Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Godz.
Alina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Story – Alina Godz, Founder of Facials Bar
My journey began in Ukraine, where I opened my first beauty salon over eight years ago. The beauty industry there is incredibly competitive, which constantly motivated me to grow — to dive deeper into skincare, elevate the client experience, and truly fall in love with my profession.
As time went on, our salon grew, and we opened a second location — a specialized laser hair removal studio. It was a focused concept, and within just one year, we were fully booked. I was leading a strong team and managing a thriving business — one I had built from scratch with passion, care, and a deep understanding of what clients truly needed.
And then, the war began.
Like many others, I had to make a decision I never imagined — to leave everything behind: my business, my team, my home… and start from zero in a new country, with a new language, and no guarantees. I moved to San Diego with my family and a dream — to bring the high standards and thoughtful skincare culture of Ukraine to California.
Despite my years of hands-on experience, I couldn’t work in the field without a California license. So I enrolled in San Diego City College, completed the full esthetics program, and earned my esthetician license. It was both time-consuming and inspiring. I respected the process and saw it as an opportunity to understand the beauty industry from the inside here in the U.S. Starting a business in a new country isn’t simple — you can’t just transfer your experience. What worked in Ukraine doesn’t always work here.
As I began exploring the market, I noticed something was missing — a place where results, aesthetics, and design came together. I couldn’t find a space where highly effective treatments lived in a beautiful, modern environment with thoughtful client care. That’s when the idea for Facials Bar was born.
Facials Bar is where skincare meets simplicity, and design meets results. We offer treatments that are quick yet powerful — like a workout for your skin. Every service includes our signature sculpting facial massage, paired with advanced technology and high-performance skincare products.
At Facials Bar, skincare is a form of self-respect — a luxurious ritual that fits seamlessly into your everyday life. It’s not a rare indulgence. It’s a lifestyle.
Today, I’m proud of what we’ve created in La Jolla. The space is beautiful, the team is talented, and our clients leave glowing — not just on the outside, but from within. Starting over wasn’t easy. It took strength, patience, and unwavering belief. But I’ve learned that when you lead with heart, authenticity, and love for what you do, you can build something even stronger than what you left behind.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth — but every obstacle shaped me.
Leaving behind a successful business in Ukraine due to the war was the hardest moment of my life. I came to the U.S. with no connections, no resources, and had to start completely over — both personally and professionally. I didn’t speak English fluently, and I had to go back to school to earn my California esthetician license
Then came the challenge of launching a business in a new country. Learning the market, understanding regulations, building a team, finding a location, and earning the trust of clients — every step came with unknowns and risks. It was exhausting and emotional at times, but I reminded myself daily why I started.
Now when I look at my space, my team, and my clients glowing after their treatments — I know every challenge was worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Facials Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Facials Bar is a modern skincare studio in La Jolla offering result-driven facials that fit beautifully into your lifestyle. We specialize in 30–60 minute treatments that combine advanced technology, high-performance skincare, and our signature sculpting facial massage.
Our space is clean, calming, and thoughtfully designed to make self-care feel both luxurious and accessible. What sets us apart is the balance we strike — effective, clinical-grade treatments delivered in a warm, boutique-style environment.
We’re proud to bring a new standard of skincare to the San Diego community — one rooted in expertise, intention, and care.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the skincare industry evolving toward a blend of high-tech personalization and human touch. Clients are becoming more informed and are looking for treatments that deliver visible results, while also feeling relaxing and intentional. AI will play a major role in this — from skin analysis to custom treatment planning — and at Facials Bar, we’re already integrating AI-powered diagnostics to help clients better understand their skin and make smarter skincare choices.
As for our vision, we plan to open a second location in San Diego and another in Orange County, with the goal of expanding through franchising. We want to bring our signature concept — effective, technology-enhanced facials in a beautifully designed space — to more communities. Our dream is to create a network of facial bars where skincare feels modern, effortless, and truly transformative.
Pricing:
- Mini Facial $99
- Signature Facial $140
- Platinum Facial $175
- Buccal Facial $150
- Clarifying Facial $140
Contact Info:
- Website: https://facials.bar/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facials.bar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563315492743
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/facials-bar-san-diego
- Other: info@facials.bar
