Chakra Esthetics wins People's Choice honor in Palm Desert

Chakra Esthetics in Palm Desert has been named People's Choice in the Skin Care Clinics category by the Consumer Ratings Institute, based on 123 public reviews and a 5.0-star rating. The award lands as founder Angela Rafferty marks the practice's 10th year and extends a run of local and industry recognition.

Why it matters: - The honor gives Chakra Esthetics outside validation from public consumer reviews, not a paid or editorial ranking. - The recognition arrives as the Palm Desert practice marks its 10th anniversary, reinforcing its position in the local skincare market. - The award may help strengthen trust with new clients seeking personalized skincare and wellness services.

What happened: - Chakra Esthetics was named People's Choice — Palm Desert in the Skin Care Clinics category by the Consumer Ratings Institute. - The recognition was based on 123 public consumer reviews and a 5.0-star rating. - Founder Angela Rafferty opened Chakra Esthetics in 2016 on El Paseo in Palm Desert. - Rafferty founded the practice after more than two decades in the spa industry.

The details: - Chakra Esthetics is a gratuity-free private esthetics practice. - Rafferty is a licensed esthetician, energy practitioner and certified massage therapist. - Her background includes work as a spa therapist, spa manager and corporate spa educator for Hyatt and Marriott. - Rafferty is certified in aging and menopause skin conditions. - The practice follows a "progressive, not aggressive" skincare philosophy that focuses on the skin's natural barrier and each guest's individual needs. - Rafferty's signature skin longevity facials combine advanced skincare with sound healing, chakra balancing, crystals and intentional touch. - New guests start with an in-depth AI skin analysis and consultation. - Each new client also receives a customized ritual facial and a personal skin strategy session with home-care guidance. - Chakra Esthetics also offers Hawaiian Lomi Lomi and Sedona Swedish massage. - The practice offers free virtual skin consultations across the US. - Chakra Esthetics sells The Crystal Skin Collection, the practice's signature skincare line for home use. - Rafferty said she built Chakra Esthetics because she could not find the kind of facial spa she wanted, one that combined advanced esthetics with meaningful relaxation.

Between the lines: - The award highlights a business model built around high-touch service, wellness elements and a solo-practitioner experience. - Rafferty's approach leans into a broader beauty trend that blends clinical skincare with holistic rituals. - The 5.0 rating across 123 reviews suggests strong customer satisfaction, which can matter more than marketing in local service businesses. - Rafferty has also used the brand to expand into education and community leadership. - Her other roles include training licensed estheticians in The Chakra Esthetics Method, serving as Vice-Chair of the El Paseo Merchants Board for 2026/27 and advising the Milan Institute of Palm Desert. - Her prior honors include BizRate Best of Facial Spas in 2025 and 2026 and Circadia Professional Skincare's Rookie Spa of the Year in 2023.

What's next: - Chakra Esthetics is likely to keep leaning on its award-winning reputation as it grows beyond its 10th year. - Rafferty will continue training estheticians and serving in local business leadership roles. - The practice will keep offering facials, massage, virtual consultations and its signature skincare products.