Carla is the proud owner of Essence Beauty in Pismo Beach, a woman-owned retail beauty store that has become a staple of the local beauty community. Originally from Nicaragua and having lived in Costa Rica for many years, Carla moved to the beautiful Central Coast 21 years ago, where she found a home and a place to nurture her entrepreneurial spirit. Although English is her second language, Carla’s passion for clean beauty has always been her driving force. She credits her parents for instilling in her an entrepreneurial mindset that led her to create Essence Beauty, which opened its doors in 2019.

Essence Beauty offers a range of clean, high-quality beauty products, including skincare, haircare, makeup, and accessories, with a focus on cruelty-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free options. As the only locally woman-owned beauty store on the Central Coast, Carla is dedicated to offering products that not only enhance beauty but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Beyond her passion for clean beauty, Carla also mentors other entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities. Through collaborations with local non-profit organizations, she shares her knowledge and supports the growth of fellow business owners.