Meet The Team
Kristyn
Smith
FOUNDER &
ESTHETICIAN
Don’t be fooled by Kristyn Smith’s soft-spoken voice and Southern California mellowness as she has been a powerhouse in the wellness and beauty industry for over 15 years. Beginning her career as a makeup artist in London, Kristyn became frustrated that makeup was only being used to mask skin conditions or mimic the dewy look of healthy skin.
Upon moving back to the West Coast, Kristyn’s education flourished as she worked with plastic surgeons as a medical esthetician and developed innovative techniques that approach skincare through a holistic lens. From consulting and launching luxury spas to curating Japanese skincare lines, to opening her own boutique and spa in NYC, Kristyn’s knowledge and passion for creating and maintaining healthy skin have only continued to grow through the years.
Her latest venture, Practise, specializes in treatments that are both renewing and anti-aging, all while incorporating techniques that combat hyperpigmentation and increase lymphatic drainage. She approaches the skin from the inside/out and begins every facial with a consultation before customizing a specific treatment and follow-up for her client to continue the healing, detoxifying, and balancing long after leaving the chair.
Mariel
Kennedy
ESTHETICIAN
Beauty has been a recurring theme throughout Mariel's life at all stages: lifestyle, educational pursuits, and profession. Before graduating with honors from the Christine Valmy International School, Mariel earned a BA in Honors English and Art History from Skidmore College and spent many years working in the fashion industry as an assistant stylist in luxury ecommerce departments and celebrity styling. Esthetics is Mariel's medium and artform--your face is her canvas to uncover your natural radiance.
Mariel aims to use her education and experience in European-style facials to assist her clients in looking and feeling their best. She grounds her practice in education, patience, routine, and full-body health. Mariel pursued aesthetics having seen and experienced the effects skin and appearance can have on mental health. While she strives to use stimulating massage to lull her clients into a restful state of relaxation, her focus is always on foregrounding skin health and ensuring her clients understand the how's and why's of their in-studio treatments and home regimen recommendations. Mariel self-identifies as a perpetual student and is always reading, researching, and testing new techniques, ingredients, and products in order to answer questions, make suggestions, and stay current.
To Mariel, skincare is a daily practice of self-care and upkeeping one's overall health as opposed to a luxury experience, and she prides herself in her ability to curate a hyper-individualized plan for each client's lifestyle, budget, and goals.
Kailey
Boland
LEAD ESTHETICIAN
Kailey has worked as an esthetician since graduating with honors from Christine Valmy in 2021. Before rising to Lead Esthetician at Practise, Kailey trained with veteran Joanna Czech.
Kailey worked in Fashion PR at Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs prior to pursuing a career in skincare. During lockdown she followed her passion for esthetics born from her own struggles with a range of skin conditions and having experienced firsthand the effects of stress and hormones on our largest organ.
Kailey has a love for product knowledge and continued education and training to best serve her clients' individual needs. She lives in The Heights in Jersey City with her husband and two cats.
Jolie
De Feis
ESTHETICIAN
Jolie graduated with honors from Christine Valmy International School in 2021, but her passion for skincare started many years earlier. Using her background in product + ux, education and community engagement, her goal is to make taking care of your skin accessible, approachable and most importantly, enjoyable.
After developing adult onset acne at 22, Jolie became obsessed with the science of skin. Being a teacher, she started writing about what she was learning, eventually launching her top-rated newsletter, Hotline Skin, which has served as a platform for her career as a practicing esthetician. She is also a contributor to New York and InStyle magazines.
Jolie lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé Alex and their dog, Goose.
Charlene
Almarvez
ESTHETICIAN
My path led me to the bustling streets of New York City, where I initially pursued a career in the modeling industry. Through the years of modelling I found my next career. Authentic beauty isn't about concealing, but rather celebrating the natural radiance of our skin.
This realization inspire me my passion for skincare, where I uncovered my true passion. I take immense pleasure in the art of sculpting and massaging the face, imparting a radiant and hydrated glow that promotes healing.
My gentle approach ensures your skin is nurtured and cherished, leaving you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and confident in your unique beauty. As a proud graduate of Christine Valmy, I've meticulously fine-tuned my skills, emphasizing minimal extractions for acne and reducing skin congestion. My philosophy revolves around enhancing your skin's inherent beauty, empowering you to face the world with confidence and glow.