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

Hi Ceci, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2020, during the pandemic, I made the decision to relocate to South Pasadena, California to care for my 94-year-old mother suffering from Dementia. In the process, I said goodbye to my friends, clients and the spa I passionately worked at as the Aesthetic Director in beautiful Sedona, Arizona.
In the Spring of 2022, my time spent caring for my mom was completed. Originally, I had imagined the move would be temporary, but it turned out different. A few months after my mother’s passing, I embarked on the first job search I had ever needed to do. Since I was 14, I started working and was so fortunate to never experience unemployment. Now, being new to the Los Angeles area, I had no great contacts, leads or anyone who was able to give me a rewarding opportunity. Being close to 60 and not having a college education, my over 35 years of experience didn’t count for much in creating a lucrative fresh start. I took the first job I could get as an Esthetic Instructor for a Paul Mitchell School. I was so excited to be able to teach for such a prestigious institution, but I was soon disillusioned by the low salary, long hours and demands of the position. I was grateful for the opportunity, as I love teaching and have a passion to pass my knowledge on to other Estheticians. The best part of working there was the friendships I developed.
As the months went by, I realized how much I missed being hands-on in the salon treatment room. I prayed for guidance to find a great place to re-start in the South Pasadena area. As part of my daily routine, I enjoy walking in the neighborhood. One evening, I was on my walk, and I passed by a storefront window covered in butcher paper. When I got close up, I saw there was a small sign in the corner of the window. It read, “Salon Opening Soon! Room and stations available to rent.” I was so excited, because as a previous business owner, I know the importance of a great location. I felt this was the answer to my prayer for a new opportunity to a truly fresh and rewarding start.
As a business owner, I value the freedom, service and authenticity of creating something out of nothing. I longed for the freedom to create my own schedule, customize an extensive service menu utilizing my experience & skills and develop a brand to represent my authenticity. Becoming a business owner, running and operating a new business without a full clientele or Social Media following was honestly a daunting prospect. But the existing job was literally physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually breaking me down one day at a time.
After my application for the room rental was accepted, I had a few months to prepare for the store opening. I contacted the SBA and together with a help of a mentor, I created a business plan. From there Angelinni Aesthetics & Atelier was born, and in March 2023 I launched the business. Since then, I have diligently been building the foundation one loyal and satisfied customer at a time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“With Aesthetic Alchemy, I can help you embrace the natural aging process…gracefully.” – Ceci Angelinni
Since 1986, I’ve been bringing excellence in professional skincare, holistic facials and advanced natural rejuvenating treatments. Spiritually, personally and professionally passionate about the healing arts, my practices have always focused on treating the client as a whole person. After having thousands of clients in my hands, and having the realization that no two clients are the same, I created my signature VIP Facial Treatments. Every VIP session is unique and different, custom tailored to your specific needs, always focused on treating the client as a whole. Utilizing a plethora of modalities, techniques, luxury products and skills to leave you looking and feeling better inside and out with each treatment.

“Aesthetic Alchemy” was born from blending my experience, education and intuition. I believe when I connect my wisdom, heart and hands, I ignite powerful healing energy and together with my client, we create incredible and amazing results!

Allowing someone to touch our bodies and work on our skin is a very special and sacred thing. It is always an honor and privilege to have clients trust me with all their spiritual and skincare needs. My life’s mission is being of service in and out of the treatment room. I thrive on lifting the spirits and self-confidence of my valued clients, while making the world a little more beautiful one face at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friend would be arriving at the Burbank Airport on Friday evening. From there we would make our way to the famous Yamashiro Hollywood to enjoy a delicious dinner while enjoy the stunning view.
Saturday we would sleep in, then walk to the local coffee & tea shop Kaldi. After coffee we would walk down Mission St. in South Pasadena, to shop and enjoy the local specialty stores. We would then stop at Nicole’s Market & Cafe for a light lunch.
Sunday we would head to The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. There we would enjoy all the gardens, while walking to my favorite Jade Court Cafe for a delicious lunch.
Monday we would enjoy a memorable dinner experience at the historical and chic Chateau Marmont. Maybe my friend and I would spot a celebrity in our company! Afterwards we would make our way down the street to one of my very favorite clubs, The Comedy Store for the Monday night Potluck Pop-Ins, which entails seeing about 40 Comics and surprise guests. Laughter is guaranteed!
Tuesday we would head to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and dinner at Gale’s on Fair Oaks for their delicious Italian cuisine.
Wednesday we would drive to Orange County to Laguna Beach for the whole day. We would walk the town, have lunch at Moulin French cafe and enjoy the wonderful art scene. And, before driving home, we would have to indulge in some of the best gelato at Dolce Gelato.
Thursday we would go to the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. After enjoying the gardens, we would head over to The Shops at Santa Anita. There we would go to the Bolero to enjoy a few games of or air hockey and work up an appetite. Later we would have dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.
Friday would be my friends last day, so we would go to Hans Beauty Stor, to my skin care studio, where I would give her a royal VIP Facial Treatment. This would leave my friend feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and her skin glowing!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
1) My personal mentor and long-time beautiful friend Ms. Sara Schindler. Sara and I met when we were 21 years old. She was my model at my California State Board Exam in 1986. She is someone whom I dearly admire and respect due to her strength and enormous determination to be a successful businesswoman, leader, mother and friend. Sara has played a crucial role in my continuous perseverance to continue the climb it takes to succeed. When I feel discouraged or down, she is always in my corner, reminding me of my ability to rise above and encouraging me not to give up. She is someone who believes in me, my skills, experience and business sense.
2) The Small Business Administration for all the free resources and ongoing education available to all entrepreneurs.

Website: https://ceciangelinni.com

Instagram: @angelinni_aesthetics_atelier

Facebook: Angelinni Aesthetics & Atelier

Yelp: Angelinni Aesthetics & Atelier

Youtube: @CeciAngelinni

Image Credits
ShellyAnnStokes
photographer retoucher design

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