Rachel Christy

Falling into Clean Living But Coming Up Short

In the early 2000s, I embraced the clean living movement, starting with food and extending to all aspects of life. But by 2009, living in Iowa's frigid weather, my skin was freaking out—dry, dehydrated, and sensitive and I was hoping my local co-op's natural skincare aisle would become my sanctuary.

However, what I found at the co-op was a tiny $65 bottle of facial oil with just two ingredients—Rosehip seed oil and rose geranium essential oil. My WTF moment turned into determination. I mean, how hard could it be to make it myself! I borrowed and bought books on natural skincare, ready to DIY. This was also the moment I knew my street smarts were leading me somewhere purposeful about health & beauty. 

Deep Dive into Skin & Aromatherapy

My exploration into holistic skincare led me to enroll in Andrea Butje's aromatherapy course at Aromahead International Institute. I learned about essential oils' safety, chemistry, and energetics, changing my skincare approach. My thesis focused on reducing essential oils in skincare by exploring carrier oils. I discovered that fatty acid profiles in carrier oils offered sustainable skincare solutions (full-on skin nerd here!) This knowledge became my Rosetta Stone for skincare formulations that actually create lasting change.

Street Cred: From Hobbyist to Esthetician

After becoming a certified aromatherapist, I noticed many organic skincare formulators lacked practical skincare backgrounds. Determined to stand out, I received my esthetician license in 2010 and in 2016 I launched Street Smart Beauty where I offered a unique 360 approach to SSB’s skincare and waxing services-  infusing the use of natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients, integrating self-care and mindfulness practices, and deep relaxation experiences, like yoga nidra, and emphasizing a conscientious and meticulous approach to your skincare and waxing sessions.

But Wait There’s MORE!…The evolution of SSB continues.

The Shift That Changed Everything

For years, I thought I had wellness all figured out. I was collecting certifications like trophies—personal trainer, spin instructor, licensed esthetician, certified yoga instructor, aromatherapist, and skincare formulator. From the outside, I looked like the poster child for healthy living.

But here's the truth: I was exhausted. Running on empty. Checking all the self-care boxes without actually listening to what my body and soul needed.That moment when I realized there's a huge difference between doing self-care and learning how to care for myself? Game changer.

Self-care felt like another to-do list. But caring for myself? That meant slowing down enough to actually hear what I needed. It meant understanding that my skin issues weren't just about finding the right products—they were connected to my stress, my sleep, my whole being.

This wasn't some dramatic overnight transformation. It was more like finally exhaling after holding my breath for years.

Street Smart Beauty today

This personal journey completely reshaped how I see beauty and wellness. I realized you can't separate great skin from inner calm—they're part of the same conversation.

That's why Street Smart Beauty evolved beyond traditional skincare. We now blend science-backed skin solutions with restorative yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. Because when you're running on stress and overwhelm, even the best products can only do so much.

My Approach

I'm not here pretending to have all the answers. What I offer is genuine understanding of what it's like to feel scattered, overwhelmed, and disconnected from yourself and expertise on how you too can come back to self and reclaim peace and balance in your life.

Whether you need clarity on your skincare routine, space to breathe and reflect, or someone who gets that real wellness isn't about perfection—I'm here to walk that path with you.

My work combines the methodical, science-based approach needed for transformative skincare with the wisdom that comes from slowing down and tuning in to what you actually need.

Let's Figure This Out Together

Ready to discover what caring for yourself—inside and out—looks like in your life?

Book Your Discovery Call

Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to pursue your passion, just as I pursued mine!