Jessica Leigh doesn’t just build businesses; she builds legacies. As the founder of The Legacy Collective, her career is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and reinvention. From treatment room to executive leadership, Jessica has consistently followed alignment over comfort, creating impact at every stage of her evolution in the beauty industry.

While many know Jessica today for her leadership in sales, education, and development, her journey began on television sets as a makeup artist. It was there she discovered her deeper calling. “My time on set inspired me to help women (and men) feel better about the skin they were in versus trying to cover it up with heavy makeup,” she shares. That realization led her to become a licensed esthetician and, at just 23 years old, a business owner.

After starting as a receptionist making $7.75 an hour at a chiropractic day spa in San Diego, Jessica was approached by one of the owners to purchase her half of the business. “When I look back, I was delusional enough to say YES,” she laughs. What followed was a season of intense growth, long days, financial strain, and invaluable leadership lessons. She invested in a business coach, implemented a membership model, restructured pricing, and transformed the spa into a thriving wellness destination. Over 15 years, she built a six figure income, led a dedicated team, and navigated marriage, motherhood, and multiple life transitions.

In a full-circle moment, Jessica sold the spa in early 2024, just weeks before undergoing surgery for a parathyroid tumor, to the very mentor who once hired her. “It was full circle in the most beautiful way,” she reflects. “Success isn’t just about building a beautiful business, it’s about building a beautiful life. A life that you love.”

Now based in Las Vegas, Jessica serves as Chief Development Officer for XO8 Skin, helping scale the brand nationally while mentoring estheticians and supporting advanced education initiatives. She also serves on the board of Hello May, supporting youth aging out of foster care, further exemplifying her commitment to legacy beyond revenue.

Jessica’s story is proof that women can have thriving careers, connected family lives, and meaningful community impact. Through The Legacy Collective, she continues to lead with heart, faith, and fearless action, stepping into rooms before she feels ready and trusting that the right opportunities will always meet her there.

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Insight

with Marie Matteucci

What are the biggest mistakes you see beauty professionals make when trying to grow their business and what should they be focusing on instead?

One of the biggest mistakes I see beauty professionals make is undervaluing themselves + their brand and operating from a scarcity mindset. I see incredibly talented professionals underpricing their services, avoiding retail conversations, or hesitating to confidently recommend treatments because they fear “selling.” In reality, sales is service. When you truly believe in your results and your client’s transformation, education and recommendations become part of the client experience.

From your experience in business coaching, what are a few key habits or strategies that consistently lead to success?

I believe professionals should focus on three things: client experience, consistency (in results, education and business) and knowing your numbers. The businesses that grow sustainably are the ones creating exceptional results, building strong relationships, continuing their education and understanding how to turn one appointment into a long-term client journey through consultations, rebooking, memberships, and retail. When you add this to getting intimate with your numbers and reviewing them weekly, if not daily, you start to see where the gaps are and what needs your attention. You also see what is working for your business and where to double down!

What is a tip you can give to someone starting out as a new business owner?

My favorite pro tip to share is making sure that you have a separate savings account for packages, gift cards and memberships. Once the money hits your bank account, you transfer it into savings until that specific package or gift card is redeemed. I see so many business owners get into trouble with spending before the money is actually earned. This helps to ease the nervous system and keep you financially in alignment.

You built, scaled, and successfully sold your spa after saying yes to ownership at such a young age. What did that journey teach you about legacy, growth, and stepping into opportunities before you feel fully ready?

Building my spa taught me that legacy isn’t just about revenue or growth, it’s about impact. Selling it felt like a full-circle moment because I didn’t just build a business, I built something that changed lives, including my own. Legacy is what continues long after you step out of the treatment room.

I said yes before I felt ready, and that’s exactly why it worked. You don’t wait for the perfect time-you grow into it. If something bigger is on your heart, it’s there for a reason. Start where you are and trust that your capacity expands with audacity. That season taught me that growth doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from stepping into opportunities before you feel fully prepared and trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.

Your career has evolved from the treatment room to leadership, while also balancing motherhood and life outside of work. How have you stayed grounded through those transitions, and how do you approach alignment and decision-making as you continue to grow?

I’ve stayed connected to my esthetic roots because they are the foundation of everything I do in business. The title may have changed, but I still lead with the heart of a treatment room professional. That shift wasn’t about leaving the treatment room; it was about expanding my influence and impact beyond it.

Having it all doesn’t mean doing it all. For me, it’s building a beautiful business, being present with my family, and serving my community, without burnout. Strong boundaries, a clear vision, and knowing what truly matters in each season are what protect that balance. I’m intentional about when I’m working and when I’m fully present, and I don’t say yes to everything.

Alignment feels peaceful, even when it’s challenging. When something is meant for me, doors open and there’s clarity. When it’s time to pivot, there’s a different kind of resistance-one that doesn’t feel growth-driven. Prayer, reflection, and staying connected to my purpose always guide my decisions. That’s what allows me to continue growing while staying grounded in who I am.

Jessica Leigh

Esthetician | Biz Coach

Las Vegas, NV

Biz Coach | Jet Plasma | Skincare Partner

XO8 | Jet Plasma |

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Legacy in Motion: How Jessica Leigh Is Redefining Beauty, Business, and What It Means to Have It All

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