Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Esquivel-Clark.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey with almost no knowledge of skincare. Growing up, I didn’t get facials, waxing, or professional products — I used whatever was available at the drugstore and never imagined I’d one day build a career in beauty and wellness. After high school, I worked nearly full-time at Wendy’s in Virginia Beach while putting myself through community college, supporting myself and developing the discipline and work ethic that still guide me today.
Everything changed when I discovered esthetics. What began as curiosity quickly became my calling. Over the years, I became a licensed esthetician, a licensed esthetics instructor, and eventually a continuing education teacher and international educator. I am a 4x gold facial massage champion, a CIDESCO Diplomat, and the recipient of multiple industry honors including the Genesis Award and the Legendary Award.
As the founder of The Spa Academy USA, my mission is to empower and educate — not just students entering the field, but also licensed professionals who want to elevate their skills. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to teach my NCBTMB-approved continuing education classes to massage therapists and estheticians across the country, sharing advanced techniques in facial rejuvenation, body treatments, and more.
My journey has been built on self-teaching, determination, and the support of my family. And what keeps me showing up every day is the same purpose that started it all: empowering others, advancing our industry, and proving that no matter where you start, you can rise with knowledge, dedication, and passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the educator, business owner, and leader I am today. I didn’t grow up around skincare or wellness, so when I entered this industry, I was truly starting from zero. With no access to professional treatments or advanced products, everything I learned in the beginning came from curiosity, self-teaching, and pure determination.
Financially, my husband, John supported me and our growing family while going to esthetic school at The New York Institute of Beauty. As I worked for some spas in NY we decided to move to NC. As I stepped into entrepreneurship, the challenges only grew. Owning three day spas in the Triangle meant learning everything on my own — payroll, taxes, HR, inventory, marketing, customer service, and daily operations. There was no guidebook; just trial, error, and grit.
And while I faced the expected hurdles — gatekeeping, setbacks, financial risks, and the pressure to constantly elevate — I was never alone. My husband has always been my biggest supporter. He traveled with me to my events and classes, cheered me on through every competition, and carried the household expenses so I could build my dream without sacrificing our stability. His belief in me gave me the space to grow from a solo esthetician into an international educator.
Every struggle — personal, professional, or financial — made me stronger, more empathetic, and more committed to empowering others. Those experiences fuel the way I teach today: openly, passionately, and with nothing held back. My journey proves that success doesn’t require a perfect start — just resilience, support, and a relentless belief in your purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Spa Academy USA and my day spa brand were both created with one purpose: to elevate the esthetics and massage industries through high-quality education, advanced techniques, and real-world professionalism. What began as a single treatment room has grown into a respected training academy and a trusted resource for students and licensed professionals across the country.
What we do:
I specialize in advanced facial massage, rejuvenation techniques, and continuing education for estheticians and massage therapists. My NCBTMB-approved courses — including my signature Art of Facial Rejuvenation class — blend science, technique, and intention. I teach more than 20+ modalities such as Kobido, Indian Head Massage, Japanese Facelifting, sculpting, facial cupping, gua sha, and acupressure. I also offer body treatment training, dry room protocols, and hands-on classes that elevate practitioner confidence immediately.
What sets us apart:
My approach is rooted in experience, transparency, and a no-gatekeeping philosophy. I’ve competed, trained internationally, and earned multiple honors — but what truly sets my brand apart is that I openly share what I’ve learned. I don’t hold back techniques. I don’t give “half lessons.” Whether you’re a brand-new student or a 20-year licensed professional, you walk away with real skills you can use the very next day.
Another major differentiator is that I’ve lived every role in this industry — employee, spa owner, instructor, competitor, and now international educator. That means my teaching covers not just technique, but professionalism, client communication, safety, and real operational knowledge. I’ve owned three day spas in the Triangle, so I understand payroll, HR, taxes, marketing, inventory, branding — all the things people don’t talk about openly. That practical experience shapes everything I teach.
What I’m most proud of:
Brand-wise, I’m proud of the trust I’ve built. Students tell me they feel seen, valued, and elevated after training with me. Professionals travel from around the country just to attend my classes. And seeing their confidence, their growth, and their career transformations is the greatest reward.
I’m also proud that my brand empowers women. Many of my students are building their own businesses, supporting their families, or reinventing themselves — and I get to play a small part in that journey.
What I want readers to know:
My academy and services are built on heart, excellence, and a genuine desire to help practitioners thrive. Whether you’re looking to elevate your skills, grow your business, or offer clients more advanced treatments, The Spa Academy USA is here to support you with real education, real results, and a community that believes in sharing — not gatekeeping.
If you’re ready to learn, grow, and step into the next level of your career, you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about living in Louisburg is the sense of community. Even as the Triangle continues to grow, Louisburg still has that small-town warmth where people know each other, support local businesses, and truly care. The pace is peaceful, the scenery is beautiful, and there’s a calmness here that gives me balance — especially with how much I travel for teaching. It’s the kind of place where you can breathe, reset, and stay grounded while still being close enough to Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle for business and opportunity.
What I like least is the limited access to advanced beauty and wellness education locally. As someone deeply involved in esthetics, massage, and continuing education, I see how much talent and potential is here — but many professionals have to travel far for high-level training, specialty services, or industry events. That gap is actually part of what motivates me to bring more education, workshops, and opportunities to this area so practitioners don’t have to leave their community to grow.
Overall, Louisburg is home — peaceful, welcoming, and full of possibility — and I’m excited to continue contributing to its growth through my work and my academy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thespaacademyusa.com
- Instagram: @TheSpaAcademyUSA
- Facebook: The Spa Academy USA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpaAcademyUSA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thespaacademyusa5
