Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Gibson.
Hi Crystal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our Story
Founded by Master Esthetician and Licensed Instructor, Crystal Gibson
The Esthetician Academy was born from both passion and purpose — the vision of licensed master esthetician, instructor, and entrepreneur Crystal Gibson, who has over 16 years of corrective skincare experience and a deep commitment to education, empowerment, and excellence.
Crystal’s journey began long before the doors of The Esthetician Academy ever opened. As a teenager and into her twenties, she struggled with problematic skin and became determined to understand how to truly heal it. After giving birth to her son in 2008, life presented a crossroads — no college degree, bills piling up, and uncertainty about the future. That pivotal moment pushed her to follow her passion for skincare and enroll in the Aveda Institute in The Woodlands.
From day one, her natural gift for esthetics was undeniable. Even as a student, clients and peers assumed she was already licensed. But after graduation, reality hit hard — no one wanted to hire an esthetician without experience. It was a discouraging time that tested her faith and determination.
Then came the leap. With just $1,300 borrowed from a friend, Crystal found a small space for lease at $650 a month. On that mustard seed of faith, she signed the lease and began taking any client she could find. Within the first month, she made enough to repay the loan and finally breathe again. That decision changed everything.
Over the years, Crystal built a thriving corrective skincare practice — one client at a time, entirely through word of mouth. When social media emerged, her expertise and results caught widespread attention, and other estheticians began seeking her mentorship and advanced training. Time and again, she heard the same frustration:
“School taught me how to pass my state board, but not how to actually perform advanced treatments or build a successful career.”
That recurring message reignited the dream she’d carried since her own days in esthetician school — to one day open a stand-alone esthetics academy dedicated solely to developing skilled, confident professionals ready to thrive beyond graduation.
Today, that dream is reality. The Esthetician Academy stands as a prestigious, state-of-the-art training facility offering a comprehensive corrective skincare curriculum that bridges the gap between theory and real-world practice. The Academy’s Tulum-inspired student spa allows students to experience the pace and professionalism of a modern clinic setting, ensuring they graduate not only licensed, but fully prepared for success.
Crystal’s mission extends beyond technique — it’s about transformation. She aims to build women (and men) who are confident, capable, and empowered to create the lives they deserve. Every tear, dollar, and ounce of faith has gone into shaping a school that represents excellence, opportunity, and community.
As Crystal continues to expand her influence — pursuing a law degree to further advocate for professionalism and industry standards — The Esthetician Academy remains a reflection of her journey:
proof that faith, education, and purpose can turn struggle into legacy.
The Esthetician Academy
Excellence Has a New Address.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Launching The Esthetician Academy has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. Because this was my first venture of this magnitude, nearly everything was underestimated—the initial investment, the setup costs, and the marketing budget. We went over budget on multiple areas, and there were moments where it felt like we were pouring every ounce of money, time, and emotion into something that hadn’t yet begun to show a return.
There were also growing pains that came with building something entirely new. From construction delays to staffing, licensing, and managing partnerships—every stage came with lessons. When you’re a visionary, you see the end result so clearly, but getting there often feels like a test of faith and patience.
At times, partners and team members grew anxious, and the pressure of sustaining momentum before the doors officially opened was very real. But those struggles built resilience and clarity. They forced me to strengthen my leadership, refine my systems, and truly learn what it takes to run a state-approved institution from the ground up.
Looking back, I’m grateful for every obstacle. They pushed me to operate not just as a service provider, but as a businesswoman and educator. Each challenge shaped The Esthetician Academy into what it is today—a school built on faith, discipline, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed esthetician of 16 years and a licensed educator for the past 4 years. My expertise lies in corrective skincare, acne, and hyperpigmentation, with a strong focus on treating melanin-rich complexions in Black and brown skin.
I’ve become known in the skincare community as one of the top corrective estheticians in Houston—someone who not only transforms skin but truly educates clients about it. My signature service is extractions, and I say this with full confidence: there is no one who does extractions like me. They may not be the most comfortable part of the facial, but they’re the most necessary for achieving real results. That meticulous, results-driven approach is what I’m most sought after for.
What sets me apart is my passion for healing through education. I’ve built a career not just on providing treatments but on teaching others how to understand their skin, trust the process, and achieve lasting change.
I am most proud that through every season—financial challenges, personal hardships, and business growing pains—I’ve remained consistent and committed to my purpose. The fact that I’ve been able to sustain my business for this long and now open The Esthetician Academy still humbles me every day. There are mornings I wake up and think, “Wow… I really did that. I have a beauty school.” That feeling never gets old.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is my family and my children. I know it may sound cliché, but they truly give my life purpose. They are the reason I keep pushing forward, even on the hardest days when giving up feels easier.
Being a mother that my children can admire and be proud of means everything to me. I come from a small family, and I’ve always been the overachiever—the one who wanted to break generational ceilings and create something bigger than myself.
My ultimate dream is to reach a level of financial success and stability that allows me to always be in a position to help my children and my family whenever they need it. I want to give my kids a life that I once only dreamed of—and I want that to be their everyday reality.
Everything I’ve built, including The Esthetician Academy, stems from that purpose. It’s not just about business—it’s about legacy.
Pricing:
- $9500 Our 750 TDLR Esthetics program is priced at this amount
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theestyacademy.com
- Instagram: @theestheticianacademy
- Yelp: The Esthetician Academy
