Inspiring Conversations with SkyLee Edmiston of Face the Fight & Fusion Beauty Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to SkyLee Edmiston.

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?
I grew up in Tucson, but “home” was a moving target. My single mom did her best, but with virtually no father in the picture and five younger siblings, I took on a lot—especially after she passed away four years ago. Being the oldest meant being the built-in babysitter, cook, and sometimes the only stability my siblings had.

Let’s be real—I was a rebellious teen. If there was trouble, I probably found it. But life hit different when I became a mom at 19. That was my wake-up call. No more reckless choices—I had a little human depending on me.

One thing that never changed? My obsession with beauty. I knew I wanted more for myself and my child, so at 26, I became an esthetician. Two years later, I found my second passion—educating and empowering future estheticians.

Fast forward, and I’ve spent 11 years running my nonprofit spa, giving back to those who need it most, while building a rental collective for other beauty professionals to thrive.

I went from barely making it to building something bigger than myself—and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. But I don’t think the smooth roads teach you much anyway.

I had to learn how to be a person while raising a person—figuring out who I was while making sure my child had everything they needed. That meant falling in love with the wrong people, realizing I deserved better, and finally loving myself enough to stop repeating that cycle. It also meant learning how to be truly alone and focusing on myself, not just filling the silence with people who weren’t good for me.

I lost people I thought were friends—the ones who were only there for what I could provide, not for me. I gave chances to people who turned around and stabbed me in the back. I learned that some people truly believe in collaboration, but others only know how to compete. And I had to accept that I’m not perfect either—I had flaws to work on, things I had to change if I wanted to grow.

Then there was the practical stuff—budgeting for the first time in my life, because I was never taught how to manage money growing up. That was a whole learning curve in itself.

But through all of it, I outgrew the things and people that weren’t helping me evolve. I had to let go of situations that weren’t meant to take me where I was going. And honestly? That’s how I knew I was headed in the right direction.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I wear a few different hats in the beauty industry, but at the heart of everything I do is education, empowerment, and service. I run a nonprofit spa where I provide treatments to those in need, including free services for cancer patients. I also founded a room rental collective, giving beauty professionals a space to build their businesses without the massive overhead or isolation that can come with working solo. It also includes a large class space where we hold yoga, breathwork, continued education, events and so much more.

I specialize in advanced esthetics and education, with certifications in everything from holistic skin treatments to cutting-edge modalities like plasma fibroblast, microneedling, and Corneotherapy. I’m known for my expertise, but more than that—I’m known for keeping it real and truly investing in the growth of my students and peers.

What sets me apart? I care about impact over income. My nonprofit spa isn’t just about skin—it’s about restoring confidence and dignity to those going through life-changing experiences. My rental collective isn’t just a workspace—it’s a community for beauty professionals who are willing to put in the time and effort to help themselves. I believe in creating opportunities for people who are truly ready to grow. If you’re dedicated, I’m here to support you with mentorship, resources, and a collaborative environment that fosters success.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating spaces where people feel supported—whether that’s clients receiving services or professionals building careers. I’ve been through struggle, and I know how hard it is to succeed when no one is giving you a shot. That’s why my mission is to lift others up while continuing to evolve myself.

For anyone reading this—if you’re looking for a place to heal, grow, or learn, I’ve got you. Whether it’s advanced esthetics education, a nurturing space to provide services, or a treatment that makes you feel like yourself again, I’m here to make it happen if you’re truly ready to put in the time and effort and trust me.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is key, but finding the right mentor is even more important. Not everyone who calls themselves a mentor is actually qualified to guide you. You don’t want someone who’s only ever worked at one spa, never owned a business, or hasn’t invested in anything—because how can they teach you what they’ve never done? You can be an educator and not be a great mentor.

Pay attention to what someone has built for themselves, not just what they’ve done while working under someone else. When a person works for someone else, they’re limited by that owner’s beliefs, goals, budget, and vision—not their own. A true mentor should have experience creating something from the ground up, making their own business decisions, and navigating the industry without a safety net.

When it comes to networking, put yourself in rooms with people who inspire you. Ask questions, offer value, and connect with those who are truly invested in growth—not just their own, but yours too. Collaboration over competition always wins.

Pricing:

• Business basics guide-$49
• Building a legal home spa-$29
• One on one mentorship-sliding scale

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.facethefight.com
• Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/facethefightwellness & http://www.instagram.com/fusionbeautycollective
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/facethefight & http://www.facebook.com/fusionbeautycollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylee-n-edmiston-77054826?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@estheticsempress?si=gy3lXIFEM3cKYa19
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/jYLRBnz32p