POCATELLO - Melanie Stinger said after she experienced cystic acne at age 19, she became passionate about helping others find solutions to skin care problems.

An esthetician at La Bella Vita, located at 127 N. Main St. in Pocatello, Stinger studied skin care at Oliver Finley in Boise, and today she provides consultation, cosmetic and therapeutic solutions to clients coping with a host of skin care issues including rosacea and eczema.

"I basically got the runaround," she said of her own experience. "So I started doing research and I became passionate about skin care."

Stinger provides a full range of chemical-free products by Aveda and offers 60-minute customized facials starting at $55. She sees seven to 14 clients each day.

The green science skin care line works at the cellular level to regenerate and heal skin, and she said the professional line of products is reasonably priced.

Her services also include body waxing, and she works to put clients at ease during the process.

"You have to be all right with yourself so they'll be comfortable," she said.

Idaho's desert climate means most of her clients are dealing with dry skin, which can lead to more serious problems.

"I rarely see anyone who complains of oily skin," she said.

Born in Pocatello and raised in Texas, Stinger said when she's not working, she and her partner, Conrad Stephenson, a former U.S. Marine, enjoy skiing, camping and traveling together.

Stinger is currently working to complete a degree in business marketing, but she said she intends to stay on at La Bella Vita.

"I'm very happy where I'm at right now," she said. "This isn't a side job, it's a career."