Meet Samantha Balaam | Facialist & Skin Junkie

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

Hi Samantha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Personally it comes down to the freedom to be creative. Being able to be creative with my time, energy, and truthfully where I put my focus – these were the biggest driving factors and thoughts behind starting my own business. You aren’t able to be as creative when you’re under the umbrella of a company as an employee.

After gaining more skills and confidence in my first job in the esthetics industry, I started to really get the itch to leave as I began diving into other skincare brands and ingredients and just realized I was limiting myself If I continued to stay where I was at for much longer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Skin Junkies Studio is a bespoke facial studio that my twin sister and I launched in the fall of 2022. We attended esthetician school together and have spent our lives side by side, so becoming business partners felt like a natural next step. Working with family can be challenging, but we share a strong alignment in our goals and vision—which helps keep us grounded and focused (most of the time!).

We’re deeply passionate about connecting with others and helping people feel comfortable in their own skin—and within themselves. Our facials are highly personalized and high-touch, tailored to each individual’s needs. Our signature services feature extensive massage and facial lymphatic drainage, with every element—both in the studio and within each treatment—intentionally designed to feel unique and nurturing. Every client matters to us. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where they can freely express their skin concerns and goals. We know that breakouts and skin issues can deeply affect self-esteem, and we’re committed to helping clients build confidence and a healthier relationship with their skin.

Running a business is a constant grind. My mind is always buzzing with new ideas, all while keeping our core values, vision, and clients top of mind. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that real success comes from staying authentic. People connect with people. Of course, it’s about the value and results you deliver—but an essential part of any business is you. That’s the one thing no one else can copy and paste.

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.
OHHH I love this question! I just travelled abroad for the first time – which was amazing, and actually made me want to look at my own city like a tourist to not get stuck in the loop of life.

If I were to set up a week itinerary for someone traveling to Newport Beach I would say….
Come in late summer, early fall, it is still pretty warm and the sun is out late, but a bit more of a “local’s summer.”

If my friend is not staying with me I would say to stay at Lido House, it is centrally located to shops, restaurants, and most importantly the beach! There is a pool of course and a rooftop bar that has amazing views for a drink at sunset, to finish off day one.

On day two wake up early a take a hot mat pilates class at The Full Routine – you can walk there from Lido House. I would then head over to Herst Coffee and take a walk around Lido Isle to look at houses and the Newport Bay. Followed up with some shopping in Lido Marina Village and grab brunch at Zinque. Take kayaks in the bay in the afternoon and then dinner at Ho Sum Bistro.

The next few days can be filled with coffee shops and nature activities… including:
Newport Back Bay
Crystal Cove State Park
Emerald Bay
Top of the World Hike
Newport Beach Run Club
Castaways park
Duffy boat in the bay
Newport Pier/beach path

Visit Balboa Island and grab coffee at Huskins before renting a bike to stroll around. Grab an afternoon sweet treat at Sugar n’ Spice ice cream shop.

Northgate Mercado for authentic Mexican food and mariachi, it’s lively especially on Fri – Sat.

More restaurants in the area –
Bear Flag Fish co, Semi-Tropic Wines for Happy Hour, Restoration Hardware (sunset dinner), AhBa,

More coffee shops I love to check out –
Work in Progress, KIT, Freelance, Milligram, Daydream, Rye Goods, Sidecar Doughnuts

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family – parents & siblings – I can’t just pick one! Each person – my dad, mom, older brother and sister, as well as my twin sister (who is my business partner and other half of Skin Junkies Studio), has had huge impact on where the business is today and the dreams I have for the future.

Website: https://www.skinjunkiesstudio.com

Instagram: @skin.junkies

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/skin-junkies-studio-newport-beach?osq=Skin+Junkies+Studio

Image Credits
Kaley Ramirez