From Basement Beginnings to Business Success: The Story of Kayla Aguilera and Kaida Skin and Beauty

Imagine transforming a family basement into a flourishing beauty spa. For Kayla Aguilera, this imaginative vision became a reality in Rockland County. With unwavering faith and determination, Aguilera’s journey from a teenage makeup enthusiast to the owner of Kaida Skin and Beauty in Stony Point exemplifies her commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.

Kayla’s passion for makeup began at the age of 16, working from her home doing prom makeup. What started as a personal interest in makeup quickly grew into a professional ambition, eventually leading to the creation of her own beauty business.

Her initial foray into the beauty industry began in her bedroom, where she honed her skills in makeup artistry. As her talent developed, her parents provided her with the family basement to set up a dedicated spa space. This support was crucial in allowing her to expand her services and solidify her professional vision. For two years, she transformed this space into a nurturing environment where her craft could flourish.

Driven by a desire to advance her skills and credentials, Aguilera enrolled in beauty school at Capri Cosmetology, and graduated in 2021 as a licensed esthetician. Upon graduation, she took a significant leap by opening her first beauty space in February 2022, determined to establish herself in the beauty industry. Her faith played a central role in her journey. “I felt like there were a lot of doubts that I had to prove to a lot of the people around me. A lot of them didn’t believe that there was any way I could go from doing lashes on girls in my basement to a spa,” Aguilera reflects. “That was the place that God wanted me to go to. He knew the endeavor that he had for me.” Driven by a desire for positive progression in her life, she transitioned her faith to Christianity in January 2023.

Today, Kaida Skin and Beauty is thriving, offering a wide range of services including makeup artistry, lash extensions, facials, tooth gems, and lash lifts. “I would say the thing that is the most popular is lash extensions,” Aguilera notes. However, another option for lash enhancement with lower maintenance is the lash lift. Kaida Skin and Beauty recently relocated to a new site in Stony Point, NY, conveniently situated across from both Walgreens and CVS.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Kayla moved to North Rockland while being in high school, a transition she describes as challenging. However, she acknowledges that the move was pivotal. “It was a difficult transition. However, if it weren’t for the decision my parents made, I wouldn’t be where I am right now, in my business having this conversation. They wanted my family to have a better life.”

Along with having appreciation for her parent’s best interest in her endeavors, Aguilera attributes her strong foundation of friendships to the support system she has developed in Rockland over time. She expresses gratitude for her friends and husband, Jonathan, who have accompanied her on her personal journey and emphasizes the importance of being surrounded by loved ones without jealousy or animosity.

Aguilera emphasizes the unique, intimate environment of her spa, distinguishing it from typical salon experiences. “It’s a different type of experience,” she explains. “When you’re lying down in that bed for an hour or two, your eyes are closed, and you’re not thinking about talking on the phone or texting.” This setup fosters a more personal connection between Kayla and her clients.

Aguilera takes pride in the personalized experiences she offers her clients. “I’m living vicariously through them. I get to connect with all different types of walks of life. “I’ve seen clients from girls age 13 to women, the age of 88.” This diverse clientele provides her with a broad perspective on life through the stories and experiences shared by her clients. “They leave feeling comfortable, knowing that someone out there is listening to them.”

Aguilera’s journey from a home-based makeup artist to a successful business owner underscores the importance of faith, determination, and family support in achieving professional goals. Her story highlights how personal passion and professional ambition can transform dreams into reality.

For more information about the services offered by Kaida Skin and Beauty or to book an appointment, visit Kayla’s website (https://www.kaidaskinandbeauty.com/) or follow her page on Instagram @kaidaskinandbeauty_. Kaida Skin and Beauty is located at 141 S Liberty Dr, Stony Point, NY 10980.

  artist, artistry, developing artist, makeup, North Rockland, Rockland, small business, small business owner, spa, Stony Point