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

Hi Valentina, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is a really hot topic in the small business world! And that’s because, most small business owners have none! It can be so easy to get lost in the workload because you feel you need to do everything to keep your business running and the to-do list never ends. My first year in business, I would pretty much work 24/7. I kept my availability open so clients could book whenever they needed. In the times I wasn’t seeing clients, I was doing -something- to keep the business going. It was a one woman show so it’s what I felt like I needed to do to grow. Eventually, I got really burnt out and figured out quickly that I needed to delegate tasks in order to keep my sanity and continue to have the bandwidth to keep going. I reduced my availability and hired a virtual assistant to delegate tasks to. After hiring employees, my work life balance dramatically improved. I was able to take a step back in the treatment room and have more time to work on the business growth as well as have more time to myself. Without a healthy body and mind, it can be really difficult to perform 100% in your business. So this was crucial for business growth. While I could still improve on work life balance, I am in a much happier place than I was not too long ago. I will always preach self care and work life balance for small business owners!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Luna Luxe Aesthetics, is a skincare studio that specializes in customized facials and corrective skincare with a holistic approach. Every single facial and treatment plan is completely personalized for the client and what their skin needs. We work with a progressive approach to ensure results for healthy, glowing skin! I am proud to have a team of Acne Specialists that have achieved so many great results for people with acne-prone skin! About 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s get hormonal acne. We aim to help those struggling with acne and who have likely tried everything, achieve real results through our Acne Clearing Program. I am pretty confident that our specialized approach to treating skin has brought us great success. It definitely wasn’t easy constantly keeping up with advanced education to better ourselves as providers and dealing with imposter syndrome at time. We also have to keep up with the latest products, equipments and trends to try and stay up to date. What I’ve learned along the way is to not compare yourself to others, especially with what you see on social media. Most people just show their highs and don’t show their lows and struggles. It can be easy to fall into a negative headspace comparing yourself to others. Your clients come to you for YOU, and all you can do is continue to provide the best service for them. I want the world to know that healthy skin is achievable! It doesn’t have to be complicated, and while it is an investment in yourself, it’s one that you will never regret when you’re older!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting Colorado Springs, one of the first things I’d do is take them to brunch at Denver Biscuit Company. Then we’d take a drive to Garden of the Gods and so short hikes and enjoy the scenery. Then I’d take them to North Cheyenne Cañon Park to see some waterfalls and bask in the beauty of the mountains some more. After that, I’d take them for a late lunch at 503W. Then we’d ride the scooters to Old Colorado City and take a stroll down the cute shops. To end the night, we go for cocktails at District Elleven.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Bianca w/ Honeybee Massage! She is a master at her craft and is so inspiring!

Website: https://www.lunaluxeaesthetics.com/

Instagram: @lunaluxe.aesthetics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunaluxeaesthetics

Image Credits
Mya Wadsworth Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.