work blends advanced techniques like sculpting facial massage, gua sha and lymphatic therapy with a mindful, whole-body approach to skin health.
What makes The SD Facialist unique is the way we honor the connection between skin, lifestyle, and self-worth. It’s not just about glowing skin (though we love that!) Its about helping clients feel seen, supported, and reconnected to their natural radiance.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped who I am was going through my breast cancer journey. It cracked me open, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. In a time when everything felt uncertain, I was forced to slow down and listen deeply to my own instincts, even when they went against the grain of what was considered the “standard” treatment path. I had to trust myself in a way I never had before.
That experience changed how I see my body, my purpose, and my power. It shifted the way I live and how I show up for others, especially in my work. It taught me to move with intention, to lead with empathy, and to always advocate for what feels right in my bones. It stripped away everything surface-level and reconnected me to what really matters: truth, healing, and the courage to live in alignment with both.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be If it doesn’t feel right, if it pulls you away from who you truly are, let it go and move on. You don’t have to force yourself to fit into spaces that dull your light. Trust your gut. And when you feel stuck, uninspired, or bored keep learning. Education will always be your way back to purpose, passion, and growth.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in this industry? That you need a 12-step routine, three devices, and the latest viral trend to get real results. Spoiler alert: you don’t. Skin thrives on consistency, not chaos.
Another? That you have to be booked 24/7 to be successful. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor , it’s a system failure. You don’t have to run yourself into the ground to prove your value. Rest, boundaries, and alignment are the new flex.
And let’s not forget the lie that estheticians are just here to “pamper.” No, we’re educators, healers, and leaders. We hold space for transformation, and it’s time our industry stopped downplaying that power.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I’ll regret not continuing to learn, not because I have to, but because growth keeps me inspired. Staying curious is how I stay connected to my purpose.
I’ll regret not taking time away, for a retreat, for stillness, for expansion. I know that when I create space to grow outside the treatment room, I return more aligned, more powerful, and more me. I recently took myself on an esthetician retreat in the heart of jungle in Costa Rica and it was one the most memorable things I have done. Never stop learning.
At the end of the day, I’ll regret shrinking to stay comfortable instead of stretching into the version of myself I know I’m meant to become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sdfacialist.com
- Instagram: @thesdfacialist
- Facebook: The Sd Facialist
- Yelp: The SD Facialist
Image Credits
@stylebyhannahrian
