Voyage LA interview
Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Edsall.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been an esthetician for 15 years. I shifted away from traditional esthetics practices and towards holistic practices about seven years ago. I started studying herbalism and that really opened up my world. I met people and practitioners who were doing things differently, and it just clicked like nothing else had. I studied native plants and started to get curious about how they could heal the skin. That curiosity lead to a product line and a holistic skincare practice. I love what I do and feel grateful to get to work with plants and people everyday!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say smooth, no. Covid was a challenge for everyone and definitely inspired a lot of pivots in my life and business. I had to get very clear with what my intention was with this business. Of course, it’s natural, especially in times that feel uncertain and shaky, to go straight towards the financial piece. I want to make x amount of dollars and so on. I am a big believer in setting financial goals and being open with talking about money, but that isn’t my why. I want to help people. I want to encourage people to reconnect to themselves through their daily choices. What we choose to engage with is everything, our food, media, people, products, it all matters. Our skin absorbs everything we put on it, so using the purest ingredients is one way we can support our bodies innate ability to be in balance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I just opened a storefront in Boise, Idaho and I am very proud of that! We are a holistic skincare practice and boutique for Oil Studio and other clean beauty lines… I remember back when I was starting out in this industry, I was so green and eager to learn. When I would envision my future, I always knew I wanted to have a shop I just never knew how it would come about. Fast forward 15 years and a move to the mountains, and here we are! What sets me apart from others is I am me! There is great freedom in accepting that you will not be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Curiosity. In my personal and professional life. I want to ask questions, listen and learn. When we are speaking, we aren’t learning anything. There is grace sitting back and observing the situation, not filling the space with words.