The founder of Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute empowers skincare enthusiasts to take control with science-backed advice.
Courtney Sykes wasn't born a skin boss, but her upbringing certainly helped create one. She was raised in her mother's electrolysis clinic in South Carolina. This early exposure sparked an interest that would become a career. Today, as the founder of Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute and the author of The Skin Boss, Sykes is building an empire on making skincare science understandable and accessible to others.
"I learned early that beauty is confidence and knowledge," Sykes says. "I share it in everything I do."
A Childhood Surrounded by Beauty and Science
Sykes's mother, Etna Griffin, was a nurse anesthetist who opened her own electrolysis clinic in the 1990s. She watched as her mother expanded her practice to include services like laser hair removal and cosmetic injectables, which were big innovations for their small town.
Sykes was always drawn to the science behind beauty treatments. She wanted to understand how and why things worked.
"I remember sitting on the floor of the laser room, watching engineers work on the machines," Sykes recalls. "Seeing the machines taken apart, I could understand the way they worked. I consider this my introduction to physics."
Without realizing it, Sykes was learning about laser physics, skin histology, and business. By the early 2000s, she was managing her mother's clinic while attending college and esthetics school.
"My education was hands-on," she says. "I didn't just learn how treatments worked—I learned why they worked. Sharing that understanding of the science is the foundation of my career."
Building the Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute
With her love for science and beauty, Sykes is a natural teacher. She decided to open her Southeastern Health & Wellness Institute to share her passion for esthetics. She started in 2012 with six students.
Today, they boast thousands of graduates and a new 150,000-square-foot facility. The curriculum has expanded beyond esthetics to include nursing and the culinary arts.
Through all the success, Sykes is still passionate about making science accessible and fun, especially for women who may feel intimidated by STEM subjects.
Through the years, she has recognized real-world gaps in her students' education. She filled those gaps by integrating business education into her curriculum. Her students learn about financial forecasting, LLC creation, and other entrepreneurial skills.
"I want our students to know how to run a business, not just practice their trade," Sykes shares.
The Skin Boss
With the institute thriving, Sykes turned her attention to sharing her love of science and skincare. She wanted to help people who felt overwhelmed by the number of products, conflicting advice, and complicated ingredient lists.
"I knew I could help people who want to take care of their skin but didn't know where to start or who to trust," she says.
This inspired her to write The Skin Boss, a guide that explains skincare in a straightforward, science-based way.
"I wanted to create something that was approachable but still grounded in real science," Sykes explains. "The book breaks down topics like how the skin works, what different ingredients do, and how lifestyle factors like diet and stress affect skin health. The content comes from the lessons that I still teach my students."
The book covers everything from the basics of skin function to detailed explanations of active ingredients like retinol and antioxidants. It also offers practical advice to avoid common mistakes and build a routine that works for your needs.
"Good skincare isn't just about what you put on your face," Sykes says. "It's about understanding the science of how your body works and how everything is connected."
The Skin Boss is an extension of the work Sykes' has been doing her entire life. She helps people feel confident by giving them the knowledge they need to make the best decisions for themselves.
"Skincare doesn't have to be complicated," she says. "When you understand the basics, you can create a routine that works for your specific needs."
A Legacy Realized
Sykes credits her mother's influence as the starting point for her career, but it's her own passion for education that has allowed her to build something lasting.
"My mom showed me what it meant to be a leader in this industry. I wanted to build on that foundation and create something meaningful," she says.
Through her institute and The Skin Boss, Sykes has created a space where science and education come together to help people take charge of their skin health. That little girl in her mother's clinic is now teaching everyone how they can be a skin boss, too.
To order The Skin Boss or learn more about Courtney Sykes, visit courtneysykes.com or sehealthandwellnessinstitute.com.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
