Woman Made: Joanna Czech

VIOLET GREY profiles female beauty entrepreneurs who are considered industry game changers because of their individual approach to business. Each one entered the conversation in her own manner and maintained a steady, if not unparalleled, trajectory with her indomitable spirit. 

Joanna Czech’s hands are a godsend. And no wonder—as the facialist to Hollywood’s A-list, she’s been in the business of gorgeous skin for almost 30 years. But becoming a skin guru was not at the top of her list. “My dream was to become a singer, and my dad’s dream for me was to go to medical school and become a doctor,” says the Dallas-based esthetician, who just opened a skin clinic at the The Webster in New York City. “I failed the physics test and landed at the Beauty Institute in Poland while studying for physics, and I never looked back.”

And it’s a good thing she didn’t. Clients like Kim Kardashian West, Christy Turlington Burns, and Carey Mulligan flock to Czech to get their best skin ever and some blunt advice—no sugar coating allowed. “With beauty and in life, I’m straightforward and honest,” she says, “but I do it with a lot of love and care.” Here, she gets honest about her career wins, beauty struggles, and the facial tool that mimics her signature massage technique for higher cheekbones at home.

First thing you do when you wake up?

I say a prayer, brush my teeth, and call my mama in Poland.

Hours of sleep on the regular? 

Anywhere from three to eight hours.

Time spent on beauty in the a.m.?

Three minutes on working days and 20 to 30 minutes on my days off.

Typical skincare regimen?

In the morning, I rinse my face with water and a washcloth, then I use a chamomile or rose toner, a vitamin C serum, and end with Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.
In the evening, I wash my face, apply Biologique Recherche P50, and follow up with my Facial Massager. Some days I’ll use the Déesse Pro LED Phototherapy Mask, a cocktail of serums, and the Bader Rich Cream. If I don’t do the LED treatment, I use a hydrating face mask and the Celluma Light Therapy Device on my legs and stomach for pain management and anti-aging.

Hair situation in the a.m.?

I have no talent or patience when it comes to my hair, so my routine is very minimal. I take a shower and let it air dry or pull it back into a ponytail or bun.

Your signature beauty look?

Extremely natural. No makeup and hopefully no rosacea!

Favorite workout?

Kickboxing, yoga, and tennis.

Go-to breakfast and a.m. beverage?

Sheep- or goat-milk yogurt sprinkled with flaxseed and berries. An espresso, always.

Foolproof self-care move?

It’s all about consistency. When I pay attention to what I eat, work out, and get enough sleep (which is rare), I feel my very best.

Signature scent?

Oud and bergamot with a touch of patchouli oil.

An expensive-but-worth-it product or treatment?

The Deesse Pro Mask and Celluma Light Therapy LED devices.

A cheap-but-chic product or treatment?

Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm.

Bedside beauty essentials?

My Facial Massager, Celluma Light Therapy, and Biologique Recherche P50.

Last thing you do before bed?

I play Sudoku or read a book. 

Beauty icons?

Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

Best job?

I’ve really only had one job my whole professional career and there are great times and hard times.

Worst job?

See above. 

How the idea for your current company came to you?

It’s been an evolution from the moment I graduated from beauty school and opened my first spa at 23. 

Best career advice you've ever received?

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Then focus on the 20% that is most important to you and leave the other 80% to your team.

Highest point as an entrepreneur?

Honestly, I don’t feel like I have reached my highest point yet.

Lowest point as an entrepreneur?

I don’t think about life like that. I am always working through challenges, learning from mistakes, and moving forward.

Scariest thing you've ever done?

Moving to Dallas in my late forties.

Best hidden talent?

The splits!

Backup career?

Teacher or singer. I’d also make an amazing cleaning lady.