Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Derrick.
Hi Kara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I didn’t always dream of becoming an Esthetician— surprising, If you know how much I adore my work right?
Well I didn’t really have time for dreams and aspirations at the time. All that I needed to figure out was how to survive and the quickest way to figure that out after highschool.
Growing up in a small town you don’t hear much about various career paths, and especially not Aesthetics. If we’re being honest Nursing school was about the only thing I ever overheard. Not that I had anyone actually refer me a career to pursue. I really didn’t have anyone in my corner pushing me to seek a college degree, but given my current living situation, I knew I had to choose something that would give me a better life than what I was currently living.
I didn’t have your typical mom and father college talk. My biological mom abandoned me and my siblings at a young age while pursuing “recreational activities” if you will, and my biological dad only showed up long enough to sign my birth certificate.
So yes Mentorship was scarce but I never let that stop me from something I put my mind to. I wanted to do better, be better, and set the example that we are more than the card you are dealt with.
So I decided to go with the career I thought was what you were supposed to do.. and I enjoyed caring for people anyways.
A career in Nursing would pay the bills and put food on the table—and for a long while, that felt like enough.
After graduating from Madisonville High School in 2017, I enrolled at Tyler Junior College and completed all the prerequisites for nursing. But when my application was denied, I didn’t quit. Instead, I earned my Associate Degree in Science in 2019, then worked as a CNA for a year and a half—not because I loved nursing, but to bide time while I prepared to resubmit my application. That role taught me empathy and patience—but deep down, I realized nursing wasn’t my true calling. I wanted to help people feel confident and beautiful, not just treat illness.
So, I decided to leave my nursing pursuits behind and pursue what my heart was really drawn to: skincare, luxury, and artistry. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping someone truly feel better about themselves inside and out. I applied to the Aveda Institute in The Woodlands and began commuting from Madisonville every other day—eleven-hour school days on top of a part-time job to make ends meet. It was one of the most demanding, self-reliant times in my life—but every long day affirmed that I was on the right path.
After graduating, I worked in Houston as a wax removal specialist and facialist. That experience solidified my purpose—I was meant to build confidence, joy, and radiance. So I returned home with a dream: to bring a luxury spa experience to Madisonville. It took months of searching and getting turned down—until I met Breelan Delasandri at Sono Briele Boutique. She believed in my vision and offered me a room that day! I signed the lease the next day and launched Esthetics by KK, a name close to my heart, inspired by my nephews and niece.
Now, nearly two years later, Esthetics by KK has flourished into so much more than I could have ever dreamed.
I thank most of all My clients, God, My Siblings and my adopted parents for always being by my side and believing in me every step of the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly not, but I wouldn’t change a thing! I love every trial I have been through. I wouldn’t have the knowledge or perseverance I have today without it.
Growing up not having a stable home, parents, or support system was hard I’m not going to sugar coat it. There were many nights I slept without electricity, a warm shower or even washed clothes everyday. Eating raw ramen was a normal occurrence wherever we were staying at the moment and school days quickly became my favorite because who doesn’t love AC, running water and guaranteed breakfast and lunch? So when anyone brung up who I wanted to be when I grow up I truly didn’t know. All I knew is that I wanted to survive and make it in life.
In college I walked to work everyday until I saved enough cash to buy my very first car. 2007 Hyundai Elantra I’ll never forget her and always proud for what I did on my own!
Figuring out College Tuition on your own isn’t fun I’ll tell you that! But definitely not a huge challenge in the road.
Honestly during college I’ve not had any huge struggles, the beginning of life was much harder.
But once I left Madisonville I truly flourished, have worked ever since, set a goal and completed that goal every single time. It sounds so cliche but if you truly put your mind to something you will always succeed. I never let a circumstance come in between me and my goals in life, ever. All you can do is pray about it, trust God in every chapter and keep moving forward always.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Esthetics by KK?
I’m Kara Derrick, a Licensed Solo Esthetician proudly serving Madisonville, TX. At Esthetics by KK, I specialize in results-driven, luxury skincare treatments tailored to help you look and feel like your most elevated self.
My services include:
-Custom Facials
-Acne Treatments
-Chemical Peels
-LED Therapy
-Microcurrent Treatments
-Belly Facials for Expecting Moms
-Back Treatments
-Brazilian Waxes
-Lash Lifts
-Brow Laminations & Stains
-Child Birthday Facials (“The Princess Treatment”)
Cleanliness and safety are at the heart of everything I do—my commitment to proper sanitation is just as strong as my dedication to your results. To me luxury is more than a place being elegant, luxury is the service you’re given. Luxury is the quality your given.. and above all luxury is a feeling your given. I base my brand on these principles everyday and my work also reflects just that as well. Everyone is welcome at Esthetics by KK where you truly leave feeling like you’re elevated self. .
You deserve more than a service. You deserve an experience.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Oh definitely, I feel like anything in the aesthetic industry is taking a risk. Any service you include or add as your practice grows has that uncertainty of is this what my clients want? Need? Can budget for?
Once you find your groove and niche for your clientele that always helps you a little too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://estheticsbykk.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthetics_by_kk?igsh=cW1xODkyYnhrN3Ro&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HvFNbVRta/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Sarah Alvarez
