little lights in the darkness

Posted by Athena Scalzi

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/11/15/small-business-saturday-face-by-kelsi/

https://whatever.scalzi.com/?p=58230

For all my Dayton and Cincinnati readers, I have an excellent small business recommendation for you today if you find yourself in need of a makeup artist or esthetician! A few weeks ago, I was a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding, and she had a makeup artist from West Chester come up to Englewood to do all of our makeup. As someone who never does their makeup, I love having the opportunity to have it professionally done for me, and usually the only time that happens is when I’m in a wedding. So I always hope that it turns out well since it’s such a rare occasion for me.

Thankfully, Kelsi is a very talented makeup artist, and everyone ended up looking amazing! She was able to do a variety of looks, as I wanted soft glam with false lashes, while the matron of honor wanted a very natural, subtle look with no falsies. Everyone was a little different, and Kelsi listened to everyone’s requests perfectly. She totally nailed my eyeliner wing and sparkly rose gold eyeshadow, and I felt so pretty.

While I was in the chair and Kelsi was working her magic on me, we ended up talking a little bit and right off the bat I really loved her energy. She was friendly and accommodating and I found her to be very funny, as well. I enjoyed talking with her and decided that I would really like to book a facial with her at her studio sometime. So I did! And I drove all the way down to West Chester this past week to get a Pumpkin Spice Facial.

Let me tell you, this facial was totally worth the drive. I loved how cute Kelsi’s studio set up was, it was very comfortable and relaxing. The bed was heated and the blankets were so soft and comfy. Though the Pumpkin Spice Facial comes with some pre-determined items like the Pumpkin Perfecting Mask by Circadia as well as the Hydrating Marshmallow Mask, she customized some of the other items based on my skin’s needs. I was particularly dry from the colder weather, and she adjusted the facial accordingly.

Plus, I added on a dermaplane, and it was a totally painless and comfortable experience! Not that a dermaplane should ever really hurt, but Kelsi had a particularly gentle approach when using the blade that was much appreciated.

Before starting our session, Kelsi asked if I wanted a “yap sesh” or a “nap sesh,” and I love the consideration of this question. Do I want to chit chat or do I want to relax and drift off? Normally, I’m more a fan of the latter, but I enjoyed talking to Kelsi so much at the wedding that I wanted to converse more, so I went ahead and ordered a Yappaccino (aka I opted to talk to her more).

In between sharing recommendations of where to find the best espresso martini in Cincinnati and talking about weddings, I was treated to a truly excellent facial that felt incredible. Between Kelsi’s massage techniques and her running jade combs through my hair, I was becoming more destressed by the second. It’s so nice to find an esthetician who has immaculate vibes and provides amazing service! At the time I got my facial, I just so happened to catch a promotion she was having. It was a 50% off special on the Pumpkin Spice Facial, and I felt so lucky I managed to be included in that window when the special was happening. Thank you for the amazing deal, Kelsi!

Kelsi also agreed to a mini interview, so please enjoy these couple of questions I threw her way:

Q: What got you into the makeup and skincare scene?

A: I’ve always had interests that were adjacent to the beauty industry; I was always the girl with my nails painted in middle school (even though we weren’t allowed to have them painted) and I was definitely a victim of the 2016 makeup craze! I have a friend that does hair who pitched me the idea of being a makeup artist for her bridal team in 2019, and everything took off from there!

Q: What’s your favorite look to do on a person? Glam? Natural? Halloweenie?

A: I love a good solid soft glam that reflects the personality of the person wearing it. Makeup is so personal, it’s always so fun learning what makes someone feel beautiful. Whether it’s the waterline black liner you’ve been rocking since the 90s or a signature red lip that you wouldn’t feel like yourself without! My favorite glam is a look that makes my client feel like the best version of themself!

Q: What’s been your favorite part of having your own business?

A:  My favorite part of owning my own business has been being able to customize the services I offer so I know I’m only doing things I’m passionate about. I love being able to offer fun seasonal facials, I love doing bridal makeup, and I love a good lash and brow transformation! I think it’s so important when you’re in a creative industry like this to only do things you’re passionate about so your heart can really be in it and your work will reflect that sincerity.

Q: What’s something you’ve really enjoyed about your work, and one thing that’s challenging?

A: Something I’ve really enjoyed about my work is being able to connect with so many lovely people! It’s so easy these days to feel cynical about the state of the world and the people in it, but I’ve found that there’s so many beautiful people out there if you let yourself find them. One thing that’s been challenging has been pushing myself harder on slow days when it’s easy to be lazy and pessimistic. I knew when I opened my suite this year that things would be challenging to start out on my own, but I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to be where I’m at, and I’m so excited to see where I’ll be 5, 10, and even 20 years from now!

There you have it, folks. If you have a kid going to prom in the Spring, you’re an Ohio bride in 2026, or you just want to treat yourself to a lovely self-care moment and get a facial, Kelsi is your girl.

You can book a facial service through her website, or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok. I know I definitely need to book myself a Peppermint Hot Cocoa Facial for the holidays.

Have you been part of a wedding before? Do you like getting your makeup done? Would you try the Peppermint Hot Cocoa Facial? Let me know in the comments, and have a great day!

-AMS

https://whatever.scalzi.com/2025/11/15/small-business-saturday-face-by-kelsi/

https://whatever.scalzi.com/?p=58230