Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1315477
Listen to the ASCP Esty Talk podcast ascpskincare.com/podcasts 45 FOLLOW THE LEADERS ASCP Skin Deep special advertising section Q. How did you become interested in professional skin care? A. I've always been drawn to beauty in every sense of the word. My first passion was dance. When I would compete and perform there was a lot of makeup and fake eyelashes involved, and I was pretty good at it. My dancer friends would line up, one by one, so I could help them with their fake lashes and makeup. After I graduated high school early, and knew I wasn't going to pursue a career in dance, I thought makeup was my best option. After taking some classes, I still wanted more and didn't understand why there wasn't a license for makeup. That's when I looked up being an esthetician and really never looked back. In school, I fell in love with all things skin and realized the change I could make in people's lives. Not only helping them with their skin, but making them feel better too. Q. Why did you decide to go solo with your own spa? A. After working in day spas and medical spas, I was still looking for more. I wanted more creative control with protocols, wanted my space to look a certain way, and quite honestly wanted more freedom to do what I wanted. I went solo in 2011, renting a room in a salon. In 2012, I opened up the first spa of my own. Q. You also market your own products, maintain a popular podcast, and write a blog. How do you do it all? A. I love what I do! I would also consider myself a creative person and am super high energy. After owning a business for almost 10 years, I have learned to delegate certain tasks so I can focus on what I love. Shout out to my sister and operations manager Hailey. I couldn't do it without her. Q. What advice would you give esties trying to develop a solid brand? A. Find what makes you stand out as a person and esthetician, and run with that. I always say our clients come to us for a reason. They love our services and probably our personality too. Branding is a feeling, so do what makes you feel good and I believe the brand will grow. I love helping, sharing, and creating, so that's worked for me. I challenge you to do the same—but on your own terms. Stick with a color scheme, be consistent, and don't forget it's 2021. You need a logo and a website. Q. What characteristics do you think define an effective leader? A. You need to be driven, focused, dedicated, flexible, and agile. I think you need to know who you are, always be willing to learn, and be OK with being wrong. The more agile you are— and the more you can go with the flow instead of against it—the better leader you can be. You need to be driven, even when sometimes you don't want to be. And, again, consistency is key. Find what makes you stand out as a person and esthetician, and run with that. —Kasey Boone sponsored by Glow Skincare Kasey Boone, LE Owner, Glow Skincare Cohost, Beauty Biz BFFs podcast