This is my Story

Brittany James here and I am your Dayton, Ohio advanced esthetician! I’m a wife, a mother, and a dog mom of 5!

From a young age, I was intrigued by all things skin and beauty. Our skin is our body’s largest organ. It’s incredibly diverse and has the ability to adapt to changes in our life and our environments. Skin serves as a protective barrier, shielding our bodies from harm while also revealing our inner health and emotions.

I want to take you back to 2016, where my journey with skin began. I wake up with a rash on my face (or so I thought). At the time, it was small, but as the years went on, it spread. I go to the dermatologist, where I’m told my “rash” is hormonal. They give me a cream and send me on my way.

Still, the rash persists. I go back the dermatologist to do a patch test, which reveals I actually have rosacea. At this point, I’m 24 years old, and my first thought is “why is this only just showing up now?”.  I’ve always had clear skin (other than some breakouts before that time of the month) and I was honestly shocked. There wasn’t any cure—this was just going to be my skin now. I felt hopeless. I covered my skin with so much make up because I was so embarrassed.

Fast-forward five years. I’ve been on so many topicals and antibiotics since my diagnosis that still didn’t seem to make a difference. I was told my only option would be to have a laser procedure, which would only reduce the rosacea, not clear it.  I was not satisfied with the options I was given and decided to pursue some of my own.

If doctor’s couldn’t provide me a solution, I’d make my own. I’d become an expert in skin and help others fight the problems I was fighting. I’d become an esthetician.

Which brings me to 2022—the start of Wild Orchid Esthetics! So why did I choose this name? Orchid flowers are known for their exquisite beauty and unique characteristics. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them one of the most diverse and coveted plant families in the world—very much like skin! Think about how you care for an orchid. You water it sparingly, give it indirect sunlight and keep it room temperature—pretty simple right?

Now let’s apply that to skin. Skin care shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. It should be fun and exciting to watch your skin change in front of your eyes! I want my clients to come to me, collaborate with me, and create routines that are custom, simplified, and effective. If this resonates with you, I’d love to meet you!