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Jamie DeNault of Oceanside on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jamie DeNault . Check out our conversation below.

Jamie , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I also felt incredibly proud during a recent segment I filmed with KUSI San Diego. I was nervous beforehand, but I knew how hard I’ve worked to build Brio Skin Studio. Being able to represent my business on TV and speak confidently about what we offer made me realize just how far I’ve come. It was one of those full-circle moments where I got to see my hard work paying off.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Jamie DeNault, Wife and Mother of 3, owner of Brio Skin Studio—a boutique-style facial studio based in Oceanside, California.

At Brio, we specialize in results-driven skincare in a setting that still feels warm, personalized, and relaxing. Our signature service is the Geneo facial, a high-tech treatment that delivers immediate glow and long-term skin health, and we’re proud to be one of the top providers in the area.

What makes Brio special is that it’s not just about skincare—it’s about experience. I created Brio to feel like a retreat from the day-to-day, where every client is truly seen, heard, and cared for. It’s results without the rush. High-quality service without the intimidation.

I work alongside my mom, who’s a nurse practitioner specializing in medical aesthetics like microneedling, Botox, and lasers. Together, we offer a comprehensive approach to skincare that meets our clients wherever they’re at in their skin journey.

Right now, I’m focused on growing Brio’s reach, building community, and helping more people feel confident in their skin. Whether you’re prepping for a big event or simply investing in self-care, Brio is here to support your glow-up.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks the bond between people most often is lack of communication or unspoken expectations. When people stop feeling heard, valued, or safe being honest, distance starts to grow. Whether it’s in friendships, business, or family, resentment builds when assumptions replace conversations.

What restores that bond is vulnerability—genuine, humble communication where both people are willing to listen and own their part. I’ve seen it in my personal life and in business: relationships heal when you lead with empathy instead of ego.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—more than once, honestly. Owning a business, being a mom, and trying to grow something from the ground up can feel overwhelming at times. COVID was definitely a hard time for all businesses in the beauty industry, and there were moments I seriously questioned if Brio would make it through. Being forced to close during lockdown, not knowing when or how I could reopen—it was a scary, uncertain time.

Even after reopening, juggling financial stress, long hours, and the pressure to show up for both my clients and my family took a toll. I remember thinking, Maybe I bit off more than I can chew.

But then a client would come in, leave glowing, and tell me how much better they felt—not just about their skin, but about themselves. And I’d remember why I started. Those small wins, the loyal clients, and the love people have for what I’ve created kept me going. I’ve learned that rest is okay, but quitting isn’t an option when you’re building something you truly believe in.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty and skincare industry is that more is always better—more steps, more products, more aggressive treatments. It creates this pressure on clients to constantly be doing something new or expensive to “fix” themselves, when sometimes their skin just needs consistency, patience, and support.

I’ve been an esthetician for 19 years—long before influencers were ever a thing—and I can tell you with confidence that skincare is not one-size-fits-all. What works for someone you see online isn’t necessarily what your skin needs, and chasing trends can actually do more harm than good.

Social media is fake, and pores are real. Filtered skin and curated routines aren’t reality, and it’s important to educate clients on what’s actually healthy and sustainable for their unique skin. At Brio, I believe in cutting through the noise and helping people connect with what really works—for them.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel at peace when I’m home with my family, especially during those rare slow mornings with no rush, just coffee, sunshine, and my kids around. Finding peace as a business owner and mom isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned to appreciate those little pauses in the day where I can just breathe.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@Archerdeanphotography
@Kateonmoss

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