Meet Alicia Neal | Licensed Aesthetician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Success is a complicated concept—everyone measures it differently.** I’ve spent years chasing it, comparing myself to others, and pushing to achieve more. Honestly, even being part of something like this feature is, in some ways, a subconscious desire to stay relevant and recognized. Of course, that visibility helps business—but it also gives me the chance to speak honestly about what success really means to me after 20 years in business.

The number one factor behind any truly successful brand is authenticity.** People can spot a phony a mile away. What took me time to learn—and changed everything—was leaning fully into my natural, God-given strengths. Once I embraced what I was genuinely good at, and stopped obsessing over what I wasn’t, everything started to align. I built my business, my livelihood, and my passion around what comes naturally to me.

Consistency and passion have been my foundation.** When you wake up every day and do something you’re not only talented at, but truly *love*, that’s success. That’s where abundance flows from. And that’s what my brand is built on—realness, purpose, and doing what I was born to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is simple—I’m not trying to be like anyone else. I’ve built my brand and business around authenticity, service, and purpose. I don’t chase trends or compare myself to others. Instead, I lean into what makes me *me*: my faith, my intuition, and my ability to connect with people in a real, honest way.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve stayed true to myself, even when it wasn’t easy or popular. I’ve created a space where people feel seen, cared for, and transformed—not just on the outside, but from the inside out. That’s the soul of my work, and that’s what keeps me going.

Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. I’ve had to navigate self-doubt, fear, financial pressure, and the constant learning curve that comes with running a business. There were seasons where I questioned everything—my path, my purpose, my abilities. But every time I hit a wall, I went back to my foundation: Grit, Growth and God

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: your purpose already lives inside you. Stop waiting for the perfect time, perfect plan, or perfect version of yourself. Use what you have. Start where you are. I focused on my strengths instead of obsessing over my weaknesses, and that mindset shift changed everything.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I’m here to serve. I’m here to uplift, heal, and empower—whether that’s through beauty, wellness, or just speaking truth. My work is more than a business—it’s a calling. And I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town for a week, I’d curate a mix of good vibes, glowing skin, soul-nourishing food, and a healthy dose of fun—on and off the golf course. I’d want them to leave refreshed, inspired, and a little more obsessed with life (and maybe golf) than when they arrived.

Day 1: Arrival & Ease In
Pick them up in full hype mode—coffee in hand, playlist ready. Brunch at a local favorite with a great patio and a laid-back vibe. After that, a casual stroll through some boutiques or a local art walk. Dinner would be somewhere cozy but elevated—small plates, great wine, and real conversation.

Day 2: Beauty & Glow Day
Morning starts at my studio—they’re getting the full skincare experience, of course. After they’re glowing, we’ll grab lunch somewhere light and seasonal, followed by an afternoon of self-care—maybe massage, sauna, or float therapy. Dinner? Somewhere with a view and cocktails that feel like vacation.

Day 3: Golf Girl Era Activated
Time to hit the range! Whether they’re a beginner or low-key obsessed like me, we’re swinging clubs and talking trash like pros. After working up an appetite, lunch at the clubhouse or a spot nearby with great sliders and cold drinks. Evening plans? Chill—maybe live music or a casual wine bar.

Day 4: Local Culture & Hidden Gems
Explore a museum or local landmark, then shop small at an artisan market or thrift gem. Grab lunch at a food truck or hole-in-the-wall spot only locals know about. End the day with a sunset round at a scenic par-3 course or a twilight driving range sesh (you already know we’re posting it). Dinner can wait—we’ll earn it.

Day 5: Luxe & Laughs
Our glam day: hit the best shops, splurge on something fabulous, and toast to being alive with a champagne lunch. Afternoon pampering or glam squad appointment if we’re feeling extra. Nightfall means reservations at a trendy, buzzing dinner spot—somewhere we can get dressed up and feel her.

Day 6: Sunday Reset with Soul (and Sweat)
We’re starting slow but intentional. Morning coffee, maybe a little scripture or gratitude journaling to ground ourselves. Then it’s off to Body Rok—my bestie’s studio—for a Pilates class that humbles us in the best way. After that, we balance it out with a sound bath or a guided meditation session to reset our energy. Honestly, probably both. That’s just who I am—and why my bestie loves me.

Brunch afterward, somewhere cute and vibey, where we’re still in our athleisure but feeling glowy from the inside out. The rest of the day? Easy. Maybe a creative workshop, maybe just lounge time, but definitely ending with takeout, sweats, and the kind of conversations that fill your heart.

Day 7: Farewell & Future Plans
Final breakfast at a local hidden gem. We’ll talk about our favorite memories, laugh about the missteps, and dream up our next girls’ trip. I’d send them off glowing, grounded, and gifted with a little skincare package to take the vibe home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No one builds anything meaningful alone.** I’ve had the privilege of learning from and working alongside some incredible people in this industry—some for a season, some for the long haul. Now, after 20 years and in this season of my life, I unapologetically give all the credit to **God**.

There were years of self-doubt, a lack of self-worth, and a deep search for purpose. That kind of healing didn’t come from any business plan—it came from spiritual work, from surrender, and from faith. God gave me direction when I felt lost, and that inner transformation changed everything.

My family has also been my foundation. Even when they didn’t fully understand the big picture, they saw how much I loved what I was doing and how hard I worked for it. They supported me, cheered me on, and even volunteered as guinea pigs when I needed practice. That gave me the courage I needed to keep going.

I’ve also been blessed with **friends and collaborators** who filled in the gaps—people who were strong where I was still learning. Teamwork truly makes the dream work. I know what I’m great at, and I’m just as clear on what I’m *not* great at. I’ve learned to keep trusted eyes and ears close—people who can give honest, outside perspective and constructive feedback.

I’m a doer. Business didn’t come naturally at first, but I’ve grown into it by surrounding myself with people who want to see me win and are willing to help me refine, rethink, and rise.

Website: https://www.beautybyalicia.guru

Instagram: @beautybyaliciaguru

Image Credits
@the_modernedit Megan Duffy