Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsie Chao.
Hi Elsie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
started my esthetician business in 2019 in California. At the time I was still working another job, so the only way to build my studio was to work every single day for four months straight from January to April. That level of commitment helped me build a fully booked business through sheer consistency and care.
In 2022 I moved to Nashville knowing no one except my ex fiance. I had to rebuild everything from the ground up. No client base. No local network. No cushion. I still held down a job while growing Sugar and Spice all over again, and within one year I reached the same level of success I had in California.
Some of my clients from California still ask if I will ever move back because they miss the way I take care of them. A few even book appointments with me whenever they travel to Nashville, which means a lot and shows me how impactful a safe and consistent experience can be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest obstacles was wondering if my first success in California was a fluke. I was scared I would not be able to rebuild that momentum in Nashville. When I moved here I had no clients and no community, so I worked at Hattie B’s to cover my bills while growing my clientele from nothing. Balancing long shifts with building a business felt overwhelming at times, but it pushed me to stay disciplined, consistent, and focused on creating a safe and trusted space for every new client who walked in.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run Sugar and Spice, an esthetician studio in Bellevue where I specialize in sugaring and Brazilian hair removal for clients with sensitive skin.
I am known for creating a safe space where people feel comfortable being their real selves, even during intimate services. My focus is on skill, gentleness, and precision. I make every appointment feel calm, consistent, and judgment free.
I am most proud of building a place where people who normally dread hair removal finally feel understood. I have been an esthetician since 2016 and I am the only sugar specialist in the Bellevue area.
I have earned more than 100, 5 star reviews from clients who struggled with other methods before finding me. Many have eczema or reactive skin just like I do, so helping them feel safe and confident matters to me on a personal level.
What sets me apart is the combination of technique and empathy. I use clean non synthetic products, I work quickly without ever making people feel rushed, and I create an environment that feels warm, comforting, and human. People choose me because they are not just getting a service. They are getting a space where they can breathe, relax, and feel genuinely cared for.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is that people are not just booking a service. They are trusting me with their vulnerability. When someone walks into my studio for a Brazilian or any intimate service, they are often nervous, insecure, or carrying past negative experiences. I realized early on that the real work is creating a space where they feel seen, safe, and respected. Technique matters, but trust is what changes everything.
This taught me to slow down, listen, and treat every client like an individual instead of a time slot. It taught me that consistency and emotional safety build loyalty more than any trend or marketing tactic ever could. And it reminded me that the way I make people feel is just as meaningful as the results I give them.
That lesson shapes every decision I make in my business today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sugarandspice.salon
- Instagram: @elsietheesthi
- Other: https://linktr.ee/elsietheesthi
