By Jaff Joseph

The soft scent of herbs linger as I step into Liana’s studio, a curated space that resembles a mini getaway retreat if I’ve ever seen one. Located in Suite 148 at 313 Liberty Street in Lancaster, “SkinByLiana” offers beauty and wellness treatments of the face, body, and mind– if you count the girl talk that occurs as well. A neon pink sign for the licensed esthetician shines above a clean treatment bed as music hums low and steady. Skincare tools are lined with precision, and tiny plants and artworks adorn the space. Liana smiles and welcomes me in, setting aside her tools for a moment of conversation. The space is calming, but it’s her story that grounds it. I ask her about how it all began.

So, who’s Liana? Tell us more about who you are.

"I was born in Colombia, where I earned my degree in Business Administration. Although I originally pursued a career in business, I always felt a deep love for beauty and wellness, which led me to study professional makeup as a hobby. That passion stayed with me, and when I moved to the U.S., I decided to follow it more seriously and enrolled in esthetics school. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.I’m also a proud mother to a 20-year-old daughter, who is one of my biggest motivations. Being a mom has taught me strength, resilience, and the importance of leading by example.”

Liana’s warmth comes through not just in her space, but with her craft. While her journey hasn’t been easy, it's been full of intentional steps that brought her here. Immigrating is a feat of its own, and solidifying your very own space in another country is a challenge that the majority may not understand. It is one of many that Liana had to conquer.

What challenges have you faced as a business owner, and how did you overcome them?

"When my husband was relocated to Lancaster, I had to close the business I had just started a few years ago in New York and start all over in a city where I didn’t know anyone. It was a big challenge—but I did it, with love, determination, and faith in my path. I believe that every experience, even the difficult ones, has helped shape who I am today: a woman who works with purpose and passion.

One of the biggest challenges I faced as an immigrant to the United States was the language barrier, as I spoke very little English. While I wasn’t afraid to communicate, I knew that mastering the language would be essential for my growth. Despite the challenges, I enrolled in esthetics school, completed my training entirely in English, and earned my license with honors.

Why do you do what you do?

What drives me to continue, even on the toughest days, is the profound impact I have on my clients’ lives. Every facial and treatment I perform is an opportunity to boost someone’s confidence and bring a little more joy into their day. I draw strength from my passion for skincare and the satisfaction of seeing a client’s skin transform into something healthier, glowing, and hydrated. Every challenge I face is a learning experience, and every smile or word of gratitude from a client reaffirms why I do what I do. This deep sense of purpose and love for my craft keeps me motivated, no matter how hard the day may be.”

That strength is part of what shapes her business, but there are also moments of pride that stand out. It’s important to remind yourself of them every now and then.

What are some of your proudest moments in your business journey?

Beyond the language barrier, what truly fills me with pride is how I have transformed my passion into a profession. Every time I perform a facial or wax service, I am not just applying my own techniques— I am sharing the knowledge, dedication, and love I have for my craft. Through my hands, I communicate my expertise and care for my clients, and that, to me, is the most rewarding part of my journey. It reminds me of my strength, my value, and how far I have come.”

Strength often looks like persistence, and that success can live in the details of daily devotion. Liana’s hands not only heal, they represent years of belief and discipline. We often don’t think about what one had to overcome to get where they are today.

Naturally, I wonder what that kind of dedication feels like for the people she works with.

What impact do you want your business to have on your customers and community?

"The impact I want my business to have on my customers and community is one of self-care, confidence, and empowerment. As an esthetician, I pour my heart and soul into every facial or service, paying attention to every detail to ensure my clients leave feeling their best. I am a perfectionist in my work because I believe that every person deserves to feel beautiful, radiant, and healthy in their own skin. What truly fulfills me is seeing the transformation in my clients— their glowing, healthy, and hydrated skin—and knowing that I played a role in that. I want my business to be a place where people not only receive exceptional skincare, but also feel cared for, valued, and inspired to take time for themselves.”

Her words land with sincerity. Her passion for empowering others is palpable. I ask about these ideals manifesting daily, and its way of guiding her work.

What are some of your core values within your business and how do you live them out daily?

"Some of my core values within my business are dedication, quality, and care. I believe that every treatment should be done with love and attention to detail, because when you truly care about your work, the results will speak for themselves. I aim to provide not only exceptional skincare but also a personalized experience for each client.

Living these values daily means I take the time to understand each person’s needs, communicate openly, and ensure they leave feeling confident and cared for. I also make it a priority to constantly learn and improve my skills, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry to offer the best possible service. This commitment to excellence is at the heart of everything I do, and it shapes the experience I provide to every client who walks through my door.”

There’s a rhythm to how Liana talks about her work; deliberate, humble, practiced. She doesn’t just want to perform skincare, but to make her clients feel seen, listened to, and valued. And that’s something you can’t replicate just anywhere.

Liana also looks to inspire others who’s thinking about a similar path to her own.

What advice would you give to other women looking to start a business?

"I remember just a few days before opening my business, I was at a department store buying the last electrical supplies I needed to open, and suddenly, I had a panic attack. I started shaking and crying, feeling like I was going to faint. At that moment, I realized that my dream was becoming a reality. It was both a beautiful and terrifying experience.

The most beautiful part of this journey is that your mind opens up. You start to pay attention to what’s happening around you, to learn from others, especially other women like me who inspire you. Knowledge and experiences come every day. Yes, we will make mistakes—that’s part of the process. It’s how we learn. But what matters most is having the drive and passion. If you have those, everything else will fall into place.”

Her story reminds us that fear and growth often arrive hand-in-hand, and that sometimes, the leap is part of becoming. What her business stands for now, allows her to honor these experiences for what they taught her.

Celebrate your wins! It is important to celebrate your wins no matter how big or small! Have you had any "WINS" recently that you'd like to share?

"For me, a huge win is simply sharing my story on this platform. It’s an opportunity to inspire others— those who have just started or are hesitant to take that first step, those who watch others succeed, or even those working on someone else’s dream instead of pursuing their own. Every step in my journey has been a victory, and I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can empower others to believe in themselves and take the leap toward their own dreams. This act of sharing is not only a celebration of my personal growth but also a call for others to embrace their potential and start building the life they envision.”

“*I believe that every treatment should be done with love and attention to detail, because when you truly care about your work, the results will speak for themselves. “ - Liana*

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to share?

"I believe that my journey is ongoing and that the path ahead is long, filled with continuous learning and growth. I am committed to evolving every day and expanding my reach, so that more people can experience the quality of the products and services I offer. My goal is for everyone to know my work and to feel inspired by my passion for skincare.” Liana describes looking forward to the future with excitement, knowing that every step she takes is part of a larger journey of personal and professional development.

You can be a part of this journey as well once you visit her site, Skinbyliana.com and book a service you won’t regret. Liana’s studio is built with love and passion– a place where beauty is honored, care is intentional, and every visit is a step toward feeling your best.

It was an honor sitting down with Liana and stepping into the sanctuary she’s built. Experience SkinbyLiana for yourself and leave feeling a little more radiant, inside and out. Suite 148 awaits you at Liberty Place!

SkinByLiana: A Story of Wellness, Strength and Starting Over

By Jaff Joseph

Contact Us!