Carla Bonilla, L.E. ✨ From Makeup Artist to Esthetician: Putting In Work, Building Community, and Finding Her Path to Entrepreneurship & Teaching

Last updated on February 20th, 2026 at 12:28 am

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In this episode of The Everyday Beauty Pro, I sit down with L.A.-based esthetician Carla Bonilla of Carla Bonilla Beauty ✨

We have an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to build experience in this industry, and how your path can evolve in ways you didn’t expect—and even be better than what you thought you wanted.

We talk about the pressure many estheticians put on themselves to land that “dream” med spa or luxury spa job right away, the reality of paying your dues, and what happens when your career starts to shift in a new direction.

Carla shares her journey from starting in the beauty industry as a makeup artist, going to esthetician school and landing her first few jobs, eventually working for herself, and also becoming an esthetics teacher.

This episode is about professional development, determination, and defining success not just by where you work, but by how you grow and give back to your community.

If you’ve ever felt disappointed by your job search, questioned your path, or wondered what’s next for you as a beauty professional, this conversation is a reminder that every phase of your career has purpose.

Connect with Carla:

Website: https://www.carlabonillabeauty.com/

IG: @carlabonillabeauty

Catch up on the last pod episode with Sian Ayres-Harden.

Thinking about going to esthetician school in California? Consider an esthetics program at a California community college.