Meet Kayla Crossley | Esthetician & business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Crossley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As an experienced esthetician with nearly a decade in the beauty industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. Over the years, I’ve come to realize how the industry often leans heavily on rigid beauty standards—standards that are not only unattainable for many but also exclude the diverse ways people express their individuality. This lack of inclusivity inspired me to reimagine what the beauty experience could and should be.

My vision is to create a brand that breaks away from these outdated norms and instead celebrates authenticity, individuality, and self-expression. I believe that beauty is not one-size-fits-all; it’s deeply personal and unique to each person. My mission is to create a welcoming space where anyone and everyone feels empowered to embrace their version of beauty without judgment or pressure to conform.

This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the brand. From the moment someone steps through the door, they’re met with a warm, inclusive environment where they can truly be themselves. Each service is designed to cater to the individual, with a focus on personalization. No two experiences are ever alike because every client is unique, and their needs, preferences, and personality should be at the forefront of their treatment.

Beyond delivering exceptional services, I want every client to leave feeling not only pampered but also recharged, confident, and seen. This is about more than just beauty—it’s about creating a safe space where self-expression and individuality are celebrated. Whether someone wants to amplify their boldness or explore their softer side, my goal is to honor their vision and help them feel their absolute best.

By fostering this level of care, connection, and inclusivity, I hope to redefine what it means to be part of the beauty industry. It’s about empowering people to express who they are and wear it proudly—because true beauty is found in the unique essence of every individual.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the proud owner and sole operator of Killer Queen Esthetics, located in Lakewood, CO. This journey has been anything but ordinary—it’s been a path of growth, resilience, and passion for the beauty industry.

Killer Queen Esthetics began humbly as a small home-based spa near Firestone, CO, operating out of a modest room in the house I was renting. At the time, I was working at a lash bar in Boulder, but I decided to take a leap of faith and started offering services to friends and family from home.

In 2022, I was presented with an incredible opportunity to establish my business in a beauty suite in Lafayette. It was a significant milestone, and I poured my heart into building my brand and serving my clients. However, life is full of unexpected challenges, and Killer Queen Esthetics has had to relocate twice since then due to personal circumstances.

Relocating a business is never easy, especially after establishing strong foot traffic and community connections in one location. But through these challenges, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: if you’ve overcome starting over once, you can do it again and again until you find the right place to grow.

This journey has taught me patience and perseverance. A business doesn’t flourish overnight—it’s more like nurturing a plant. You tend to the extras when you have the time, but the most important thing is to consistently water it with care and dedication.

I’ve also learned the importance of self-care as a business owner. Taking breaks when needed is crucial because burnout can affect not only your work ethic but also how you present yourself to clients. Staying grounded, setting boundaries, and standing firm in what you believe is best for your business are equally vital.

Killer Queen Esthetics is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my passion for helping people feel confident and cared for. Each setback has been a stepping stone, and every relocation has brought me closer to creating a space where individuality and self-expression are celebrated.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just moved to lakewood so I don’t really know what’s all over here quite yet. But I really liked kicking chicken whem I ate with some friends there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first and foremost thank my friends and family for being my #1 support system! I don’t think I would have made it past my first year with out them!

I want to thank all of my pervious mentors :

My esthetician tech teacher, she was a big inspiration for me when I was still in high school and really pushed for me to work hard. She helped carve this passion I have for the industry

Although technically she wasn’t a mentor I want to tank they owner of beauty unleashed, elieen. She was wonderful and very understanding! She was also willing to teach me new things to grow my business successfully I would love to learn more form her

Website: https://killerqueenesthetics.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killer.queen.esthetics?igsh=MWhid2lpZmc3MG05aA==

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/killerqueenesthetics

Image Credits
None