Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Campbell.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My interest in the esthetics industry began when I was in highschool. I would watch youtube tutorials to teach myself how to do hair and makeup. This interest only continued to grow, even during my active duty time in the U.S. Navy where I taught myself how to do brows and nails for my shipmates during deployment. After deployment, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and a lot of spas and salons closed their doors to remain compliant. Therefore, I turned back to youtube tutorials and taught myself how to do lash lifts and waxing, practicing on my friends and roommate. It was during this time that I also toko an interest in skincare, as I was struggling with skin concerns of my own at that time. When I left active duty in 2021, it seemed only natural to get licensed as an esthetician, since I was already familiar with most of the services. I completed esthetics school in 2023, but continued taking educational courses in order to further my knowledge and ultimately obtain my acne specialist certification. After working for several spas around San Diego gaining more knowledge, experience, and loyal clientele, I decided to open my own business in January of 2025.
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?
My journey towards becoming an esthetician and business owner wasn’t always the easiest. I originally started at a well-known esthetics school in San Diego, but made the decision to drop out after five days because it didn’t meet the level of education I was looking for. Because of this, my timeline was set back six months as I waited for the next esthetics program opening at San Diego City College. Ultimately, it worked out in the end because I received a great education from that program, which ultimately helped me land a job after graduation.
As you know, we’re big fans of Secret Esthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a Licensed Esthetician based in San Diego, California specializing in acne-focused facials with a holistic, barrier-supportive approach. My goal has always been to provide an experience where clients can truly invest in their skin without feeling like they have to choose between corrective treatments and self-care. This is what sets Secret Esthetics apart, is the balance between advanced treatments and intentional relaxation. Every facial is customized, combining modalities like LED light therapy, lymphatic drainage, buccal massage, hydrodermabrasion, and facial massage techniques to support skin health and overall well-being. I focus heavily on education and helping clients understand their skin while also creating a calming spa experience to regulate their nervous system.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that risk can look different depending on the individual and the season of life they’re in. For me, the biggest risks I’ve taken have come from betting on myself. Transitioning from the military into the beauty industry was a major leap, especially with how competitive it is In San Diego and how much uncertainty comes with entrepreneurship. Starting Secret Esthetics required a huge investment of time, money, education, and trust in my vision before I had any guarantee it would succeed. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was opening my business relatively early into my career as an esthetician. However, I truly believed that there was a gap I could fill within the industry, so I took a chance to make it happen. I don’t consider myself as someone who takes risks often, but I do believe that growth requires a level of discomfort and trust. In most cases throughout my life when I’ve dealt with discomfort, it’s because something good was on the other side.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sdsecretesthetics.com
- Instagram: secret.esthetics
