Joanna Czech Helped Pioneer Facial Studios and the Celebrity Aesthetician as We Know It
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As part of our third annual By Women seriesâwhich spotlights the best women-owned products and companiesâweâre talking to Joanna Czech, a celebrity aesthetician with three studios across the United States and her own eponymous skin care line. With this series, weâre committed to giving a platform to female founders who own 51% or more of their business. This allows them to introduce their brilliant products to a wide and potentially new audience and also helps youâthe discerning shopperâdiscover the best stuff out there. Even better, they share what they learned along the way.
Before the trendy facial studios we know and love, there was Joanna Czech. Originally starting her career as an aesthetician in Poland, Czech moved to New York more than 35 years ago, where she attracted A-list clientele through methods like deep tissue massage and the use of LED light and ultrasoundâall techniques she is considered a pioneer in. Beyond her experience as a career facialist (âMy first and only job has been as an aesthetician,â Czech tells Glamour), she also expanded her skin empire with the launch of Joanna Czech Skincare in 2021.
âAt 23, I launched my first business in Poland, not giving the timing much thought,â Czech says of her career beginnings. âLater, in the United States, my work was primarily with private clients or on movie sets, so I didnât really have the structure of full-time employment. By 2002 or 2003, I felt a desire to create something more organized to share my skincare methods with a bigger audience.â
Stepping into her lower Manhattan studio (one of three totalâyou can also see her in Beverly Hills and Dallas), youâre immediately transported into a zen, chic, and invitingly warm space. Neutral woods and cream-colored walls surround you, letting your eye travel to the Instagram-famous HĂ€stens bed where she offers treatments. But Czechâs skin care studio and boutique isnât just nice to look at. It hosts a long list of celebrities who trust her with their skin before high-profile red-carpet events such as the Oscars and the Met Gala, including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Hailey Bieber.
Czech recognizes her influence, citing her own ambition as the key to her success. âTo be honest, Iâve navigated my career through my own intuition and creativity,â she says. âAs an entrepreneur, Iâve largely formed my own path, often going against the wind. My constant curiosity drives me to learn and explore.â
Below, Czech gives us a glimpse into her world, from her morning routine to her best advice for women looking to start their own business.
Why did you feel like it was a good time to launch your company when you did?
Having arrived in the United States 36 years ago, I noticed disconnect in skin care services, where makeup was prioritized over skin health. IÂ believe that healthy skin begins with client education. While the responsibility of having my name attached to a business naturally brought pressure, my focus was always to give the best possible service to each client. That drive remains with me, even with every new client I see today.
Whatâs one key piece of advice youâd give to other women looking to start their own business?
Owning a business is demanding; itâs a lot of hard work. My advice is to keep it small; this way you can control the quality of service. My focus and motivation has always been on individual client care and education, rather than financial gain.
Joanna Czech Skincare The Cleansing Wipes
Joanna Czech Skincare The C+ Serum
Whatâs your typical morning routine?
I wake up at 7:30 a.m. My typical morning begins with coffee, followed by avocado and scrambled eggs on sourdough toast for breakfast. Then I FaceTime my mother in Poland. When Iâm not traveling, I try to exercise three to four times a week. The rest of my morning is filled with business meetings or client appointments depending on day of the week.
How do you take your coffee?
Espresso, particularly Nespresso, served in my Astier de Villatte coffee cups.
How do you typically deal with rejection in your field?
My response to rejection has evolved. In my 30s, I was more sensitive and wanted approval from others. Now I pay less attention to it. Fortunately I haven’t experienced much rejection. However, when I do, I acknowledge the initial tightness in my chest. I address feedback by communicating and examining the issue. For business-related concerns, I strive to identify the root cause and find a solution.
Whatâs your go-to work outfit?
My comfortable work attire often includes pieces from The Row. Iâm The Row hoe! Sorry! I wear sneakers, stylish boots, sandals, and heels. Iâve done it allâI love shoes. I typically wear comfortable pants, paired with a tee or cashmere shirts and sweaters. My personal style is understated, casually elegant with a unique edge to make it my own.
Explain the moment you realized, Okay, I might actually be successfulâŠ
The affirmation of others regarding my success was a key indicator.
Whatâs your go-to thank-you gift?
For thank-you gifts, I often choose Astier de Villatte dishes, such as tea cups, vases, or plates. I think others would enjoy their beauty and quality. I also enjoy gifting blankets from Brunello Cucinelli or Loro Piana, and beautiful candles.
Finish this sentence: People would be happier doing their work ifâŠ
People would be happier at work if they loved what they do. Passion transforms the quality of work and reduces the level of tiredness you might feel dragging yourself to work.
If you werenât in your current career, youâd be a…
If I werenât in my current career, Iâd be a doctor, likely a surgeon or emergency physician.
Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
