We had the good fortune of connecting with Michaela Herring and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michaela, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My primary motivation for starting my own business was the desire to monetize my passion for skincare. I love exploring the science behind skin health and witnessing firsthand how the addition or removal of an ingredient can transform someone’s skin.
I’ve noticed a significant gap in accessible information for teens facing hormonal acne and adults struggling with hyperpigmentation, among other skincare challenges. Many of these issues can be effectively addressed with the right guidance.
Watching my daughter mimic my routines has been a revelation. At just five years old, she experienced the benefits of a consistent skincare regimen on her brown skin, and it sparked her own passion for skincare. Her enthusiasm for helping others has inspired me to create a family business that we hope will thrive across generations.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my journey in Atlanta as a member of the Atlanta Police Department, serving the community in the Zone 2 Traffic Unit and earning several accolades along the way. During this time, I embarked on a new challenge, pursuing my esthetics license at the prestigious Elaine Sterling Institute. Balancing a demanding schedule—working from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., then attending school from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nearly every day—was no easy feat. With a family at home, it often felt overwhelming, but I was fortunate to have a strong support system that rallied behind me.
After graduating from the Elaine Sterling Institute, I transitioned into a new role as an instructor with the Atlanta Police Department’s training division. It was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and countless late nights. Yet, despite these achievements, I found myself at a crossroads, asking the question many of us face: “What’s next?” I felt as though I had hit a ceiling in both of my careers and, after years of pushing forward, I was completely exhausted.
The answer to that pivotal question was to rest. I allowed myself the space to renew, reflect, and chart my next steps. During this period of rest, creativity blossomed, and I restructured my life, business, and priorities in a way that would best serve both my family and my future.
From this place of peace, Glass Esthetics was born. My goal with Glass Esthetics is to serve my clients with the same dedication and care that I brought to my work in law enforcement. My mission is simple: to help my clients correct and achieve their best skin—the Glass way. I want them to look in the mirror and feel confident in their skin, with or without makeup.
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that rest is essential. Trust the process. It will come when you give yourself the time to reset and renew.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, Atlanta—the city that never sleeps! If I were to plan a perfect week here, it would go like this:
Monday: Start the day before sunrise and watch the sun come up at Piedmont Park. Then, head to Gochas Breakfast Bar for my favorite, the Lump Crab Skillet. For lunch, visit Chattahoochee Food Works, a food hall offering a mix of American and international cuisine—perfect for any craving. Before leaving, we’d grab cookies from Munster Cravings, hands down the best cookies in Atlanta. To burn off the food, we’d take a short walk to Your 3rd Spot, an adult arcade with great drinks and games. Dinner would take us outside the city to Fayetteville, GA, to ENZO Steakhouse & Bar for a truly exquisite meal.
Tuesday: No trip to Atlanta is complete without a visit to Waffle House for breakfast. Lunch would be at Tacos and Tequilas on Ponce, where I’d order my favorite steak tacos and a coconut margarita. Afterward, we’d head to Ponce City Market to explore the rooftop, which features games and shops. For dinner, Flemings would be the spot, and we’d end the night with drinks at Space Man, the rooftop bar at the Hyatt Centric.
Wednesday: I’d start the day with a hike up Stone Mountain, soaking in the incredible views. For dinner, it would be LanZhou Ramen, where the bao buns are unbeatable.
Thursday: A stop at Glass Esthetics, of course, for a skin refresh, followed by drinks and fun at Top Golf. Dessert would come from Cakd by Tae, a hidden gem for sweets, before heading to Mukja for lunch to enjoy some mouthwatering Korean fried chicken. We’d finish the day watching football at 404 Sports Bar & Grill at Southlake Mall.
Friday: The day starts with shopping at Lenox Mall and lunch on the 3rd floor at & Cheese. Dinner would be at Divan, followed by a nightcap at Virtue Rooftop.
Saturday: Head to Cobb to visit The Battery for a day of fun and festivities. Lunch would be at Yard House, and then the night would come alive at PBR Atlanta.
Sunday: I’d start with a service at Change Church in Duluth, then brunch at Botica, home to the best steak and eggs in the city.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for my success, which I attribute first and foremost to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I am nothing.
I also want to dedicate a special shoutout to my family, especially Gwen and Alex, for their unwavering support of my girls, no matter how my schedule shifted while I focused on this journey.
A big thank you to my “Esti-Babes” from THE Elaine Sterling Institute, who inspired and motivated me every step of the way.
Lastly, I’m grateful to Lieutenant Walls of the Atlanta Police Department for making it possible for me to work full-time while pursuing my goals.
Without my incredible village, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Website: https://glassesthetics.glossgenius.com
Instagram: glassesthetics_ga or michaelmeyerzzx