Graduated from @dallas_skin_institute yesterday!
I had been looking at this school for four years before finally taking the leap. This was before they even opened their Santa Monica branch, and once they did, it truly felt like a calling I had to answer.
Growing up, I watched my mom make intentional, mindful decisions about skincare, and it inspired me more than she probably knows. Choosing to step away from volleyball (something that had been my whole life since freshman year of high school) was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. For a long time, I thought life after sports would feel empty. BUT I SURVIVED (gasp) instead I’ve found myself feeling more free, more fulfilled, and able to nurture others in ways I never expected.
Thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me and encouraging me to take big leaps of faith. My teachers for answering my millions of questions. Thank you if you’re still reading this (I probably would have given up by now). And the biggest thank you to my sweet husband @andybenesh 🤍 You believe in me unconditionally, make me feel like a superwoman, and somehow always know how to bring me back down when I’m having a level 10 crash out lolll
Next step: passing my esthetician exam 🤞🏻
DM me if you want to be one of my first clients 😉
Happy 31st you sexy thang ;) @andybenesh
How lucky I am to get to spend this life with my best friend. Here’s to endless laugh, smiles and wheelbarrows 🤍
The way I’m so in love with this first photograph, and all the photographs in this set, and all the photographs in this gallery… 🤍
This was the cutest little moment of them laughing amongst all the sweet moments and the VOGUE moments..
These two souls were truly made for each other and they have the most beautiful families to match! It was truly such an honor to be able to witness this celebration 🥂
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47.9983° N 122.4395° W
Photographer @melissaoharaphotography
Venue Private Estate on Whidbey Island
Event Planning @embereventsllc
Hair @aurasalonwhidbey
Makeup @makeup_by_diana__
Catering @redcorkbistromukilteo
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Tomorrow marks my first day of esthetician school at the Dallas Skincare Institute!
From watching my mom perform at-home facials, swear by red light therapy, and never skip sunscreen, my love for skincare began early. Growing up in sports - and later as a professional beach volleyball athlete - I spent countless hours in the sun, constantly exposed to sand, dirt and sweat. Experiencing first hand how those elements impacted my skin deepened my respect for intentional skincare.
Now, I’m stepping into a new chapter and officially beginning this journey. If you’d like to follow along, learn with me, and support along the way, I’d love for you to join me on my new page 🫶🏻
LIFE UPDATE: I’m going to Esthetician school with @dallas_skin_institute in Santa Monica! I have been thinking about doing this for the past 5 years and decided it was time to take a leap of faith. I am so excited for this new adventure and thankful for the best support system cheering me on. There will be more updates to come on this but so far school starts January 20th. Switching paths can be scary but if it doesn’t make you nervous is it worth doing? 🤷🏼♀️
Comment if you need a new skin girl in 2026 ;)