Today we’d like to introduce you to Ava Lemons.
Hi Ava, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started esthetician school right after completing high school. I thought I wanted to be a makeup artist, but as I worked at different spas in the beauty industry, I fell in love with facials and skincare. When I first started in this industry, estheticians were expected to be able to do it all: lashes, waxing, makeup, facials, even body treatments. Once I moved out to Los Angeles, I noticed the shift of being able to choose a niche within esthetics. This allowed me to really focus on performing facials exclusively before I went solo in 2022.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, but I’m grateful for all the bumps. The hardest part was starting out, I was only 19…and I looked about 12 years old. I felt like I wasn’t being taken seriously as an esthetician. Which I wasn’t! Who wants to take anti-advice from a teenager?! However, I’m a very determined person and as my skill developed and I got older, my clients became more like peers to me and conversations felt more organic.
The second hardest part was deciding when to finally launch out on my own, which I only did in June of 2022 after almost 18 years as an esthetician. I had a comfortable job as an employee and really enjoyed my co-workers, so I had to give myself a pep talk that I had to take the chance on establishing my own space.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Lemon Lounge Skincare Studio is a solo, female-owned and operated facial facility. I recently revamped my service menu to feature two Korean beauty brands and one from Spain. I wanted to further address acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation during my services, and after a lot of research, these brands I found ticked all the boxes: advanced ingredients, gentle yet effective, professional-grade products, supportive staff if I have questions, attractive packaging. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from my clients!
I’m really proud that I’ve created a unique experience at Lemon Lounge. Everything from the decor, the playlist, my approach to skincare is so true to myself and my vision. I want people to come in and feel like they’ve escaped from the daily grind of Los Angeles and just get to bliss out for an hour. Success to me is not just comments about their skin improving, but when my clients come in and tell me they’ve been looking forward to their facial since the one the month prior. That lets me know that I’m taking care of my client as a whole person.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I belong to a bunch of esthetician only Facebook groups. They’re great little spaces on the Internet to learn from other estheticians and share in the joys and frustrations of the esthetics industry. In terms of podcasts, I enjoy Skin and the City and Spa Marketing Made Easy. I also am always on the hunt for continuing education courses, whether they’re online or in person. One of my favorites was a 3 Day long Gua Sha course I took with Cecily Braden. She’s a gem in the industry!
Pricing:
- 60-Minute Facials Start at $165
- 75-Minute Facials Start at $210
Contact Info:
- Website: https://avalemons.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonloungeskincarestudio/
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/lemonloungeskincarestudio
Image Credits
Anissa Banda Kevin Coffey Tim Pogo
