We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christal George a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Christal, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic was shaped by the unwavering determination of my mother, a woman whose strength and resilience taught me the true meaning of hard work. Born in the late 1940s as one of nine siblings, my mother faced challenges that would have broken many. When my grandfather passed away at an early age, the responsibility of helping to support the family fell heavily on her young shoulders. She dropped out of school after the eighth grade, not by choice but by necessity, to help put food on the table.
Despite never holding an LLC or DBA, my mother was the epitome of an entrepreneur. She found countless ways to earn an honest living — selling her mouth-watering peach cobblers and pound cakes, frying catfish plates on weekends, and babysitting neighborhood children. She worked tirelessly, not just to make ends meet but to ensure that I never missed out on the joys of childhood. Whether it was paying for a school field trip or covering the cost of after-school activities, she always found a way.
What inspires me most is that she never complained. She simply worked — with grit, heart, and a relentless determination to provide. Watching her hustle day in and day out taught me that excuses don’t pay the bills and that success isn’t handed to you; you have to go out and get it. She showed me that limitations, whether financial or educational, don’t define you — your willingness to persevere does.
Today, as a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur, I carry her lessons with me. Every long day, every challenge I face in building my business is a tribute to her legacy. My mother taught me that hard work isn’t just about survival — it’s about believing in something greater than yourself and having the courage to pursue it. I am who I am because of her.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At The Skin Design Studio, a boutique spa in Arlington, Texas, I specialize in results-driven multicultural skincare, with a mission to help clients achieve healthy, radiant skin no matter their tone or texture. My work goes beyond facials and treatments — it’s about empowering clients with the confidence and knowledge to understand their own skin and how to reach their goals. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client walk away not only with a visible glow but with the assurance that they’re in control of their skin journey.
I take pride in offering personalized treatments tailored to the unique needs of people of color. From correcting dark spots to strengthening the skin barrier, every service is backed by science and designed to deliver lasting results. Educating clients on the “why” behind their skin concerns and how to maintain progress at home is one of my favorite parts of the process. When clients are informed, they feel empowered — and that transformation is just as valuable as the physical results.
As we enter Quarter Two, I’m excited to expand our service menu with the addition of SkinPen microneedling. This advanced treatment is safe for all skin types and is ideal for addressing concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation. I’m thrilled to offer this solution to help clients achieve smoother, more even-toned skin while continuing to build their confidence from the inside out.
At The Skin Design Studio, skincare isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a lasting impact that helps clients feel their absolute best.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Throughout my journey into esthetics, three key factors have had the most profound impact on my growth and success. First and foremost, my faith has been my foundation. I firmly believe that my decision to transition into skincare was God-led, and with that assurance, I know I cannot fail. This faith keeps me grounded during challenging moments and fuels my determination to keep moving forward. Secondly, my curiosity as a scientist has shaped the way I approach skincare. With a background in pharmacy, I’m naturally inclined to question ingredients, analyze modalities, and seek evidence-based solutions to ensure my clients receive the best possible care. This curiosity pushes me to stay innovative and results-driven. Finally, being a forever student has been essential to my growth. I’m constantly expanding my knowledge through advanced courses, research, and hands-on learning. The skincare industry is always evolving, and I believe that staying ahead means never getting too comfortable. These three elements — faith, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning — have been instrumental in shaping not only my business but also the passion I bring to my clients every day.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be the same simple yet impactful lesson that was once shared with me: “The note-takers are the money makers.” Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about being intentional, paying attention to the details, and continuously investing in your education. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and those who commit to learning and growth will always stand out. Whether it’s mastering new techniques or understanding the science behind skincare, investing in your knowledge is one of the greatest assets you can have.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a few powerful tools that help me regain clarity and calm. Prayer is always my first refuge — it grounds me and reminds me that I’m never facing challenges alone. From there, I use a strategy I call brain dumping — writing down everything on my mind and then prioritizing each task by urgency:
– A: Needs to be addressed in the next few hours.
– B: Can be tackled in the next few days.
– C: Can wait until the next few weeks.
Focusing on the A tasks first helps me settle down and regain control (shoutout to my awesome husband for this life-changing tip). And when life feels particularly heavy, I don’t hesitate to call my therapist for extra support. Some situations require all three — prayer, prioritization, and therapy — and I’m grateful to have those tools in my toolbox.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theskindesignstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskindesignstudio/?hl=en
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