Today we’d like to introduce you to Leiken Pollock.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
What got me to where I am today?
I got pregnant at 20 and I worked in the medical field from 2015–2022. I’ve always loved helping people and making them feel cared for.
At the end of 2022, things weren’t working out with my job, and I also found out I was unexpectedly pregnant.
I knew I wanted to do something where I could still help people, but I also had always loved skincare and taking care of others. I wanted to be a part of something where I could make people feel good about themselves inside and out.
My husband knew I wanted to do something different and with all his support I went to beauty school — and I mean really went for it.
I was doing 54-hour weeks so I could graduate before my daughter was born. She came a month early and school was put on hold for a little bit but I got back to it and finished when my daughter was only a few weeks old.
Going to school that many hours a week was tough but I was lucky to meet so many amazing women in school who I’m still friends with today and to have all the support from my husband holding down things at home, taking care of our son & newborn daughter so I could finish school and start my dream
While I was in school, I met Callie, the owner of Esteem Wellness & Spa. I loved how passionate she was about what she does, and when she asked me to be part of her spa, I was truly honored.
I had my baby girl, started That Skin Gal, and eventually found my place working alongside Callie at Esteem Wellness & Spa under The Skin Esteem.
Looking back, going from the medical field to esthetics actually makes so much sense for me. I’ve always been a caretaker. I love connecting with people, making them feel comfortable, and knowing that even if it’s just for an hour or two, their time with me matters.
I would not be where I am today without the support & help from my family. From them taking care of the kids to coming to me for services & my husband always supporting me & showing up for me.
I also wouldn’t be where I am without the support of other small business owners who have also guided me in ways I didn’t think was possible.
My family and friends have made this dream a reality!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, there have definitely been struggles along the way.
Starting out as an esthetician in Southern Oregon was honestly intimidating. Building a clientele from the ground up, putting myself out there, staying consistent on social media, and constantly trying to find ways to grow has taken a lot of dedication, patience, and hard work.
After a while I stated working under Callie which really helped me when I didn’t know if this career was going to work out for me or not. I’m glad that I stuck it out.
And for me, there’s also a little more to balance than just my career. I’m also a manager at a mobile home park and a mom of two. My kids and my family are incredibly important to me, so finding that balance between being a mom, working my other job, and building my career as an esthetician hasn’t always been easy. There are times when I feel pulled in a hundred different directions. I’ve had to learn that being successful doesn’t mean sacrificing the people and parts of my life that matter most to me.
I’ve also experienced some difficult moments within the industry. There have been times when people have talked down about me or chosen not to support me because we offer some of the same services. I’ve even had people question why I’m so involved in the community or assume that I’m only doing things for social media.
But I know my heart, and I know why I do what I do. Supporting other women, supporting local businesses, participating in giveaways and community events, and celebrating other people’s success is something I genuinely enjoy. I don’t believe someone else’s success takes away from mine. There is room for all of us.
I’ve learned not to let other people’s opinions define me. If anything, the hard moments have made me stronger. They’ve lit a fire in me to keep going, keep learning, keep showing up, and prove to myself that I can build something I’m truly proud of.
There have been plenty of hard days, but when I look at how far I’ve come, I’m really proud of myself. I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring it all out — but I’m building something that means a lot to me, and that makes all of the hard work worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed esthetician specializing in a variety of facial services, from relaxing, restorative treatments to corrective and results-focused skincare. I offer corrective facials, teen acne facials, full-body waxing, Korean Head Spa services, and more.
At this point in my career, I would say I am best known for facials.
My goal is not only to provide my clients with a relaxing experience, but also to educate them and give them the knowledge and tools they need to feel confident in their own skincare journey.
What I am most proud of is the impact I can have on how someone feels when they leave my treatment room.
I genuinely care about the person behind the service. If a client cries, I’ll probably cry with them. I listen, I remember, and I value the conversations and trust that are built during our time together. Whether I see the stress leave their face, hear that deep sigh of relief when they finally allow themselves to slow down, or simply watch them fall asleep because they feel completely comfortable, I know I’m doing something meaningful. To me, that moment represents trust — not only in me, but in themselves and their decision to take time for their own well-being.
Another thing that sets me apart is the importance I place on my community. I truly believe in supporting local businesses and the people behind them, especially other women in business.
I am incredibly proud of where I am today. Over time, my clients have become more than just clients; they have become a meaningful part of my life. The people I work alongside at the spa have become like family, and I’m grateful every day for the relationships I’ve built.
I’m constantly learning, growing, and looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge and become better at what I do. I’m incredibly grateful for every person who has trusted me, supported me, and given me an opportunity to grow.
But more than anything, I’m proud that I get to be myself. I don’t feel like I have to change who I am to fit into this industry. I can show up as myself, genuinely care about people, and create an experience that feels authentic to me. Knowing that my clients and the people around me accept and appreciate me for exactly who I am is something I never take for granted.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is the connections with clients I’ve built so far over the years. It makes me happy because they trust me to take care of them. I look forward to seeing them just as much as they look forward to the service they are getting. It makes me happy when they feel good about themselves and finally taking the time for their own self care.
I’m happy and blessed to work with some amazing women that have become great friends also all of the other amazing women who own businesses in Southern Oregon I have become close with. All the support really warms my heart.
Outside of the spa, what makes me happy is my little family. Whether we are on the hunt for Pokémon packs, barbecuing, family get togethers, or just relaxing at home, Their support grounds me. If I had a bad day I get to come home to house of love and then I get to get taken care of too. I know that I will always have their support.
Pricing:
- $145-$175 Corrective Harmony Facial: This customized treatment begins with a thorough consultation so we can create the perfect facial experience for your skin goals and concerns. Enjoy a deep cleanse, custom exfoliation, and luxurious extended massage designed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and leave your skin glowing. Crystal-infused Gua Sha helps lift and sculpt while top-of-the-line products target your skin’s unique needs. Your treatment also includes your choice of dermaplane, hydro facial, or other personalized add-ons for a truly tailored experience.
- $175-$220 Esteem Harmony Head Spa: Experience Southern Oregon’s first Korean Head Spa, created to be a facial for your scalp and face. ✨ This deeply relaxing treatment combines advanced scalp care, customized facial elements, and intuitive touch for a full mind, body, and soul experience. Designed to support a healthy scalp environment, improve circulation, and melt away tension, this service goes far beyond a traditional shampoo. Enjoy soothing water therapy, gentle exfoliation, scalp massage, a rejuvenating facial experience, neck and shoulder massage, and an exfoliating foot scrub for ultimate relaxation. Leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and glowing from head to toe
- $185 Korean Green Sea Peel: Seeking a comprehensive treatment addressing pigment, wrinkles, and collagen loss? This premier Korean peel, newly introduced in Oregon, is a top-tier solution. Spicules are gaining popularity as a microneedling alternative. This peel utilizes spicules (800,000 ppm) to stimulate collagen production
- $245 2 Hour Deluxe Facial & Back Facial: Treat yourself to pure bliss with our 2-hour deluxe package, featuring a rejuvenating back facial and hot stones, complemented by an extended massage focused on addressing your specific skin concerns.
- $265 Hydra Harmony Scalp & Body: This luxurious experience combines our signature Korean Head Spa with a customized Hydro Facial for both the face and scalp. Using gentle vortex technology, the Hydro Facial deeply cleanses pores, removes buildup, exfoliates dull skin cells, and infuses the skin with nourishing hydration and antioxidants. The result is smoother texture, improved hydration, reduced congestion, and a healthy, radiant glow without downtime. For the scalp, Hydro Facial technology helps lift away excess oil, product buildup, and impurities while supporting a healthier scalp environment for optimal hair and scalp wellness. Your treatment includes soothing warm steam, a deeply relaxing scalp massage, cooling jelly mask, high-frequency therapy, neck and shoulder massage, and intentional touch designed to calm the nervous system and melt away tension. This corrective yet restorative experience leaves your skin refreshed, your scalp rejuvenated, and your entire body feeling renewed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.esteemwellnessmedford.com/#/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatskingal_leiken?igsi=MWF3eDkxcThqYWo4Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://theskinesteem.glossgenius.com/services?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAT9PT5wZG9mAmZkaWQWUNTXJuHNM54Ads52qbY8ZWqFGMDWxGV4dG4DYWVtATEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPMTI0MDI0NTc0Mjg3NDE0AAGnaKpbnRaFaz009AwptqrgIYX0o473–Hbol7CXz2RRGRjrUZWhqIg3uypLs8_aem_lRj5Sxr3U5ZXnzI1PKh2QA
