We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Wolcott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my career as an esthetician at a full-service salon and spa providing facial and body services. As my clientele grew, they expressed a desire for more advanced skincare treatments and corrective products to address their specific concerns. I was determined to meet their expectations, which led me to establish WISH Esthetics. This venture has enabled me to provide personalized services, incorporate non-invasive esthetic technology, and offer top-of-the-line clinical skincare products that are essential for granting your skin care WISH, wildly intense skin health. Although the journey of starting, managing, and operating my business has been both demanding and rewarding, it has allowed me to fulfill my passion for providing exceptional skincare solutions.

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 jokingly say I’ve been in the beauty industry since the last century. I fell in love with all things esthetics in 1994, started my education in 1999, and obtained my license in 2000.

After the birth of my second child, I struggled with painful breakouts and my self-esteem suffered. I was referred to an esthetician. She had so much knowledge about the skin and how it functions. Along with professional services, nutritional supplements, and using recommended home care products, my skin was clear and healthy. I decided to become an esthetician and help others achieve healthy, beautiful skin. I studied hard, graduated at the top of my class, and obtained my license.

Continuing my education has always been a priority. The decision to pursue advanced training has led me to obtain two internationally recognized qualifications: CIDESCO Diplomat, ITEC Certification, and a lifetime national certification, NCEA. All of the certification processes were challenging, stretched me professionally, and set me apart in the industry.

The beauty industry has been so good to me. One of my goals is to help professionals succeed. I provide continuing education for licensed estheticians teaching advanced techniques and business skills. I enjoy going to local schools and speaking with students about this rewarding profession. In 2020, I entered The Skin Games, an international competition whose mission is to provide a platform for beauty professionals to showcase their skills and awards acknowledging their superior work. Since 2021, I have served as the Director of Judges for The Skin Games coordinating the competition’s judging process. Helping beauty professionals succeed is fulfilling and enables me to give to others. It is an honor to be a part of their journey.

During my career, I have worked in several different settings, including a full-service day spa and salon, a wellness center, and as an independent owner. In 2008, I opened my first skincare business. It started as a single room located inside a hair salon and grew into a stand-alone skincare center with two treatment rooms and a retail center. In 2016 and 2017, we were voted “Best Esthetician” by Gwinnett Magazine. Building that business taught me how to think like an entrepreneur, every day brought new challenges and opportunities to meet our client’s needs. In 2018, I sold that business and relocated out of state for a few years where I built a solo practice inside a salon.

Today I am the owner of WISH Esthetics, a private skincare studio, located in Dunwoody, GA. WISH Esthetics offers customized, professional skin care services and home care products utilizing advanced clinical ingredients combined with non-invasive esthetic technologies. The protocols I’ve created have won international awards for age management (anti-aging), acne, and pigmentation. As a bonus, they also do a great job relaxing the tension from your face!

The experience of working in different settings and owning my own business has taught me how to develop sound practices that deliver results and meet my client’s expectations. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to never skip a step with anything – communication, educating clients, providing services, and offering solutions for skin concerns. I am most proud when I help you achieve a glowing, healthy complexion and grant your skincare WISH.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is much to enjoy and explore in Atlanta and the surrounding area. I enjoy the outdoors, visiting a couple of great attractions and venues, and our international food scene.

The Chattahoochee River runs through Atlanta and has several hiking trails in national, state, and city parks. Taking a couple of hours to explore these beautiful parks is a must.

Going to the Buford Highway Farmer’s Market, which features foods from all over the world, and creating an amazing picnic lunch is a must. We’ll take a drive to Lake Lanier, one of the largest manmade lakes in the country, and spend the day relaxing by the water.

A visit to Stone Mountain Park for a climb to the top of the granite mountain or to see the nightly laser light show is a definite to do.

Next on the itinerary is the Georgia Aquarium. As the United States’ largest aquarium, it is dedicated to educating about and preserving marine life. It’s one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. For the evening, taking in a show at the Fox Theater is always a great outing.

A couple of my favorite local places to dine are the Dunwoody Tavern, an English Pub with great food and a relaxed environment, and Novo Cucina, an elegant, inviting place serving amazing Italian food. A trip to Atlanta is not complete without finding a new place to try on Buford Highway. It’s home to some really great restaurants serving foods from all over the world,

I love shopping at Ponce City Market. Located along the Atlanta Beltline, this converted Sears catalog facility is home to some unique shops, restaurants, and hosts live music.

I would wind down the visit with a scenic drive to the North Georgia Mountains. This area has some really beautiful parks including Ana Ruby Falls and Amicalola Falls. We might even take the time to squeeze in a visit to Frog Town Winery located in Dahlonega, GA.

There are so many wonderful things to do, see, and discover in Georgia. I can’t list them all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am blessed to have so much support and love. My husband, Seth, is not just my life partner, he is my business partner. His encouragement and faith in my abilities have helped me create such a beautiful place.

In addition, Lyn Ross, Lori Crete, and Elaine Sterling are three influential women in the beauty industry who have helped make me an expert esthetician and a successful businesswoman. Their guidance has taught me so much.

Website: https://wishesthetics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishesthetics/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellywolcott/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wishesthetics/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wishesthetics2847

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.