Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Pannacci.
Pamela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love everything about the beauty industry. I remember visiting a little makeup boutique in our neighborhood and buying whatever I could afford with my allowance. And then practiced my makeup application on my younger brother. Haha! I tried all the different makeup and hair trends. I still cringe thinking about my hair in the 80’s. My grandmother, Laura Vera, used to give me perms in her kitchen. I smile and giggle just thinking about that.
It wasn’t until I began developing acne that I really took an interest in skincare. My spending turned from makeup to anything touting acne clearing. This went on for years. Until one day, my mom and I spent an afternoon at a spa. It was a memorable ‘mother-daughter’ day. And my very first facial. The Esthetician spent extra time with me. She explained the technical details as they unfolded, and then let me slip into my moments of ‘Zen’ as she moved her way through the facial. Every move felt fluidly calculated. I didn’t want it to end. But the experience also taught me I didn’t have to continue to struggle with my acne. The esthetician helped me devise a plan that would help me feel excited about my skin. That was the first time I realized that being an ‘Esthetician’ was a career option.
I love everything about a facial. It is an art that promotes beauty, confidence, and relaxation. To be able to help someone who struggles with acne, healthy aging, or simply needs a moment of relaxing ‘me time,’ is what really lights me up inside.
Great, 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?
Opening my own business was a struggle. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I had no idea what I was doing. It was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Oh! And slap-happy laughs. You know the kind. I had little sleep. I broke out from stress. And my bank account was drained (Insert more stress breakouts here). But I kept thinking about how much I loved this industry, and the opportunity to transform skin and lives. That’s what kept me motivated.
With each challenge, I learned. With each accomplishment, I felt a sense of pride.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Laura Vera Skin – what should we know?
The inspiration behind the name, Laura Vera, is my late grandmother. Yes, my at-home hairdresser. Her names are derived from words that mean, “faith,” “beauty,” and “strength.” It is these words that get me through each day.
My boutique loft is located in beautiful Redondo Beach. The backstory to how I landed here is long and convoluted, and left me feeling defeated. But as it turns out, it’s also a gift from the heavens. From the moment I walked in, I knew it was my space. I instantly felt I could leave the past few months behind, and look optimistically to the future. I started moving in within days. And before I knew it, my vision board had come to life. It’s light, airy, and welcoming. It’s everything I had dreamed it could be. My clients always tell me how comfortable and relaxed they feel when they visit. It touches my heart.
I’m a holistically minded licensed esthetician and certified acne specialist. I promote non-invasive corrective facials with a relaxing touch.
I believe that every facial, including that which focuses on acne, should encourage relaxation for healing of the mind, body, and spirit. I don’t think I realized it until recently, acne management has become my niche. I suppose it’s because my clients can feel my empathy and excitement. I still get goosebumps when a client I’ve been working with walks in with their head held high, a beaming smile, and clear skin. That’s the greatest reward in this profession. And what I’m most proud of.
My clients refer to me as a ‘Skin Coach.’ And I’d say that’s accurate. I pride myself on sharing knowledge, offering encouragement and support, and providing the tools for them to be able to care for their skin in a healthy way. I share openly with passion and love. I might have to throw in my ‘magic touch.’ I listen to a lot of snoring in my appointments. It’s the silent/not silent compliment. Haha. I had a client come in for her appointment and she said to me, ‘I took a nap today so I wouldn’t fall asleep during my appointment and miss the whole facial.’ I just love my clients.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Dedication, integrity, and compassion. I really love what I do and I feel that passion is felt in every facial and in every interaction with my clients.
And the meanings behind my grandmothers’ names, Laura Vera; Strength, faith, and beauty. Without these qualities, I’m not sure I would be where I am today.
Pricing:
- LV Custom 60min / 90min / 120min – $95 – $185
- Acne Consultation & Treatment – $115
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage – $85
Contact Info:
- Address: 312 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 - Website: www.lauraveraskin.com
- Phone: 949 484 5773
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauraveraskin/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauraveraskin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laura-vera-skin-redondo-beach
Image Credit:
Pamela Pannacci
Donna Pock
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