Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Koss
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
So I actually thought about becoming an esthetician on and off for much of my adult life! At eighteen I almost pursued going to esthetics school. But a good friend of mine went and ended up hating it, which made me reconsider. I spent most of my life working as a server and bartender. Sometimes I could hardly stand it anymore and desperately wanted a way out. I’d still think about esthetics school, but just never took the leap. Back then, the idea of going solo wasn’t as common as it is now, and the thought of working at a chain spa or becoming a business owner at such a young age gave me pause.
At 34, after years of living in pretty much chaos and hitting rock bottom in many ways, I finally quit drinking and left bartending behind. I continued working in restaurants, but my heart was no longer in it. I knew I needed to make a career change. Somehow, esthetics school found its way back onto my radar, and I decided to finally go for it. While attending school, I quickly fell in love with everything about skin. That was five years ago, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have made the switch!
My years in hospitality really helped to prepare me for this career. I truly enjoy serving others and connecting with new people, but now that connection happens in a more intimate, one on one setting!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road by any stretch of the imagination! I opened my business right out of esthetics school with zero clients. To add to the challenge, I started in January 2020, just a few months before the world shut down due to Covid. Having to close my doors so soon after opening was incredibly stressful. I made it work by staying active on social media and getting creative with at home facial kits. They ended up being a hit. People really wanted to support small businesses, and their kindness was amazing!
For the first year and a half, I continued working a part-time serving job while trying to build my business. Eventually, I realized that my business needed my full attention to reach the next level, so I decided to take the leap and go all in. It was a scary decision, but it was absolutely necessary.
I’ve also dealt with self-esteem issues and trauma, so believing in myself enough even to create a business was incredibly challenging. And my poor husband had to listen to me unravel nightly before opening—bless him!
As difficult as the journey has been, I wouldn’t change a thing. The struggles I faced taught me so much about myself and helped me grow in ways I never imagined. I’m a totally different person now than when I started this journey. Owning a business has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Skin Witch?
My business, known as The Skin Witch, has evolved significantly since I first started. Initially, my focus was on helping clients’ skin look its best (kind of by any means necessary). But as I gained more knowledge about how the skin truly functions, my approach became quite different. I adopted a ‘less is more’ philosophy, which has become central to how I treat the skin. I take a barrier focused approach where we don’t need to beat the skin into submission to acheive great results.
Over the past year, I’ve also delved deeper into nervous system regulation and sound healing. I’ve recognized that many of my clients are not only dealing with acne, rosacea, and sensitized skin but are also needing a way to disconnect from the stress of their daily lives. A dysregulated nervous system can actually cause or contribute to many of their skin concerns. My clients come to me not just to improve their skin but to find a safe space where they can fully let go. By helping them achieve this deep relaxation, their skin begins to heal naturally as part of this integrated approach.
Branding-wise, I am most proud of the distinct aesthetic I’ve curated and embracing my inner witch with my business name. Over the years, I’ve attracted so many spiritual, witchy, and downright badasses as clientele. If you look at my branding and think, ‘Hey, I want to check her out,’ then we’re probably going to vibe. That has been such a gift. My clients are all seriously amazing. They fill my cup and make my job truly magical!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Gosh, there are probably too many to name. But an important lesson I’ve learned is that if you’re scared, it’s okay. I repeated the quote ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ like a mantra over the years. Opening my business was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve battled feelings of unworthiness and imposter syndrome each step of the way, but I’ve come to realize that these feelings are just part of growing. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to embrace discomfort and work through it. Doing so has opened doors I never imagined. From building a business that reflects my true self to connecting with my wonderful clients who resonate with my approach. It’s changed my life in the coolest ways!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theskinwitch.com
- Instagram: @theskinwitch
