Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Thomason.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Just like a lot of people in their mid-twenties, I had no idea which direction my life was going. Originally, I was trying to pursue a career in real estate, then realized it wasn’t the right fit. That resulted in quitting my job, moving out of my apartment and back in with my parents. I had an appetite for a spontaneous experience that would put me outside of my comfort zone and shift my intentions and life goals. These feelings led to finding a nonprofit program that granted me the opportunity to live with a host family in Spain. After my time spent with the family, I finished my summer traveling Europe and visiting friends.
Coming home, I felt a bit lost. My former roommate and friend who owns a salon suggested that I try esthetician school. Around that same time, I volunteered to help do hair and make up for my girlfriend’s large bridal party of 10 women. Her hired makeup artist ended up bailing the day of the wedding, leaving me with the majority of the bridal party. It was so fun and fulfilling to work under pressure, helping to alleviate a stressful situation. That’s when the lightbulb went off. Though makeup artistry has always been a passion of mine, it never crossed my mind that working in the beauty industry could be my calling.
And so my career began. I soon found myself working at my friend’s salon to better understand the environment and salon culture while being enrolled in esthetician school. The program I chose was flexible, allowing me to finish in 11 months. It was truly a blessing being able to get licensed two months before Covid hit. Two months into having my license, I was able to work out of the salon. Once everything had shut down during the pandemic, there was ample time to think of a game plan that made the most sense for my future. After the dust began to settle, it made the most sense to start my own business. I felt ready to endure on a journey full of new responsibilities and that is the path I am currently on!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It sounds so cheesy, but it’s important to remember that even if the path you’re on doesn’t make sense at the moment, the universe will always take care of you. Everything works itself out. It’s vital to remember that while battling your struggles. One of the biggest stressors I find in my business and in life is that I look at the end result of challenges first. Taking a closer look at the little steps needed to conquer the challenges is going to help you achieve more.
Starting off as a newly licensed esthetician, it is likely that you will have a hard time gaining more experience while not having a place to work out of. In the beginning, I spent most of my time lugging my equipment around and doing house calls. It is really important to visualize what type of work environment and location best suits you. There will be financial instability as you are building a consistent clientele and paying off school or personal debt. A feeling that was hard to kick was feeling behind in life and that it was too late to start a new career. While it may seem as though you’re behind, remember that you are investing in your future. Lastly, figuring out how to run a business without having any prior experience is definitely scary. It’s a lot of trial and error, and you are now responsible for the overhead of running the business. There are times too where I will panic because it’s a slower week and people aren’t booking, but there is always something you could be doing during downtime to improve your business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an esthetician, my services include lash extensions, skincare and facials, spray tanning, make up application, brow shaping and waxing, brow lamination, and lash lifts. I take pride in keeping a common theme of a more natural look. I would say my specialty is lash extensions and brow lamination. It feels so good to hype my clients up on their own beauty and individuality. The key is to accentuate their natural assets. The best part of my job is connecting with my clients and building a strong level of trust and receiving their loyalty in return. It is such a mutual feeling to boost each other’s confidence. I know I’m doing my job when my clients post a selfie, they come back and refer their friends, or when I get a text from them complimenting my work.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was pretty shy but loved trying to make people laugh. It was comical that I was such a girly girl but had more guy friends than girlfriends. In preschool, you could find me in the sandbox wearing a dress and cowboy boots. When I was a child, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. However looking back, it was a no brainer that I ended up in the beauty industry. At a mere age of four or 5, discovering my Mom’s makeup collection was always a treat for me. A large portion of my adolescence was spent playing with Barbies and dressing up with friends. From the age of 2 to 13, I did gymnastics. This was how I connected with my Dad who was a former gymnast. Towards the end of my gymnastics career, I was competing mostly every weekend. My curiosity drove me to be pretty brave and willing to try anything new.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.jenniferthomasonbeauty.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jennsbeautyden
