Every woman deserves an incredible esthetician, one who not only nurtures their skin, but also their soul. Our next Boss Lady is exactly that person! She literally helps women be the most confident in their own skin and she shines her beautiful light while she makes that happen. She is a badass business owner and has created an incredible space for her clients to be exactly who they need to be. We promise that you need this Boss Lady in your life, and we are so excited to share her words with you.
THE STAR OF THIS BOSS LADY LESSON IS:
Carlyn Graves
OWNER
Introduce yourself to the community of lovely LEO & MAUDE ladies. Give us the 4-1-1 on Y-O-U.
Hello everyone, my name is Carlyn Graves and I am a licensed esthetician, owner of SKINBYCARLYN LLC, and Monterey native. I am a mother to two beautiful girls. I am married to my bestest friend in the entire world and I feel blessed every day for the life I am currently living. I am simply obsessed with my job and have to pinch myself often that I get paid to make women feel their most confident self. Making you all glow inside and out is such an honor.
Q
Our motto is: Who wants to fit in a box, anyway? How do you defy limits and live a life outside the box?
A
Through everything I have been through in life, I have simply decided to do what feels right without even thinking of others’ judgement. At the end of the day, do what makes you your happiest you.
Q
What do you value most?
A
I value family time above everything!
Q
Who has been your greatest influence? What impact did they make on your life?
A
Honestly, my husband. We met right about when my dad passed. I swear he pulled me out of the darkest of trenches and showed me all the light and positivity this world has to offer. He is my biggest cheerleader with my business and with everything in life. He keeps me going 🙂
Q
Tell us about your current profession. What led you down this path?
A
I am a small business owner and licensed esthetician. I specialize in corrective skincare treatments. Nothing makes me more excited than seeing skin transform right before my eyes. A good before and after makes my world go ’round. I do throw in some lash and brow treatments as well, which is fun, but my first love is skin – I’m a nerd for the science.
Q
What does being successful mean to you?
A
Being successful to me is not the traditional money aspect. Success to me is having lots of free time to do what makes you happy. What’s more successful than a healthy/happy work and life balance?
Q
What is one fun fact about yourself that most people would never know?
A
Other than my dad, I am the only one in my family to run their own business. I am also a licensed esthetician along the whole west coast.
Q
If you could share one piece of advice with women around the world, what would it be?
A
If you want it, go for it and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Q
At what point in your life were you the happiest?
A
I think I’d have to say currently. Being a mom, married to my best friend, and being a successful business owner has been very fulfilling.
Q
Imagine you are sitting in your childhood bedroom. What do you see?
A
I see hammocks in the corners of my ceiling housing all my stuffed animals.
Q
If you could go back and talk to your 12-year-old self, what would you tell her?
A
Every hardship you’re about to endure will make you stronger and softer at the same time.
Q
The world is constantly pulling us in a million directions. What healthy boundaries have you created in life to keep yourself from going insane?
A
Protecting my energy as well as respecting myself and my needs. Boundaries are challenging for me but is something I am constantly working on.
Q
What self-care activity do you regularly practice to put your mind, body and soul at peace?
A
Time in nature/outside. Whether it be the beach, the park with my daughter, or even just walks. I find myself most at peace when I am outdoors. I used to practice yoga and I really miss it so hopefully incorporating that back into life soon!
Q
There’s nothing better than feeling head-over-heels, passionate-beyond-measure, butterflies-in-stomach, totally and completely in love. What do you do to keep the madly-in-love spirit alive in your (past or present) relationship?
A
That is a tricky one with little ones being priority these days. My husband and I have always majorly emphasized communication in our relationship. We try to connect at the end of each day with our highs and lows. We really are best friends and enjoy spending all our free time together as a family. Making time for date nights has also been fun and exciting.
Q
You are stranded on a desert island, and you can only have one beauty product. What product do you need with you and why is it a must-have?
A
Ooooh even though I would be dead in my industry if I don’t say SPF, I think I would choose a product called Cell Protection Balm. It’s a healing semi-occlusive (similar to Aquaphor but magical ingredients).
Q
Tell us what’s next for you. Are there any exciting things on the horizon?
A
My daughter (number 2) just arrived in December, expanding my family to four. Planning on making some fun changes to SKINBYCARLYN LLC and flourishing in every aspect of my life.
Q
If you live to be 100 years old, what do you hope your life will look like?
A
Lots of love, laughter, good food, good beer, family time, and health.
BONUS QUESTIONS
Q
Amanda is a self-proclaimed snack queen, so she needs to know: What is your absolute, go-to, can’t-live-without, favorite snack in the world?
A
Peanut butter pretzels for sure.
Q
Jen strongly believes in bringing the best you forward, so she needs to know: What one item of clothing (or full outfit) makes you feel like a rockstar every time you put it on?
A
LOL my scrubs and Hokas. So me.
Q
Amanda and Jen are huge music lovers, so they need to know: What song is your ultimate anthem? (you know, the one you can play a million times in a row and never get sick of!) Why is it your favorite?
A
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac, Walking On A Dream – Empire Of The Sun, Marinade – Dope Lemon
A special thank you to Carlyn for sharing a bit of her story with us. Our hope is that this little peek behind the green curtain gives you something to connect to, showing us all that no matter how different we may be, we all have more in common than we think. Questions for the Boss Lady featured here? Leave a comment for her below!
Do you know an extra special lady who would be perfect for this interview series? Or maybe YOU are that special someone? Feel free to nominate them (or yourself) for a chance to be featured as our next Boss Lady.
