The past two years have been anything but boring for Kaidyn Shipman.
Perhaps that’s because of her self-described drive to stay busy and always be learning or her passion for her chosen profession as an esthetician. One thing, however, is for certain; there is no moss growing under the feet of the Oakdale High Class of 2020 alum. She completed her formal training at Paul Mitchell in 2021.
Most recently, Shipman opened Haven Esthetics, located at 229 N. Third Ave., Oakdale. Perhaps one of her most memorable birthdays to date, the young entrepreneur received the keys to the space on her 20th birthday.
“I named it Haven Esthetics, because I really didn’t want it to be my name associated with the business,” Shipman said honestly. “I just want it to be a little oasis and happiness.”
It’s also the next step in what Shipman sees as an ongoing process.
“I am a person who wants to grow every day. I don’t ever want to just be settling where I don’t grow and I’m not learning,” the new business owner shared, noting first beginning in the business with a salon in Turlock.
As an Oakdale girl, Shipman shared her drive for the business as well as her desire to operate out of Oakdale became a focal point as well as creating a shift in her plan. Acknowledging a move of this size as scary, she still felt the timing was right.
“This just fell into my hands,” she said of her neighboring space to the House of Tykes. “God just blessed me with a place and brought me the right people.”
Currently operating the space on an appointment only business model, Shipman noted she does have plans to bring in another esthetician or massage therapist, as well as a small retail area at the front of the shop.
“I specialize in facials and waxing. All of the deep treatments of facials,” she said with excitement. “I love it! I love extractions, I love getting all the gunk out, I just love that.”
The waxing services she offers include: facial, Brazilian wax (women only), bikini wax and underarm.
“I always wanted to be a dermatologist, but I’m deathly afraid of needles,” she shared, noting that dermatology goes under the skin. “I could not do that. I can do extractions and that type of treatment, but needles I cannot do.”
As an esthetician Shipman confided she feels as if she has a unique connection with her clients and appreciates the trust and is passionate about helping them with their skin challenges.
“I feel like I’m helping people without having to be a doctor,” she continued.
At her young age, she’s felt she’s had to prove herself, but also said that, personally, she’s learning more about the skin and life and business all the time, which has little to do with age.
“You can listen to the same podcast, but you’re going to listen to different things out of the podcast and you’re going to get different mindsets,” she said of learning and knowledge versus age. “So, if you’re 50 or you’re 20 it doesn’t really matter. You’re a human and God made you and you’re who He made.”
Further, the new business owner shared her thoughts on learning her clients and tending to their needs versus anything else.
“You learn with every person that you talk to or that you are working on,” she said. “Every person’s skin is so different. It’s a beautiful thing seeing everybody’s different insecurities. What they’re insecure about, I’m envious for.”
In an effort to connect with the community and be of service during the holiday season, Haven Esthetics will host a formal Grand Opening on Saturday, Dec. 17. Hours and details will be announced on her Social Media pages: Haven Esthetics. Details on services and appointments can be booked on her website: kaidynshipman.glossgenius.com.
“It feels wonderful,” she said of opening a business in her hometown. “I am so grateful for who I have in my life and the support that I have.”
