Meet Crystal Atkins | Licensed Esthetician, Beauty Entrepreneur & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Atkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Entrepreneurship has fundamentally changed how I approach risk. In my experience, whenever I’ve taken a risk, the potential for a high payoff has often outweighed the initial uncertainty. Now, instead of fixating on the risks, I focus on the potential rewards and opportunities.

Being in the skincare industry, where I co-own a med-spa, Cucumber & Mint, and have founded Dolce Dew Skin Co a skincare line, I’ve learned that every decision can be seen as either a risk or an investment—it all depends on your perspective. By viewing these choices as strategic investments in growth and innovation, I’ve been able to push past my own boundaries and achieve significant milestones. For our team, it’s about having a positive outlook, assess the risk, but ultimately have the confidence to see the potential rather than the pitfalls.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After years of owning a spa and working as a licensed esthetician, I noticed something missing in the products available on the market. It all came to a head in April 2020. The world was shutting down, our medspa was closed due to mandates, and I had just given birth to our second son. He was only two weeks old when, after an afternoon feeding, I handed him off to my husband and finally took a moment for myself.

I went to take a shower, hoping to feel a little more like myself again. But when I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized the person staring back. My skin was incredibly dry, to the point where I must have scratched myself in my sleep. My eyes were dark, my skin tone looked gray, and the melasma was more pronounced than ever. As an esthetician, I was frustrated—how could my skin be in such a state?

I tried to use my favorite Vitamin C serum, but it wasn’t an option anymore because it contained hydroquinone, which I couldn’t use postpartum. The hydrating products I had either broke me out or irritated my skin. I knew the benefits of Vitamin C, but finding one that worked for me in that moment was nearly impossible. And that’s when it hit me: if I was struggling to find the right products, I wasn’t alone.

That moment in the bathroom was the spark that started my journey into creating my own skincare line. I walked out of the shower, feeling a little better just from having cleaned up, and told my husband, “I’m going to start a skincare line.” He wasn’t surprised—Daniel is used to my entrepreneurial spirit. He just nodded and said, “Okay.”

But starting from scratch wasn’t easy. I Googled, reached out to colleagues, and quickly realized there was a lack of clear direction on how to begin. But I was determined. I wanted to create products that addressed the gaps I saw in the industry—products that were effective, gentle, and truly catered to the needs of people like me.

What sets my business apart is that it was born from real-life experience and a genuine need. I’m most proud of how far we’ve come and excited about the impact our products are making. The challenges weren’t easy—balancing a new baby, a global pandemic, and launching a new business was intense. But each obstacle taught me something valuable: persistence, the importance of a strong support system, and the power of believing in your vision.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on a foundation of authenticity and a deep understanding of what our clients truly need. Our products aren’t just about skincare; they’re about empowerment, confidence, and feeling your best at every stage of life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Morning: Kick off the week with a refreshing workout at Oxygen Fitness Studio at Surrey Center. It’s the perfect way to energize for the adventures ahead.
Brunch: Head to Bodega Ultima for a delicious brunch. Their menu is a blend of fresh and flavorful dishes that will leave you both satisfied and ready for the day.
Afternoon: Treat yourselves to a spa day at Cucumber & Mint. After all, relaxation is key to a great vacation.
Shopping: Explore the boutiques at Surrey Center—One., Swank, Soho, and Shoes at Surrey are must-visit spots for some stylish finds.
Evening: Wrap up the day with oysters and fun cocktails at Abel Brown, a chic spot known for its great ambiance and fantastic seafood.

Day 2: North Augusta Adventures

Morning: Start your day with mouthwatering doughnuts from Sheila’s Bakery in downtown North Augusta. Their selection is a local favorite.
Morning Walk: Take a leisurely stroll along the Greenway, a beautiful trail perfect for soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
Afternoon: Catch a GreenJackets baseball game for some local sports action. Nothing says summer like a day at the ballpark.
Evening: Enjoy drinks with a view at the Rooftop Bar at The Plaza. The river views are stunning, and the vibe is just right for a laid-back evening.

Day 3: Art & Culture Day

Morning: Take a tour around downtown to see local art, including the vibrant murals by April King. Her work brings the town’s spirit to life and is a great way to experience the local culture.
Afternoon: Visit the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta to dive deeper into the rich artistic heritage of the South.
Lunch: Grab a bite at New Moon Cafe, known for its fresh, locally-sourced menu and cozy atmosphere.
Evening: End the day with dinner at Frog Hollow Tavern, where you’ll enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in an upscale yet welcoming setting.

Day 4 Day Trip to Aiken, SC

Morning: Drive to Aiken, known for its equestrian culture. Start with breakfast at New Moon Cafe Aiken
Day: Spend the day exploring Aiken’s charming downtown, visit the Aiken County Historical Museum, and if you’re lucky, catch a polo or horse show, there is always a festival happening.
Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Wilcox, a historic hotel with Southern charm and a great menu.
Evening: Return to North Augusta for a cozy dinner at Hammond’s Ferry Larder, a local spot known for its farm-fresh dishes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
They say a mother’s love is like nothing else, but what’s often overlooked is the extraordinary power of a mother’s belief in her child. My mom, Gail Fortunato, has always been my biggest cheerleader, and her unwavering faith in me has been a constant source of strength. From the days of putting on talent shows in the living room to building multiple businesses, she never once doubted my abilities. Her consistent encouragement and belief in me made me believe in myself. I know that having her positive reinforcement has been a key factor in my success, fueling my confidence and determination every step of the way.

Website: https://dolcedew.com

Instagram: dolcedew

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dolcedew

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dolcedew

Other: @cucumberandmint cucumberandmint.com

Image Credits
Maiden Musgrove Photography