Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Prieto Taylor.
Hi Michaela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into esthetics began with a genuine fascination for skin and the confidence that comes from feeling comfortable in your own beauty. What started as curiosity grew into a passion strong enough to shape my career. After graduating from esthetics school, I had the opportunity to work for an incredible mentor who had just taken the leap into becoming her own boss. Watching her build a fully booked business, expand, and eventually hire me was both inspiring and eye-opening. Seeing firsthand what was possible planted a seed I couldn’t ignore. The idea of stepping out on my own was thrilling — and honestly, terrifying. With equal parts excitement and fear, I took the jump when a salon owner offered me a two-day-a-week lease in her treatment room. I worked during her off days, slowly building my clientele until, just a few months later, a room opened up. Accepting a full-time space felt like another huge, nerve-wracking step, but it became one of the most defining decisions of my career. I haven’t looked back since.
Owning my own business transformed not only my career but my sense of fulfillment. It pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the true meaning of serving others through my craft. When I later relocated to Texas, I faced another pivotal choice: work for someone else or rebuild everything from the ground up. I chose to rebuild. It required patience, persistence, and a great deal of faith, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Through dedication and time, I have built my business — exceeding my best year in Washington in less than 1.5 years — and cultivated a thriving, loyal client base. I feel deeply grateful for the community and connections I’ve built here. Esthetics, for me, is more than a profession — it’s a passion rooted in empowerment, confidence, and creating meaningful experiences for every client who sits in my chair.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced in my journey has been simply making the decision to start. Taking that first step into business ownership is both exciting and deeply intimidating. The uncertainty — not knowing what you’ll earn each month or whether you’ll comfortably cover your bills — can be overwhelming. Financial limitations were also a very real obstacle. I began my business with less than $500, focusing first on offering eyelash extensions. From there, I grew strategically, reinvesting every dollar back into my work. I added a wax pot to expand my services, followed by lash lifts, tints, and brow laminations. As my business gained momentum, I was finally able to invest in professional back bar products and introduce facials, steadily building a well-rounded service menu through patience, persistence, and resourcefulness.
Relocating to a completely new area presented another defining challenge. I had to rebuild my clientele from the ground up, without the comfort of an established reputation or a marketing budget. Not knowing how to reach people felt daunting. In that season, I leaned heavily on faith, asking God for guidance on how to connect with my new community. The answer I felt placed on my heart was simple: networking. Through genuine connections, conversations, and consistency, my business began to grow faster than I could have imagined. Another important lesson along the way has been learning to confidently set my prices without apology. Over time, I’ve developed a deeper sense of self-worth, recognizing the value of my skills, experience, and dedication. Each obstacle has ultimately become part of my growth, shaping both my business and my confidence as an entrepreneur.
We’ve been impressed with Bestie Esti, 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?
Bestie Esti was created from my passion not only for skincare, but for educating and empowering women to understand their skin and feel confident at every stage of life. I genuinely love teaching women about their skin and helping them look and feel their best, no matter their age. Aging is a privilege we all share, and while we cannot stop time, we can absolutely age with grace. I specialize in advanced facials, corrective skin treatments, and eyelash services, with a strong focus on enhancing natural beauty while supporting long-term skin health. I am especially known for my facial and scalp massage — a signature element of my treatments that clients often describe as transporting them into another world. I take great pride in my unique massage techniques, which elevate a skincare service into a deeply restorative experience. I am also recognized for my glowing skin treatment, designed to improve skin tone, texture, and radiance so effectively that many clients find they rely less on foundation over time. The most rewarding feedback I hear — both from my clients and personally — is simple: glowing skin, constant compliments, and renewed confidence.
What truly sets Bestie Esti apart is the genuine connection I build with every client. My work goes beyond skincare; it’s about creating an environment where women feel comfortable, understood, and completely cared for. I believe exceptional results and a memorable experience should always go hand in hand. Brand-wise, I am most proud of becoming known as the destination for facials in Allen — a place clients trust not only for visible skin transformations but for the sense of relaxation and renewal they feel when they walk through the door. I want readers to know that Bestie Esti is more than a treatment room; it’s a space dedicated to helping women feel refreshed, confident, and beautiful in their own skin at any age.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The future of skincare excites me because it’s all about combining results, personalization, and truly memorable experiences. I love the idea of expanding Bestie Esti — maybe a storefront, adding more advanced equipment, or even mentoring other estheticians in my signature techniques — while still keeping the personal, one-on-one connection that makes my business special. I may not know exactly what’s ahead, but I do know that no matter how the industry evolves, my focus will always be the same: helping clients feel confident, radiant, and cared for, and creating a space where they leave not just looking their best, but feeling their best too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bestieesti.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourbestieesti?igsh=MTFjZjc5eW9xYW5iaw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CVjRwbCMV/
Image Credits
Gracelyn Baggett
