Meet Anna Edsall: Holistic Esthetician + Creator of Oil Studio Skincare

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

Hi Anna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has played a large role in every major decision I have made in my life and business. Many of the most fruitful outcomes in my life have come from moving through fear, and taking a leap. For me, risk isn’t done in haste or impulsively, it is more calculated. It is amazing what happens when we give ourselves time to pause and process before making a big decision. I am a big advocate for sleeping on it, and not succumbing to outside pressure or a false feeling of urgency. I live my life guided by intuition and believe in the power of paying attention to my gut instinct. I appreciate the comforts of life but also know I don’t want to live a life of playing it safe every time, I like to shake things up, lean into the fear, surrender, and trust the process.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a holistic esthetician and the creator of Oil Studio Skincare. I started Oil Studio in my tiny home kitchen in Santa Barbara with a desire to create healing, simple, and supportive skincare. I have always been fascinated with plants and the complex systems of the skin. So it made sense to study how the plants and skin could work together. To me, a holistic approach to caring for the skin starts on the inside, what we consume (food, media, water, air), our relationships, how we speak to ourselves, how we treat our environment, how we move, it all contributes to our vitality. I never set out to create the magic product that is going to solve all problems, rather I set out to start a conversation and a curiosity about alternative ways of healing the skin.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Santa Barbara is full of natural beauty and is growing so there is always something new to check out. I split my time between Idaho and California so when in SB its all about being outside, eating fresh food, and taking in live music. A long beach walk is the perfect way to start any day, so we would check the tide and head down to one of the Southern beaches. After that if we’re in the mood for a sweaty, vinyasa class, Core Power Yoga downtown would be the place, followed by a trip to Juice Ranch to rehydrate with the most delicious, organic juices. I am a fan of taking the backroads everywhere in SB to take in the stunning views and colors. We would have to check out the famers market downtown for flowers, produce, and friends. If I am not cooking we would go to Satellite and take in their beautiful selection of natural wines and farmers market inspired menu. If we are more in the sushi mood, Arigato is the place to be. The Santa Barbara Bowl gets some amazing artists and the atmosphere is perfect, so we would finish the day there dancing the night away. For shopping I love Pura Luna Apothecary for all things herbal – the people, the vibe, the products, its all there. Hacienda in Summerland is another newer spot worth checking out for bohemian inspired clothes and gifts. The closet is a consignment store that I love, the gals there do a great job at choosing beautiful things, some of my most treasured items in my closet are from there. I also love a good thrifting day! My home is furnished from mostly second hand treasures, Alpha Thrift is awesome.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am constantly in awe of the group of incredible women I call friends. To have the support and guidance from female creators, innovators, artists, and entrepreneurs is truly the most beautiful gift. They have given me permission to think outside the box, make mistakes, and be 100% myself. Sometimes, just calling a girlfriend and having them reassure me that I am on the right path, is enough to keep moving forward. The list is long but Tess, Cara, Bel, Ginny, Kara, and Finney are my trusted advisors in life and business and I am honored to have them by my side. I can’t forget my mom and dad too! Mia and Steve, they are incredibly cool, grounded people who love and support me unconditionally.

Website: www.oilstudioskincare.com

Instagram: @oil.studio.skin

Facebook: OIl Studio Skincare

Image Credits
All photos taken by : Tessa Sheehan Photography