We had the good fortune of connecting with Yvana Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yvana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of artistry, healing, and human connection. Skincare and holistic wellness are deeply creative fields—every treatment is a hands-on, personalized experience that requires both technical skill and intuition. My journey began with holistic health, all of which require a creative mindset—whether I’m crafting treatment plans, designing events, curating retail experiences, or mentoring a team. Overtime I started in esthetics, where I learned to treat skin as a canvas, using my knowledge to help clients feel confident and radiant. Creativity, for me, is not limited to visual expression—it’s about innovating solutions, creating moments of care, and helping people feel transformed from the inside out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it powerful. I started in esthetics because I was passionate about skincare and helping people feel confident in their own skin. But over time, my work expanded into holistic health, nutrition, education, and leadership. I’ve worked across luxury spas, medical aesthetics, and retail skincare brands—eventually stepping into roles where I was training teams, managing studios, and building client experiences that were both results-driven and deeply nurturing.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend soul, and strategy. I don’t just perform facials—I create transformations, inside and out. I don’t just manage teams—I mentor, uplift, and cultivate a culture of care. I’ve become known for my ability to build trust with both clients and staff, deliver education that resonates, and create wellness experiences that feel elevated yet accessible.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve faced burnout, career setbacks, and the pressure of being underestimated. What helped me push through was staying connected to my “why”—helping people heal, grow, and glow. I also had to learn how to advocate for myself, take calculated risks, and bet on my own creativity.

One of my proudest moments was transitioning into management while still staying true to my roots as a healer. I’ve also launched wellness events and collaborations that celebrate community and self-care. Looking ahead, I’m focused on growing as a leader in the wellness space—digitally and in person—and mentoring the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals.

What I want the world to know about my story is this: I built my career by listening to people, learning from every experience, and leading with intention. My brand isn’t just about skincare—it’s about creating a sweet life from the inside out, for myself and others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d eat at all my favorite spots—Gjelina, Bestia, Gracias Madre, and probably stop at Erewhon at least twice. I’d take them vintage shopping, to a rooftop bar for drinks, and end the week with something special like a spa day Nothing over-the-top, just a week of feeling good, relaxing, and making memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—if there’s one person I want to dedicate this shoutout to, it’s my mother. She’s been my biggest inspiration and supporter from the very beginning. I have several distinct memories of her putting on her make up in front of a huge vanity mirror and how much time she took with her self care. I don’t think she realizes but watching her was the beginning of a life long presuit of beauty and self care. Her resilience, work ethic, and creativity shaped the way I show up in the world. She taught me the value of taking pride in your work, caring for others, and finding beauty in even the smallest details. Every step I’ve taken in my career—as an esthetician, educator, and wellness practitioner—has been deeply rooted in the love, lessons, and strength she passed down to me. This journey is as much hers as it is mine.

Instagram: https://Naturally.monet

Linkedin: Yvana Thompson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.