Our Story

Providing every client a personalized skincare experience

At Golden Hour, we provide care for your evolving skincare needs and we always keep your goals in mind to help us design each treatment specifically for YOU & most importantly we help you develop an at-home regimen that's tailored to your needs, bringing you closer to your skincare goals. Of course, coming in just for relaxation is always encouraged too!

Meet Our Dedicated Team of Aestheticians Who Care

Every person on our team has dedicated their lives to bettering the skin of those around them. Meet our incredible founder & our team of outstanding aestheticians.

A woman, Val Plaza, the spa owner, with long, wavy brown hair and tattoos on both arms, smiling and standing in front of shelves with skincare products.


  • Founder | Aesthetician | Laser Practitioner

    Facials are my passion and I take a very detailed approach, while still allowing for plenty of massage and relaxation. My goal is to work with clients to find a regimen that is not only effective, but also becomes part of their self-care routine that they are excited about and love.

    For 13 years I’ve worked in the healthcare field and throughout my career I realized I wanted to help people on a more personal level. Since entering the world of aesthetics in 2014, I have learned that there’s so much more to skincare than just what’s on the surface – it’s about creating an experience that stays with people well beyond the treatment room.

A young woman with red hair and a tattoo on her left arm, wearing a green shirt, smiling with crossed arms in front of an abstract pastel-colored background.


  • Aesthetician | Laser Practitioner

    Katlyn is a newly licensed aesthetician who graduated from Avenue Five Institute in South Austin in June 2022. Originally from Mississippi, she made the bold decision to relocate to Austin in January 2020 to pursue her passion for aesthetics. Growing up with sensitive and acne-prone skin, Katlyn understands the challenges many face in finding effective skincare solutions. Her personal experiences led her to develop a deep interest in skincare, beauty, and wellness.

    During her time in school, Katlyn's primary goal was to learn how to better serve clients with similar skin concerns. She discovered a particular passion for specialized facials, waxing, lash and brow tinting, brow lamination, and is especially skilled in lash lifts. Katlyn emphasizes the importance of at-home skincare regimens as a vital component in addressing skincare issues.

    For Katlyn, being an esthetician is about more than just providing services; it’s about creating a unique experience that allows clients to feel refreshed, happy, and relaxed.

A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a black t-shirt and layered necklaces


  • Aesthetician | Laser Practitioner

    Our Advanced Acne Expert (Face Reality Level 2), Morgan embarked on her aesthetician career, driven by her own personal experiences. Having battled with acne herself, she intimately understands the profound impact it can have on one’s self-esteem and mental well-being. Her journey to becoming an aesthetician was fueled by a deep desire to help others navigate the challenges of skincare and regain their confidence.

    She is dedicated to staying up to date with the latest skincare trends, products, and techniques to ensure that her clients receive the most effective and personalized treatments. Morgan’s commitment to skincare goes beyond her profession — she’s a true advocate for self-care and believes in the transformative power of a good skincare routine. Morgan’s clients not only benefit from her professional knowledge but also from her genuine enthusiasm for helping them look and feel their best.

    Her passion for skincare is not just a job — it’s a lifelong commitment to promoting confidence and well-being through healthy, glowing skin.

    When she’s not working at Golden Hour, she is usually at home with her 2 cats, Stevie and Obi, or out eating with friends. Follow her Instagram @skinwithmorgan


  • Aesthetician | Laser Practitioner

    Bernadette has been a licensed aesthetician for over two years after studying at Melluzi Academy here in Austin, TX. Originally from Virginia, she studied Kinesiology in undergrad and had a long stint working in retail, selling supplements and skin care. Austin has been home since 2016 and she has made a cozy life with her husband and dog, Knut. After the events of 2020 she knew it was time to finally follow her dreams and make a big change. She was able to take the leap into aesthetics and the treatment room.

    As an aesthetician she has furthered her education in facial massage, corrective skin care treatments and a laser license. Her true passions lie in facials, transforming clients skin to let their natural beauty glow while making sure the client is able to drift into a state of true tranquility. 

    She is passionate about educating her clients on all things skin care, making sure they feel confident leaving the spa with a home care routine that will support their goals of long term skin health. Bernadette delivers incredible treatments that keep her clients coming back. She takes pride in helping every client feel confident, refreshed and radiant in their natural beauty.

Colorful sign with rainbow stripes and arrow pointing left, reading 'Everyone One Is Welcome Here' with a red heart, and various payment method stickers including American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. There is also a sign for Golden Hour Skincare with a sun logo.

Everyone is welcome at Golden Hour!

We are an Austin Safe Space

Location Info

Step Inside Our Location

  • Decorated waiting area with chairs, plants, wall art, and a glass table in a modern interior.
  • Interior view of a cozy room with pink walls, decorated with plants, a rainbow-shaped rug, and various furniture including chairs, shelves, and a water dispenser. The room features wooden accents and a partially open door leading to a tiled area.
  • Living room with four wooden chairs, a glass coffee table, potted plants, wall art, decorative pillow and wall hanging, with an air conditioning unit.
  • Cozy waiting room with brown chairs, a glass coffee table, plants, and wall decor, including a cactus print and hanging leaves.
  • Interior of a pharmacy or skincare store with wooden shelves holding skincare products, plants, and decorative items, and a small wooden display table below. There are indoor plants on both sides.
  • Living room with four wooden chairs, a clear acrylic coffee table, a framed cactus photograph on the wall, a small white side table with a green potted plant, a decorative branch with felt leaves on the wall, a striped pillow, and an air conditioning unit.
  • Interior of a cozy room with plants, shelves, and a glass door leading outside, illuminated by natural sunlight.
  • Interior of a modern boutique with a white metal shelf holding various small decorative items, a yellow popcorn machine with potted plants, and a wall-mounted shelf with skincare products. There are large windows letting in natural light and a door with a rainbow mat in front of it.
  • Spa or treatment room with bed, shelving unit with skincare products, lamps, and a machine labeled 'Hydrafacial'.
  • A bathroom with a white sink, wooden shelf with rolled towels, mirror, wicker basket below, and colorful wall art.
  • A treatment room with skincare products, a computer, a chair, and decorative items on a wall shelf.
  • Cozy indoor space with a brown leather chair, a white pillow, a small round white side table with a candle, plant, and tray, and various potted green plants including a large leafy plant in a woven basket and smaller plants on the floor. Hanging plants decorate the wall, and a water dispenser is visible in the background.
  • Wooden wall shelves holding skincare and cosmetic products, including face creams, lotions, and serums, organized in rows.
  • Wall display of skincare products on three wooden shelves, two green plants, a framed quote, art pieces, and a small table with bags underneath. A white and black appliance is on the right.
  • Indoor space with shelves holding skincare products, potted plants, a small washing machine, a table with various items, and a door with a window.
  • Two women hugging and smiling in a cozy, well-decorated room with shelves of skincare products behind them.