Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlee Spath.
Hi Carlee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey in esthetics 12 years ago while navigating my own skin struggles with acne and allergic reactions to countless products. With limited holistic information available at the time, I decided to take matters into my own hands and enrolled in esthetics school. From day one, I was hooked! Science was always my favorite topic, the list of courses we were going to cover were anatomy, chemistry, biology, and herbalism.
Two years later, I became an acne specialist and was able to clear not only my own skin but also help my clients find confidence in theirs. Six years into my career, I met Vanessa while working at a spa I was her trainer, and we clicked instantly. We shared treatment rooms with ease, had the same passion for learning, and supported each other’s curiosity and creativity. She quickly became one of my best friends and, eventually, the business partner I never knew I needed.
Together, we’ve spent the last four wild years building The Switch and The Switch Suites a haven grounded in growth, healing, and community that thrives on helping each other. We have I truly couldn’t have created this magical environment without her love, support, and unwavering friendship.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, it’s been a steady journey with the natural ebbs and flows that come with life and entrepreneurship. One of the biggest challenges has been staying consistent in prioritizing myself mentally, emotionally, and physically so I can continue to show up fully for others.
As a leader, educator, and space holder, I’m deeply committed to practicing what I teach between nutrition, skincare, nervous system regulation, movement, rest. But life happens. There have been times when I’ve lost touch with those practices, and when that happens, it tends to snowball into exhaustion or moments of self-sabotage like choosing to work more instead of resting when my body is sending me all the signals for it.
I am most grateful of my ability to recognize those patterns, appreciate the work I have done when I feel I’m not doing my best, reset with compassion, switch things up and keep going. I’ve learned that true leadership starts with how you care for yourself. And I’m endlessly grateful for the strength I’ve built, the community we’ve cultivated and the people I can lean into when I need support, just as they lean into me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a valiant wellness and beauty collective, home to five beautifully curated suites and a powerful community of women in business. The Switch is the heart of our brand, a collaboration between Vanessa, myself, and our incredible team. Together, we specialize in deeply relaxing, luxurious facial experiences that are also results-driven and rooted in science-backed skincare.
Each treatment begins with intention: we regulate the nervous system through aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, and facial sculpting helping our clients release tension they may not even realize they’re holding. From there, we incorporate advanced modalities like Procell Microchanneling, Hydrafacial, Buccal Sculpting, Microcurrent, Dermaplaning, LED Therapy, and a wide range of customized chemical peels.
What truly sets us apart is the community and sisterhood we’ve created. Ten incredible women from different cultures, life paths, and specialties, all showing up for one another with zero ego and endless support. Our collective includes everything from newer estheticians to seasoned practitioners who are now stepping into roles as educators. We offer services across the board from sugaring, lashes, and skincare to acupuncture and massage therapy and with our upcoming expansion, we’re adding even more.
This is more than a workspace. It’s a home. A safe haven where collaboration thrives, clients are cared for with intention, and every woman feels empowered to grow, heal, and lead in her own way. That’s the magic of The Switch and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve created.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Confidence in yourself and being open to change for growth and flow.
Pricing:
- Figure out your cost
- Align with your vision for client experience
- Know your worth for your time
- Keep options simple and cohesive
- Quality over quantity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theswitchsuites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswitchsuites/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/switchsuites/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlee-spath-770a7a245
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-switch-suites-san-diego
Image Credits
arlene Ibarra photographer for all photos sent. www.arleneibarra.com
