We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sheila Hedlund. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Sheila, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am proud of what we provide for communities and for people who don’t know where else to turn when they are struggling with acne. What we do is more than skin deep and it is more than a before and after photo – we really listen to people, and it impacts every area of their life. When I help people clear their acne, I see an undeniable boost in their self confidence that changes everything from the jobs they choose, how they date and make friends, to their confidence smiling and holding their heads high as they live their lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been in the aesthetics industry for 19 years, but acne as always been my specialty. I was especially drawn to working with acne clients because I struggled with acne myself, so I have a deep, personal understanding of how acne impacts our life and health. I first opened The Skin Fairy in Redondo Beach, California five years ago, and opened our second location here in Nashville in 2024. We focus on acne and corrective skincare to help our clients achieve clear, healthy skin through a holistic, personalized approach.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my husband has profoundly shaped how I see myself and everything I’ve been able to achieve. Cliff is my biggest supporter in every area of life, and he’s made it possible for me to balance all the different parts of who I am. Not only do we have a beautiful, loving family, but he has never made me feel like I had to choose between that and my career—he’s always encouraged me to pursue everything I’m passionate about. Cliff has helped me build not just one, but two offices, supported me through complex business decisions, and continues to help me grow into the business owner I never imagined I could be. We have fun together, we work hard together, and I feel incredibly grateful to live life with someone who brings out the best in me—both personally and professionally.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Since opening my second location, a lesson I have learned several times over is to listen to my gut more than outside influences. Sometimes other people’s voices are louder than my own, but over and over again I have learned that when I let myself be swayed away from what I know will be right, I regret it. After a few stumbles, I’m finally making the decision to listen to my gut and stay true to my own instincts.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think the people closest to me would say that I value relationships above all else. It has always been important to me to develop long, lasting, supportive relationships with the people I care about. And this value absolutely carries over to my business–the best and most important part of my work in skincare is developing meaningful relationships with my clients! It is so important to me that anyone in my treatment room feels seen and heard, and I love getting to watch them grow over the years. I have watched clients I met as pre-teens graduate high school and grow into young adults in college. Relationships also matter within my business–I am all about being a team with the other women in my office, and other aestheticians in the industry. It’s all about supporting each other!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
I think my legacy would be the lives that have been changed because of The Skin Fairy. People think clearing acne is skin-deep, but it’s so much more than that! Throughout the years of working with acne clients, I have seen them not only achieve healthier skin but also a confidence and self-esteem they never experienced before. Knowing that people I have treated are more confident pursuing jobs, relationships, and everything else they might desire is thrilling to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theskinfairynashville.com/
- Instagram: @theskinfairynashville
- Facebook: The Skin Fairy Nashville
Image Credits
Noreen Nooner Photography
Chantelle Marie Photography
