Inspiring Conversations with Valentina Acosta of Luna Luxe Aesthetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Acosta.

Hi Valentina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m originally from Medellin, Colombia but grew up in Miami, Florida. I moved to Colorado Springs during college and received my Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability & The Environment from Florida International University. I never really knew what I wanted to do with my career but I knew I wanted something fulfilling, where it felt like I was making a difference. I always enjoyed art, photography, and the environment, but didn’t think about ever wanting a career in such.

In 2020, I was introduced to the world of permanent makeup and I was so intrigued! I followed every local permanent makeup artist I could find on Instagram and just dreamed about tattooing pretty brows on someone. I then got my eyebrows tattooed. I loved the process and thought “I could do something like this!”. Eventually, I enrolled in Esthetics school, with the sole purpose of receiving permanent makeup training afterward so I could become a permanent makeup artist.

When I started my esthetics program, I did not know skin care, facials, or anything of the sort. I was so scared to touch people and give them facials! When we got to performing facials on people, and I got to educate them on how to best care for their skin, I started to enjoy it. After learning about skin histology, anatomy, the different processes within the layers of the skin, and how different ingredients affect the skin, I was hooked!

I knew this is what I wanted to do and no longer had any doubts about it. Becoming a skincare specialist and starting my own business was now my goal. Every free moment I had outside of school and work, I would spend learning about skincare and how to run my own business. I knew that to make myself stand out from the rest, I would have to educate myself beyond what I learned in school so I took different online classes and certifications to advance my education.

I opened my business as soon as graduating and receiving my Esthetics license in October 2022. I still wanted to combine my love for art and the environment within my esthetics practice. I incorporated my love for art by receiving my Permanent Makeup License so I can create beautiful eyebrow tattoos on people. I also vowed to always use sustainable products within my business.

All skincare items I carry are cruelty-free, with sustainable packaging, and most of the items are vegan. I use reusable items instead of disposable items whenever possible, to reduce waste, and up-cycle when I can.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
One of my biggest struggles was having to go to school while working full-time. I couldn’t afford to go to school full-time and not work, so I opted for evening and weekend classes. It took about 9 months which was pretty tough because I had no social life, and oftentimes no time to study for tests as well. I had worked full-time through my 4 years in college as well so I was used to it but just pretty over it.

My esthetics program wasn’t very involved past the first semester so I had to take it upon myself to further my education. I received no guidance on how to start my own beauty business in school, so it became a bit overwhelming at times both starting a new business and a new career. I started my business during the peak of inflation and had a lot of doubts about the timing. Everyone kept saying that 2022 was a bad year to start a new business due to the economy.

It’s hard when you offer a service that is considered to be a luxury instead of a necessity. I’m trying to change that mindset since I believe skin treatments are a necessity for many. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so taking care of it is essential! I’ve never had such a passion for something like this, so I believe all of these obstacles have made me grow as a person and in turn, have made me a better esthetician and business owner.

We’ve been impressed with Luna Luxe Aesthetics, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am an Esthetician and Permanent Makeup Artist. I am also a Certified Acne Specialist. When it comes to skincare, I carry a holistic approach where I focus on repairing the skin before treating it. I believe in progressive treatments rather than aggressive treatments to maintain the integrity and health of the skin.

When coming up with a treatment plan to help clients with their skin goals, I hone in on diet and lifestyle changes to help make a difference. I love educating my clients and giving them the tools they can use to best care for their skin to get the results they want. I try and blend the experience of a luxury spa and med spa by combining my results-driven treatments with the warm touches of a spa.

The current skin care treatments I offer are Custom Facials, Acne Treatments, Dermaplaning, Chemical Peels, Nanoneedling, and Microneedling. Other beauty services I provide are Lash Lifts and Tint and of course, Microblading to give clients their dream brows they can wake up to every morning!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the mountain views in Colorado Springs! Having Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountain range right next to you when you’re driving anywhere in the city is what keeps me here. I love our shops and restaurants and our cute little downtown and its community. I don’t love that it’s growing so fast but I know it’s happening no matter what!

Pricing:

• Custom Facial $85
• Acne Treatment $90
• Dermaplaning $95
• Microneedling $200
• Microblading $400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lunaluxeaesthetics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunaluxe.aesthetics
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunaluxeaesthetics
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lunaluxeaesthetics

Image Credits
Rebecca Mince