Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Sparks.
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I became a skincare enthusiast at a young age simply because my own skin was not so great. As a child, I struggled with acne and breakouts all the way up until my early 20s. Being a young teen with acne is never easy and I always dreamt of having clear skin. That being said, I quickly became my own guru and tried every product and facial under the sun. I just remember being teased at school and wanting nothing more than skin confidence. I grew to love everything about wellness and skincare and I decided that would be my path after graduating high school. My career in the skin care industry started in Las Vegas, NV about nine years ago where I obtained my Esthetician license. Directly after graduating, I started working in a dermatologist’s office which is where I learned everything about medical grade facials and more. My knowledge grew being in a medical environment since learning everything the nurses knew came with the job. I quickly became a lead Aesthetician providing a variety of laser treatments, Ultherapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Cool Sculpting, along with product sales in a vast range of medical grade skincare. From there, I knew I wanted more and decided to move to Los Angeles, CA.
It’s being very different from Las Vegas definitely left a ton of room for growth and learning. I started out in a wellness spa in Santa Monica where I learned new techniques from a holistic approach. Learning that most everything you see on the outside of the body has everything to do with what’s going on inside the body. I was so infatuated I continued my education within overall wellness and skin care as I branched off working in a Medspa and then for a plastic surgeon where I got to use my tools I had learned in LV. From there I knew I was ready to really go for it and started my own business towards the end of the pandemic. It started from my Loft in Marina del Rey where I saw clients and provided facial services. I realized that was not going to be enough long-term but it got me started. After a while, I legalized the corporation, Papaya Skin Loft, and started renting a space in West Hollywood, where I am still located today. My space is off Melrose Pl which happens to be a very sought-after area in West LA. I was initially worried about moving my business from one side of the 405 to the other but I knew my loyal, trusting clients would follow. Since being in that space for almost a year now I can’t say it’s all been easy, in fact, it’s been hard work and I am really proud of the growth of my business and excited for the future. So many things in store to come. My mission for Papaya Skin Loft is to create skin confidence for every individual that walks through my doors. So far, so good.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hmm… I wouldn’t say “smooth”. Remember that quote from Theadore Roosevelt, “Nothing worth having comes easy?” It’s not easy. But definitely worth it! Starting your own small business is hard work and the longevity is only determined based off how passionate you are about it. Of course, there have been obstacles, some small, some bigger, some just all in my head. Having the support of my family, my loving boyfriend, and of course my amazing clients is really what keeps me pushing toward my goals. My clients are my reminder of why I do what I do. You may expect to start a business and it be booming right off the bat. Fully booked every day of the week. It’s not like that, it takes time. Im grateful when I have one fully booked day of clients during the week!! I know it’s a forever-growing business and loving what I do gives me the patience and perseverance to keep going. My satisfaction comes from knowing I’m changing lives within my community and giving people the skin confidence they came in for. I’m grateful for every client that lays on my table and even more grateful for the ones that continue to book because they can really go anywhere.
As you know, we’re big fans of Papaya Skin Loft. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The idea behind Papaya Skin Loft was born in Marina del Rey, CA. I wanted something catchy, yet wellness related. The fruit itself is so amazing, having many benefits for the skin and I started out in a Business Loft, it was just too perfect. I’m a nurturer at heart and have always loved taking care of others. It makes me feel good to know I’m making others feel good about themselves. Clients come to me because they are looking to enhance their skin health and they want someone they can trust.
I always tell my clients that my facials are very treatment based, almost every service includes a microdermabrasion. You leave seeing results! And that’s exactly what keeps people coming back. I would say what sets me apart is that I’ve been on all ends of the spectrum when it comes to the skincare industry. What’s most important to me is to educate my clients. I don’t ever want someone coming in and not knowing what service was provided. Skin care is an investment, you should know what you’re getting. I can’t tell you how many times I ask a client what facials they’ve received in the past and they have absolutely no idea. Or they tell me they have an entire line of products at home but no idea how to use them or what they are used for. One of my favorite compliments I receive from clients is “Wow, I feel like I learned so much during this treatment”. Makes me so happy to know they are leaving glowing and educated on what they just paid for.
Papayas most popular service is the “Diamond Luxe Facial Treatment”. This is a fully customized facial specific to each client. Your first appointment is always a bit longer than the rest due to the full skin analysis and consultation process. I love being creative in my treatment room and being able to customize each of my facials. Skin care is truly an art form. No two treatments are alike, it’s all depending on what the client’s skin needs are. It could be enzymes and peels one appointment and lymphatic massage and hydration the next. Every single service comes with a complimentary tweeze and trim of the brows, upon request. The Tweeze and Trim is my special touch. It’s that little something extra clients really appreciate.
Another popular service is the Dermaplane treatment. This is the perfect treatment for anyone wanting that glow while eliminating the peach fuzz from the face. I call it the “Skin like butter” facial. This is super popular since it’s safe to get year round. I don’t have a huge list of services simply because I feel it’s best to see the client’s skin first and set a customized plan from there. No one actually knows what they need (which is why they seek professional help) so I always recommend starting out with the “First Timer” facial listed under “services” on my website. I do have some fun ad-ons like the Scalp Treatment. This one really makes you never want to leave. Imagine a scalp massage but with the touch of invigorating oils and stimulating tools to really get the blood flowing on the scalp. It promotes hair growth which is what we all want!
I always give my clients product recommendations along with a recommended treatment plan.
Anyone reading this that reaches out can receive 15% off your first service at Papaya Skin Loft. Just mention Voyage!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was always very adventurous, creative, curious and a risk-taker. To this day my sister still calls me the free spirit of the family. Growing up in Las Vegas the winter months were really cold and the Summer months, dry and hot. Whenever it was just warm enough I was outside playing with friends. If we weren’t at one of our houses, we were with my family on our boat at Lake Mead. My friends and I were all alike in the sense we were all very adventurous so we loved being in the water and catching all the biggest waves on the jet skis. Always very active. Ive always been an athlete and wanted to try every sport. My favorite ended up being gymnastics and turned out to be really great at it. I was always a little monkey. I never wanted to take no for an answer and when I had my mind set to something I surely can tell you it was happening (whatever it was).
Although I love learning I didn’t really LOVE high school. I decided I wanted to graduate one year early, and somehow convinced my group of best friends to do it with me, fully completing my degree with good grades. I started esthetician school almost immediately after. I took some time after moving to LA to travel abroad and quickly realized my love for learning about different cultures. Making what I do now in my career that much more fulfilling since I get to meet so many beautiful walks of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.papayaskinloft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papayaskinloft/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074304412217
Image Credits
Papaya Skin Loft
