Get to Know SKIN MPLS: Meet Kenzie!

Kenzie is the final surprise in our expansion plan. Kenzie is another skin success story that started as a Skin MPLS acne client. She had always been a self-proclaimed product junkie, but Skin MPLS taught her some serious knowledge that changed her skin and confidence level.

After that, she felt a calling to spread the word of skincare – emphasis on care. She has always had the passion, but now she has the knowledge and skills as well. Her energy level is unparalleled. Think about the thing that energizes you the most, and that is how Kenzie feels about her new career as an aesthetician.

Naturally, there was no better choice than here at Skin MPLS to kick off that career. Get to know Kenzie from her interview below!

Out with the old and in with the new, but tell us about your past career and why you wanted a change. 

Since 2017, I have had the pleasure of working in social media marketing at two Minnesota-based companies – both of which revolved around two things I love: wine and coffee. While working in the wine industry, I actually met and became close friends with everyone’s favorite Skin MPLS Studio Manager, Amanda! I think we both would like to say it was fate that we would be coworkers/work-wives again one day.

More recently, I dove into social media strategy at Caribou Coffee. I joined their brand team in really meaningful giveback work, sharing photos of dogs and their pup cups, and drinking incredible amounts of coffee. As much as I loved the people I got to meet and the work I was able to accomplish, I wanted to lean more into that meaningful work, which for me revolved around making someone feel comfortable in their own skin. 

As someone who has struggled with their skin since a young age (and everything that can come with it mentally), I can proudly say Skin MPLS truly changed my skin and my life. I am so grateful to be joining this team and to help carry on the impact these wonderful ladies do on a daily basis. 

How long was your aesthetics schooling, and what was your favorite part about school? 

Just like Cassie, I was able to attend the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute right here in Minneapolis! Starting back in June of 2022, I left my full-time job and began my fundamental studies, and then quickly jumped into my Advanced Practiced courses which concluded this past August. The hands-on learning environment and real-life client rotations Aveda offered me were absolutely amazing. I was lucky enough to meet some amazing aestheticians and also foster real-life client relationships that I hope to be life-long. The past year and a half has been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Were you nervous to jump into a career touching faces for a living? 

There was definitely a moment in the beginning when I wondered if this change would be the right move for me and my family. But just as quickly, I was surrounded in support by my then-fiancè (now husband), my Caribou coworkers, the ladies at Skin MPLS, and friends and family. It was honestly quite overwhelming to feel that sort of love and confidence from others in what I wanted to do, but time and time again, I am reminded this is exactly where I am meant to be. 

Acne and everything that it brings both physically and mentally, is very personal to me, and I want to share with others the light at the end of the tunnel that Skin MPLS showed me. Feeling beautiful in your own skin is so important, and if I can share my knowledge and experience with others to help get them there, I am the happiest I can be. 

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in a tiny little town called Arkansaw, Wisconsin. Yes, they will tell you they spell it the correct way with a “w” haha! 

What has been your biggest source of support this last year while you were taking such a big leap? 

Without a doubt, my biggest support has come from my husband Aaron and our 4-year-old Great Pyreneese rescue pup, Kona. Aaron is the most supportive, sweetest person I have ever met – and it’s totally true because I told him I wanted to go back to school right as we were planning for our wedding LOL. But, thanks to him and Kona’s (very large) cuddles, I was able to get through those tougher moments and celebrate the small wins along the way. 

Treating clients all day can be exhausting; how do you recharge your batteries? 

I recharge my batteries with this fool-proof method: binging reality TV (especially Love Island UK and Vanderpump Rules), cuddling with my dog Kona in my favorite matching-set PJs (I own like 30 pairs), and reading a good mystery or thriller…or watching TikToks, I can’t lie. 

What advice would you give the millions of girls out there whose mental health is affected by their acne? 

There is so much advice being given out to women about how to treat their acne whether it's coming from friends who probably don’t even have acne, by an influencer on TikTok swearing by a new topical cream, and so much more white noise.

My best advice would be you are beautiful. Your acne does not define you. But with the right at-home skincare and a Skin MPLS aesthetician who truly listens and cares for you, you are just a free client consultation away from your journey to clearing your skin. There was a time I would cancel plans with friends and family just because my skin was affecting me so much, or I would constantly wonder if people were staring at my breakouts – it consumed me. But it doesn’t have to be that way – I just didn’t realize that until I found Skin MPLS. My advice is to raise that little white flag and come see us – I can attest it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

Easy. I see myself at Skin MPLS, learning and growing to be the best aesthetician I can be. But I would love to maybe rescue another dog (or three)… hopefully Aaron reads this, wink wink. But in all seriousness, I feel like this new journey is going to be better than I can even imagine, and I am so excited for the ride and to meet all of you!!!