5 questions with Alli Cook, Esthetician, Acne Specialist & Functional Nutritionist

About Alli Cook:

I am an esthetician, certified acne specialist, and a functional nutritionist practitioner. Currently in the industry I work remotely and specialize in performing acne consultations for clients, especially those who have had acne for a very long time, or chronic illnesses.

How did you get started in the beauty industry?

I got into the beauty and skin industry having had acne & skin issues, and it really pushed me to figure out for myself what was wrong and how to clear my own skin. 

I started out as an esthetician, I always loved skincare and I had acne all throughout aesthetic school. I feel like that is very common, we get into the industry we want to based on trying to heal our own issues. 

Throughout my career I have met so many amazing mentors, who have taught me so much and who have given me amazing stepping stones to where I am today and to where I’m going in the future. 

My clients have been my biggest achievement, seeing them be able to have clear skin as well as clients that have chronic illness - seeing them to be able to heal and giving them the tools to do so and being a supporter and a teacher for them has been the best gift out of this entire career. And of course, the gift of being able to help my own self as well has been irreplaceable.

What were some of your wins & challenges in the beginning?

There have definitely been some hurdles going through this career, as with any career. As I mentioned before, having had my own chronic acne and illness has been a bit  difficult - because you do get imposter syndrome, thinking how can I help people with acne when I have acne and not being able to clear it myself. It’s something that’s very difficult, that you have to learn how to process, and learn how to heal yourself mentally. 

Another hurdle has been trying to find my exact niche, or where I want to be within the beauty industry. You can offer so much being a licensed esthetician, you can work with skin, you can work with lashes, or eyebrows, or you can be more in the health space where I am now.

It was hard to figure out in the beginning where I wanted to go. But knowing that I had such a deep passion for acne and healing, it created the space for me that I am in now. I tried out a lot of different things in the beginning, for example I do have my microblading license, although I don’t use it. I did consider working with lashes - there are a lot of options, and you may have to go through some trial and error to figure out what resonates with you the most, but it's all a learning experience. 

What is some advice you would give to your younger self, or anyone wanting to break into the beauty industry?

The advice I have for somebody who's just starting out in the industry, or if they want to change roots within the industry is to have a mentor. I mentioned that earlier, something that was really very valuable to me, and taught me so much is that if there's somebody who you follow, who you really admire - I recommend you reach out to them and see if they have any advice or tips for you, or maybe they are looking to mentor someone else.

So shoot your shot, you never know, and that's exactly what I did. I didn’t know if that person was looking to mentor someone, or hiring, but I needed an in somewhere to get experience - and you never know what can happen if you just ask.

If I could give advice to my younger self, going through this career I would definitely tell her that things happen for you and not to you. I had acne and chronic illness while I was helping others with the same issues that I had, which made me feel  like such an imposter, but those things happened a reason because I learned so much going through my own healing process that I now I am able to help others, for which I am beyond grateful.

Even though it was hard, It has given me so much knowledge and it has given me so much value to be able to help others. I think no matter what space in this industry you’re in, you can be extremely successful, and it's also extremely fulfilling because in every single area of this industry we are making people feel more confident, and more comfortable in their own skin.

If you have had success or have gone through your own personal trials with your own skin or challenges within the industry, share that with people and share that on social media. Sharing those personal experiences creates a connection with others, and showing that vulnerability makes you feel like a real person to other people and that will draw in the clientele and community that you really want.

Where can we continue to follow your journey?

If you’d like to get in contact with me for my services, I would love to meet you. I currently offer virtual skin consultations, primarily with a focus on acne, psoriasis and eczema, and as a new functional practitioner I am starting to take introductory clients for those who want to get to the root cause and heal their chronic illness. I specialize in gut hormones, and of course skin issues. If you’re interested please reach out to me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/estie_alli/ or on TikRok at https://www.tiktok.com/@wellbeingwithalli.