Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Reimers.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I have been in the skincare industry for longer than I can remember. I started cosmetology school two days after graduating high school. One of the things that have gotten me where I am today is continuing my education in skin care, along with working in a variety of skin care settings.
I have worked in skincare clinics, dermatologists offices and medical spas, as well as my private practice. Working in all of these settings has made me well-rounded skin care professional. I am thankful to have worked alongside doctors and nurses who are able to provide valuable information.
Continuing education is important to me because the skin care industry is always coming up with different technologies and ingredients. It can be confusing for clients because whatever the current buzz word is in the skincare field may not be what is best for their skin. Not to mention certain products may cause irritation and breakouts if it is not used correctly.
Just because a product is good for a friend or family member doesn’t mean it is what is best for that particular client. Clients are doing the best they can to navigate their way through the skin care maze. This can be difficult with the skin care industry competing for their dollars with high profile campaigns.
I frequently find clients are either over-exfoliating or under hydrating based on messages directed at them through magazines and social media. I do a lot of correction of skin care home routines, alongside professional treatments to get clients back on track, which lets them fall back in love with their skin.
How did I get to where I am today? After working in a variety of professional settings, I felt it was time to go back into private practice. Working in a smaller setting affords me the opportunity to spend quality time with my clients and make sure their skin is at its best.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I went into business for myself at 21. I didn’t have a lot of experience in business nor a strong backing financially. I was thankful when I thought I had found a great spot renting from a “friend” who had opened up her own place. Unfortunately, that didn’t turn out so well. This person who I thought was a friend, took advantage my inexperience.
I stood up for myself and as a result was illegally evicted, despite having paid rent for the month and clients on my books. So much unnecessary drama for setting healthy boundaries. I literally had to move in the middle of the night. I got a friend, my mom’s station wagon, went to the office and called the security guard onsite to witness the move.
What started out as a quiet move quickly got dramatic when her husband showed up and started to threaten my friend who was helping me move. I almost had to call the police. It was crazy. I was like “Is this even happening right now?”
The situation turned out to be such a blessing. My friend Tricia, who also rented space there ended up leaving for similar reasons a couple of weeks later. We had to find a new place fast, or we would have lost our clients. We were looking all over the westside and ended up in a great spot in Santa Monica for over ten years.
Honestly, it was the best case scenario. I got to learn how to run a business, think on my feet and hustle to make the rent. We didn’t have social media at the time nor a business coach around every corner. I had to figure it out myself and go find answers to the questions I couldn’t answer on my own.I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to that chapter of my early skin care career. I very hand to mouth at the start.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My skin care practice is called Face First Skin Care. I specialize in acne and anti-aging skin care. I take more of a clinical approach to my practice and focus on getting my clients the results they are after. What I am most proud of is my commitment to helping my clients achieve their goals. What sets me apart is that I am very focused on educating my clients.
It is critical that they understand why their skin is responding in a certain way, why it is changing as they age and what they can do about it. I am known for my results and making sure my clients are using the right products for their skin. A good home care routine is critical to maintaining the results of the professional treatments I provide.
My practice is located on the west side of Los Angeles, inside LA’s best eyelash extension studio, My Little Beautique. I am right where Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Venice and Culver City all intersect within about a block of each other. It is a great location and the owner, Gina is a great example for female entrepreneurs
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Los Angeles is an excellent location to start a skin care practice. However, today there is a lot of competition. When I got started 20 years ago, there wasn’t this much competition. It is critical to have a good skill set and be great at marketing yourself.
You won’t survive here if you are your own best-kept secret. If someone was just starting out, I would strongly recommend working for someone else first. I would highly recommend a high volume medical spa, dermatologists office or day spa to gain experience.
Pricing:
- Signature Facial $95.00 ($85.00 for first-time clients)
Contact Info:
- Address: 122 Lincoln Blvd Suite 203 Venice, CA 90291
- Website: www.facefirstskincarela.com
- Phone #: 424-228-0754
- Instagram @facefirstskincare
- Book an Appointment: https://
FaceFirstSkinCare.as.me/ - Shop for Products: https://www.
dermalogica.com/?rfsn=5806271. b2db25&utm_source=refersion& utm_medium=affiliate&utm_ campaign=5806271.b2db25
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
