Just four years ago, Annastazia Unce was living in a center for single mothers in Maryland with her twins. She recently fled an abusive relationship with her estranged ex-husband, intending to leave Baltimore and give her children a chance at a better education in the suburbs of Washington D.C. Fast forward to 2019. Now she's a successful esthetician and the owner of Kimeera Spa, with a new book entitled Spot Remover.
Five million people in the United States report they suffer from melasma or hyperpigmentation and 48% of women report they have a family history of hyperpigmentation. The numbers don't lie, this a prevalent issue that plagues many people and Annastazia understands this — mainly because she's lived with this issue most of her life as well. Many people don't know where to turn for a solution. There's a flood of information and treatments online that the everyday person has a hard time navigating. Seeing this frustration in herself and her clients, Annastazia set out to create the solution that so many people need.
Photo: Kimeera Spa
Check out our exclusive interview with Annastazia Unce below.
21Ninety: Can you give us a little of your background? What inspired you to create Kimeera Spa? What was the vision behind it?
Annastazia Unce: Beauty and skincare have always been a part of my life, even since high school during my college years and after, I worked as a professional makeup artist in New York. After getting married, I moved back home to Maryland to start my family. My drive to become a better artist lead me to esthetics school. After years of working in spas and salons, and not liking how they were run, I decided to start my own business. One where every skin type was welcome and clients could feel confident in the fact that they would see real measurable results in their skin.
21N: How long have you been an esthetician? Was this always your chosen career path?
AU: I've been an esthetician for ten years, and for the last two years, I've been the owner of Kimeera Spa. This wasn't originally my dream job. I went to college for audio engineering. I wanted to be a prominent engineer in New York City and record famous artists. I was well on my way for that to happen, but life has a way of directing you to your right path. I was always a lover of beauty and fashion. While I was living in New York and interning, I was doing makeup work on the side. When I moved back home with my ex-husband to start our family, the audio gigs weren't there, so I quit my job at Apple to go to esthetics school and expand my skills as a makeup artist. The makeup course ended up being trash, but I loved the aesthetics. I'm a massive techie at heart and believe it or not, this career has given me that opportunity as an entrepreneur.
21N: What was the process like in creating the spa and how long did it take to get it up and running? What inspired the name choice?
AU: Everyone talks about leaping into entrepreneurship, and that's precisely what I did. I jumped off the edge, and I never looked back. I did a lot of research on blogs and picked the brains of my industry colleagues. From there I mapped out my plan and wrote it all down in my journal. I believe in the power of writing out your vision to make it real.
I had been working as a spa manager knowing I wanted to strike out on my own, and my heart wasn't there. I have worked in many spas and salons, and there were always things that I saw, and I would think to myself, "When I own my spa, I'll do this different." Both my parents are entrepreneurs and have owned businesses, so to me, it was the only logical next step.
Photo: Kimeera Spa
The name Kimeera Spa comes from the source of all my strength, my twins, King and Ameera. I work to provide for my family. After my divorce, it was just us, and I moved out to Montgomery County, MD into a women's shelter to give my kids a chance at a better education and place to live. I've sacrificed so much from them, and I hope they never know, so they won't feel the lack I have.
21N: You are also an author, what went into the process of creating your book Spot Remover on skincare? How long did it take to write and are you currently working on any upcoming projects?
AU: I've always found it easier to communicate through writing, and I genuinely enjoy it. When I write a book, it's usually as an answer to a problem that a lot of my clients are having. My first book was called Ingredients to Run From because I was so frustrated with the misinformation floating around on the internet about skincare. I wrote Spot Remover because there wasn't any information available to the everyday consumer of color. I'm like a superhero, if I see a need, I'll swoop down and write something. Right now, I'm still waiting to hear the need. When I do, I'll start writing the next book.
Photo: Amazon
21N: Can you talk us through the process of your skincare treatments? How do you help clients who suffer from acne and pigmentation issues? What is the treatment plan?
AU: Whenever I meet with a new client we have a 30-Minute GLO ID Consultation. During the meeting, we go over the answers to their online questionnaire. We discuss diet, routine and stress levels. After I get all up in their business, I analyze their skin with my digital skin analyzer. The analyzer takes a UV image of their skin and shows my underlying hyperpigmentation, congested pores, dryness — it will even tell the skin's age! Then, I use a digital microscope to identify their skin type and use my Hydration Meter to read the surfaces hydration and oil levels (I told you I'm a techie). After an in-depth consultation, we start the facial.
My facials are fully customized, and no two facials are ever alike. I might use my hydrodermabrasion machine, high-frequency device, or sonic spatula on the skin for exfoliation. Also, depending on the client's skin, I may perform a chemical peel or apply a targeting hydrogel mask. LED therapy and dermaplaning are also included. I have a fully stocked tool kit to get my clients to skin GLŌ-ing. After the facial is done I fashion a treatment plan and home-care routine to keep up their results while continuing to make progress with regular spa treatments.
Photo: Kimeera Spa
21N: In your opinion, why do you think it is better to see an esthetician for acne problems, instead of creating a plan of action at home?
AU: To be completely honest, people don't know what they're doing and why. Bloggers have begun positioning themselves as experts with no education or training, and continue to push the "organic is safe" narrative. Organic DIY doesn't always equal safe or effective. You run the risk of burns from essential oils, mold, cross-contamination, bacteria and impaired barrier function. Arsenic is organic, but it will kill you! Work with a professional that understands the balance between natural and effective ingredients, while steering clear of "harmful ingredients."
As a licensed esthetician, I've gone to school, gotten countless hours of continued education, and additional certifications. I know what your skin does and why. I have the experience and training to help your skin in ways you've never even thought of. A well-trained esthetician can offer you about the same result as a dermatologist just without the medication or surgery. I prefer an esthetician over a dermatologist because we will look at your life from a more holistic point of view and not just treat the issue on the surface.
Photo: Annastazia Unce
21N: What brands do you use in your store? Any favorite products for clients?
AU: I use a cosmeceutical line for spa owners called Skin Script Rx. I love this line because it has the right balance of natural and active ingredients that I mentioned earlier. All my clients, including my people of color, get great results with a routine. Plus, the price point won't kill your pockets. Because licensed professionals can only sell this product, you can't find it in store or online, but you can go online to my website to make orders or visit Skin Script Rx, and search their directory for a Certified Retailer.
21N: What do you think makes your business unique over others like it?
I call myself the Melanin Maintenance Technician! All my clients are glorious Queens that come in every shade of the rainbow. And clients trust that I can confidently treatment every skin tone and type that comes through my doors. I'm not ya momma's esthetician, Issa-vibe in my treatment room. You might come in one day hearing Wu-tang on the speakers or hear dope music you've never heard before.
I love my clients! They're my sisters, my aunties, my mommas — and we've built bounds where we feel comfortable sharing everything. There's been gut-busting laughter and tears on my table and its glorious!
Photo: Kimeera Spa
21N: Have there been any challenges or obstacles along the way in building your brand? If so, how did you overcome them?
AU: I've had a lot of trouble with staying disciplined with the financial aspect that comes with running a business. In the past, while running other spas, it came with a certain amount of responsibility that held me accountable with tracking my numbers. When I went out on my own, I think I got burnt out and stopped doing my homework. Now I know you can't measure your businesses success without knowing your numbers. Math never came easy for me, so I avoided the anxiety. I avoided the tasks. Now I know better, and I'm building better habits.
Photo: WJLA
21N: What do you love most about the work you do? Why do you think it is so important to offer safe, effect skincare services in the beauty industry?
AU: What I love most about the work I do is the look of joy and excitement my clients have when they sit up and look in the mirror for the first time after their service. I can feel the static in a person's energy when I first touch them, gradually throughout the facial I can feel it leave them as they fall into a place of relaxation. Sometimes, it's a struggle to get it under control, but when I see the shoulders drop and the facial muscles relax; I know I've got them. People of color have had very few options available to them for "real" professional skincare options, and some of them have never experienced it.
I'm offering a place where clients can trust that I know what they're struggling with and because I'm a person of color I've gone through a lot of the same experiences as they have. My clients also love that I don't mess around. I'm on time, clean, safe, and extremely knowledgeable. And let's be honest when supporting black-owned businesses that not always the case. The more places that pop-up like mine, the more people will begin to look at skincare the same way they do a physical from a physician, as a necessity.
Photo: Annastazia Unce
21N: Do you have any hopes for the future of the business?
AU: Yes, I want to expand my reach outside of my local area of DC and Maryland via the internet and public speaking. For a very long time, I've been planning to begin an online program for consumers and professionals to gain more education, but that's a long ways away. In the immediate future, I'm planning to launch my podcast called the GLO-getter podcast. I'll be interviewing beauty industry professionals to learn their stories and to share their expertise with my listeners. I'm also happy to say, that in the coming months, I'll be moving into my new facility that's equipped with more treatment rooms to accommodate my growing clientele, and to hopefully also bring on more staff!
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