Life & Work with Summer Serrano of Leawood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Serrano

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path to becoming an esthetician wasn’t a bolt of lightning, more like a delightful summer thunderstorm – unexpected, exhilarating, and ultimately, incredibly refreshing. It began, I suppose, with a deep-seated need to nurture. Caring for my brother, who faced significant challenges, taught me empathy I couldn’t have learned in a classroom. It also, oddly enough, honed my eye for detail – a skill that would later prove surprisingly useful.

Even in elementary school, I was the go-to girl for eyebrow shaping. Picture this: me, perched on the floor with a pillow as a makeshift headrest, wielding tweezers like tiny magic wands. My friends’ brows, I’m proud to say, survived the 90s unscathed! Little did I know, I was already practicing the art of balance and symmetry, the very essence of aesthetic beauty.

Post-high school, I felt adrift, like a sailboat without a wind. Then, a colleague mentioned esthetics school. Esthetics? What on earth was that? It sounded utterly fascinating, and frankly, a perfect solution to my own battle with cystic acne. It was a serendipitous moment, like finding a perfectly ripe peach on a hot summer day.

Life threw some curveballs, though. The death of my father shortly before graduating was devastating, but my new career became a lifeline, a source of purpose amidst profound sorrow. Starting my own business? A whirlwind of challenges! It was a steep learning curve, but I persevered.

After a few bumps in the road (including a rather intense facial demonstration interview!), I landed at Lenexa Beauty Brands. Eleven years of growth, learning, and navigating the sometimes-whimsical world of corporate life followed. I learned resilience, and that even less-than-ideal bosses could teach valuable lessons.

Then came Sassy Face Esthetics in 2015– a name inspired by my grandmother’s loving nickname for me. It’s a reflection of my journey, a blend of sass and resilience. Fastforward to when the pandemic hit, and motherhood arrived unexpectedly. I adapted, delivering products to clients, maintaining connections, keeping the Sassy Face spirit alive.

My journey continued with a move to a holistic approach. Giving up Botox during pregnancy allowed me to appreciate the full spectrum of facial expression, and it shifted my focus toward gentle, nurturing skincare. This led me down a fascinating path of traditional Chinese medicine, corneotherapy, Static Magnetic Frequencies and the Helena Pahava Method.

Now, in 2025, Sassy Face KC has a beautiful home in Leawood. My journey has been far from predictable, but like a perfectly curated skin ritual playlist, each experience has added depth and richness. I’m incredibly grateful for the winding path that led me here, to this place of creativity, connection, and the unwavering support of my amazing clients.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“Smooth seas don’t make good sailors,” has been the mantra of my life. The COVID-19 pandemic was anything but smooth sailing. It felt like a rogue wave, threatening to capsize my little esthetics ship. The fear? Absolutely palpable. It clung to me like a stubborn sunscreen stain. Failure felt like a monstrous kraken, ready to pull me under.

But then, something amazing happened. That fear, that terrifying uncertainty, became a catalyst. Instead of panicking, I found myself strangely energized. I started to question everything. My usual skincare routines? Were they truly effective, or just well-marketed? Was I clinging to outdated methods, like a sailor clinging to a broken mast?

I dove headfirst into research, devouring articles, attending webinars, and even seeking out the wisdom of skincare gurus whose names were whispered in reverent tones throughout the industry. It was an intense period of self-reflection and professional development, a kind of skincare boot camp fueled by anxiety and a thirst for knowledge.

I emerged from that storm-tossed sea a completely different esthetician. My approach is now sharper, more focused, more evidence-based. The pandemic, that terrifying tempest, unexpectedly smoothed the path towards a deeper understanding of my craft – a kind of unexpected alchemy, transforming fear into a profound appreciation for truly effective, truly beautiful skincare. It was a summer of upheaval, but also a summer of incredible growth. And, like a seasoned sailor, I’m ready for whatever the next wave brings.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
It’s been a long, beautiful career, and my skincare garden has certainly blossomed. Initially, I was a bit of a skincare jack-of-all-trades – a dab hand at everything including chemical peels. But over time, like a gardener carefully pruning their roses, I’ve honed in on what truly brings me joy, what truly makes a difference: bespoke facial rituals, precise waxing (think perfectly sculpted brows and bikinis!), and creating a haven of peace for my clients.

My facial treatments aren’t just facials; they’re *skin rituals*. Think of them as a luxurious meditation for the face, a blend of massage magic and gentle, high-performance products. No harsh chemicals, no frantic scrubbing – just a slow, steady restoration of the skin’s natural glow. I’m a firm believer in the “slow and steady wins the race” philosophy. Forget quick fixes; we’re building long-term skin health here.

In the Kansas City area, I’m not just another esthetician; I’m an oasis of calm in a bustling city. I offer a distinctive alternative, a slower pace, a gentler touch, and a genuine commitment to long-term skin health and well-being. My clients aren’t just clients; they’re fellow travelers on a journey to radiant, happy skin. It’s a summer romance, this relationship between skincare and serenity, and I’m so happy to be sharing it.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see it leaning towards a whirlwind of quick fixes sweeping through med spas, a tidal wave of instant gratification. And it’s getting younger, this rush for the perfect face, like a swarm of eager bees drawn to a sugary treat. But I worry, like a mama bird watching her fledglings fly too close to the sun. I believe in the quiet beauty of a face that’s lived, a face that tells a story. There’s a magic in the natural glow, a radiance that comes from within, not from a syringe or a laser. These quick fixes? They feel a bit like putting lipstick on a pig – a temporary fix for a deeper issue.

My approach? It’s gentle, like tending a garden. We’re not chasing fleeting trends; we’re nurturing the skin’s natural rhythm, coaxing out its inherent beauty. It’s a slower dance, but the result? A healthy, happy complexion that shines from deep within. A beauty that’s truly sustainable, truly you.

Pricing:

• Brows (wax, trim, tweeze) $40
• Brazilian $40
• Manual Face Lift Massage $325
• Stress Relief Scalp Massage $45
• Ultime Skin Ritual (80 min) $240

Contact Info:

• Website: https://SassyFaceKC.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/sassyfacekc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sassyfacekc
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sassy-face-kc-leawood
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/z6d51fL