Sometimes the biggest transformations begin with a single leap of faith.
For Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics (SWINA) graduate Desteny Austin, that leap meant stepping away from the familiar, investing in herself, and pursuing a dream she had carried for years. Today, as a licensed aesthetician, laser technician, cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and owner of Beauty Code by Hunnii, Desteny is creating opportunities for herself and for the clients and communities she serves.
Her story is one of confidence, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to helping others shine.
A Passion for Beauty That Started Early
For Desteny, the beauty industry wasn't just a career choice—it was a natural extension of who she has always been.
"As a true Leo, I was born to shine—and make sure everyone around me does, too!"
Long before enrolling at SWINA, she was already expressing her creativity as a licensed cosmetologist and through her boutique fashion line, Hunnii Belishments.
Her love for beauty and fashion inspired her to continually seek new ways to serve her clients and expand her expertise.
"I've always been obsessed with the beauty and fashion industry."
As her career evolved, she realized she wanted to offer even more value to the people who trusted her with their beauty goals.
"I wanted to bring more value to my clients and expand my skills as a licensed aesthetician and laser technician."
Today, she combines beauty, skincare, fashion, and confidence-building into a unique client experience that reflects her passion and creativity.
Why SWINA?
When it came time to further her education, Desteny knew she wanted a school that would prepare her for success beyond graduation.
SWINA's reputation, hands-on training, and supportive learning environment made it an easy choice.
"SWINA has always had a great reputation and sets the foundation for you to succeed in the real world."
Throughout her education, she gained practical skills while building confidence that would carry her into her own business.
"The hands-on training teaches you the techniques. And the teachers and staff help you build confidence from day one."
A Journey Defined by Growth and Connection
When asked to describe her educational experience in just three words, Desteny chose:
"Fulfilling, insightful, and camaraderie."
Those three words capture something many SWINA students experience—the combination of personal growth, professional development, and meaningful relationships formed along the way.
Throughout her program, Desteny was inspired by numerous instructors who each contributed something unique to her journey. "There are so many great instructors," Destiny asserts.
She credits Krystle for sharing valuable expertise in White Block, Robyn for teaching confidence-building techniques, and Jennifer for encouraging creativity while maintaining professional standards.
She also highlights the impact of Zen Jen's stress management class.
"Zen Jen's stress management class gave us tools to stay grounded and even brought our entire class closer together."
These experiences helped shape her technical skills and the mindset needed to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.
Building Beauty Code by Hunnii
Today, Desteny is the owner of Beauty Code by Hunnii, where she combines her expertise in aesthetics, laser technology, cosmetology, and fashion to help clients look and feel their best.
Her mission extends beyond beauty services.
For Desteny, beauty is about empowerment, confidence, and helping others recognize their own value.
"I love that I can deliver the best of both beauty and fashion to help my clients feel and look amazing."
Her entrepreneurial journey is proof that combining passion with education can create exciting opportunities and lasting impact.
A Vision Bigger Than Business
While Desteny is proud of what she has built so far, her biggest dreams are still ahead of her.
One of her long-term goals reflects her deep commitment to supporting other women who are working to create a better future for themselves and their families.
"I would like to offer affordable salon suites for single moms who want to start a business of their own."
As a single mother herself, this goal is deeply personal.
"This really speaks to my own journey of being a single mom and trying to create something that I am proud of."
Her vision is about more than entrepreneurship—it's about creating opportunities, empowering others, and helping future beauty professionals pursue their dreams with confidence.
Advice for Future SWINA Students
Like many students, Desteny experienced uncertainty before taking her first step toward a new career.
The decision to leave a familiar job and pursue something new wasn't easy.
"I was really unsure of myself and was really uncomfortable leaving my past job."
Looking back now, she knows that taking the risk was one of the best decisions she could have made.
"I'm so glad I took a leap of faith and started my own company."
Her advice to new students is simple yet powerful:
"Take that leap of faith—it's absolutely worth it!"
Your Future Starts With One Step
Desteny's journey demonstrates what can happen when passion meets education, determination, and courage.
From expanding her skills as a beauty professional to launching her own business and dreaming of ways to uplift other women, she continues to create a future filled with purpose and possibility.
For anyone considering a career in aesthetics, laser technology, or the beauty industry, her story is a reminder that success doesn't require having everything figured out from the beginning.
Sometimes it starts with believing in yourself enough to take the first step.
At SWINA, students gain the technical training, hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and confidence needed to transform their passion into a profession—and perhaps even build something bigger than they ever imagined.
Ready to begin your own beauty industry journey? Learn more about SWINA's Aesthetics and Laser Technician programs and discover where your passion can take you.
Connect With Desteny
Interested in experiencing Desteny's services for yourself?
🎟️ Use Code: SWINA20 for 20% off your total service.
📅 Book through @beautycode_byhunnii
