Our latest Beauty Boss is Christina Uzzardi, esthetician and Founder of Cheeks + Co—a popular facial spa in Pasadena, CA that offers clean, advanced skincare treatments in a luxurious and approachable environment. Uzzardi is a seasoned beauty industry veteran with more than a decade of experience at clean beauty brand ILIA, where she worked as Director of Operations and helped scale the company from $100,000 to +$20 million a year in revenue.

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Determined to disrupt the “clean” skincare spa experience and fill the void she saw, Uzzardi opened Cheeks + Co in 2019, which quickly grew and developed a large fanbase. They specialize in facials that are customized according to each client’s individual skincare needs as well as waxing services. Cheeks + Co also offers a Facial Membership that includes one facial benefit a month, discounts on additional services and branded merchandise, and VIP access to events.

We chatted with Uzzardi who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.

When was Cheeks & Co founded and what does the name mean?

The actual company was founded in 2016, but I spent years developing the concept, raising capital and we opened our doors in October 2019—five months before the world shut down! I wanted a name that was descriptive but also playful and uplifting so Cheeks came to mind, and Cheeks & Co was trademarkable.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

I come from the beauty industry and knew I wanted to build a spa, but wasn't clear on how it would look. I suffered later onset cystic acne due to some health issues due to the stress of dealing with my daughter's health issues (she's fine now!) and could not find a spa that focused on skincare but was also relaxing so i figured why not create one?

Does Cheeks & Co have a hero product?

The spa came first and it wasn't until COVID that I started to seriously think about the product line. We do have a hero product! I knew I didn't want to just create any skincare brand and slap our label on a generic formula, so I enlisted the help of Holly Moore from the Ingredientest to develop a first of its kind product that would represent the brand—and along came TidalShift—our first and hero product. 

Do you offer a signature treatment?

We do not do add ons or up sells with services so our facials are broken down into two tiers: the Pamper Me which is 60 minutes and the Spoil Me which is 90 minutes. Soon after we opened it was clear our clients wanted us to help them pick a menu item, so we introduced 'The Undecided' facial which is available in either 60 or 90 minutes and this quickly became our signature treatment. Pick your time and we'll pick a menu item with you. 

What’s your favorite treatment?

As estheticians in California, it wasn't until this year that we were allowed to dermaplane and it's a favorite already. I love being able to slough off dead skin, dirt, and grime and literally see it. Gua Sha is mine and the team's favorite; it's a fan favorite too and the results are incredible. 

Most popular treatment?

The Undecided is our most popular facial. Our clients trust the process and just want someone to help them reach their skincare goals. This is humbling and exciting as a practioner. 

What products do you sell?

All of our products adhere to our No Glow List which Holly Moore helped us develop. And we cherry pick the best products from our favorite clean, female-founded, mostly Californa-bred brands. OSEA has the biggest footprint at Cheeks so we carry the entire assortment at retail and in the treatment room. All of our products will encourage great results while maintaining skin health. 

Future plans for the brand?

So much! I really want to grow our footprint and open more spas when the timing and the location is right. Our second location opens in West Adams in Fall 2023 and we picked this area because of our clients. We knew we wanted to be central or west in Los Angeles and multiple clients begged us to open there. We love the community and are so excited to open soon. We also plan on expanding the product line, one custom formula at a time. 

Who inspires you?

I've developed a lovely and supportive group of fellow female founders in LA, they all inspire me to keep my head up when times get crazy. And my team is incredible, they are open to learning and growing and inspire me to do the same. 

Secret to success?

Do not be scared to make mistakes—encourage them! I fall on my face regularly and am only stronger because of it. 

Beauty secrets?

Get at least eight hours of sleep a night and try to take time to breath and relax, even if it's a minute at at time. Our skin is a direct reflection of our inner health and when we aren’t sleeping enough. 

Wellness tip?

Trust your gut, get regular facials, learn to love and forgive yourself, and drink lots of water. 

Best advice?

There is so much. But the best advice I get comes from my father. He is an entrepreneur as well and I used to underestimate his advice, but now that I'm more experienced I cherish every word. The best advice he has given me to date is to be patient and not get discouraged by failure. Behind most successful businesses are a dozen of failed ones. My first business failed miserably and he told me at the time that I would be grateful for the experience, and he was right. I learned so much from that experience and things I apply to Cheeks regularly. 

Favorite way to relax?

I knit. I picked this up over COVID-19 and even if it's 10 minutes a day, being able to just relax and focus on something analog, off of my phone, makes a huge difference in my day.

For more information, visit Cheeks + Co’s website and follow on Instagram: @cheeks.co

[Images courtesy of Cheeks + Co]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk