Exploring Life & Business with Zoey Fa’alata of Esthi Zoey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoey Fa’alata

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up watching makeup tutorials on YouTube and that’s where my love for makeup and skincare started. I became the family MUA and I would do everyone’s makeup for prom, birthdays, special events, etc. I loved makeup so much I thought I would eventually become a professional makeup artist. I would spend hours watching makeup tutorials and skincare routines on YouTube. I got my first facial before my senior prom and that peeked my interest in skincare even more. I didn’t know exactly what an esthetician was at the time, but I knew I wanted to work in the beauty and skincare industry.
I started my esthetics journey during the pandemic, in April of 2021. By November of 2021, I completed my schooling, passed my state board exam, and began working as a licensed esthetician. I spent the next 2 years working for a company that offered full body sugaring and spray tans. I loved my coworkers and clients but I knew I wanted something better for myself. I am thankful for that job opportunity, it helped me learn and grow especially during my first 2 years as an esthetician. But, I always knew I wanted to work for myself and be in full control of my own business. I now share a suite with my good friend Ari, where we service our own clientele. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made!

I am located in the Sola Salons in the Lakewood Mall, and I offer full body sugaring as well as customized facials!
There is a lot of work that goes into running your own business, but it is such a rewarding feeling at the end of the day. I am so grateful to all of my clients that believed in me and followed me to my new suite when I decided to go solo. I have been 100% solo for about a year and a half now. I’m excited to continue growing and expanding my business and clientele, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth process. When I decided to quit my job and go solo, I didn’t have any real business plan, just a lot of faith and belief in myself. This isn’t the kind of job that gives you a consistent 40 hours a week. This job depends heavily on your clientele and that means sometimes you can have a fully booked week, and sometimes you’ll only have a few clients. I struggled and sometimes still struggle with the inconsistency of this business. You are responsible for getting your business out there, marketing for yourself, running all of your own social media, and handling the finances. There is so much work that goes into running your own business, outside of just servicing your clients. There are a lot of highs and lows but when you’re passionate about your work, you will always find a way!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a licensed esthetician of 3 years, specializing in full body sugaring and customized facials. I am known for both my sugaring and facial services, since I have been offering these services for the last 3 years. Although there are hundreds of estheticians in my area offering the same services, I believe that my clientele has stuck with me because I have always been true to myself. I am very open with my clients and do my best to give them a safe and comfortable space when they come into my suite. I am confident in my ability to perform my services, so my next concern is making sure my clients enjoy their experiences with me.
I am most proud of the brand that I’ve created and built from the ground up. I will admit that I struggle with the content and social media part of my brand but despite that, I am so proud of myself for being able to maintain and continue growing my business and clientele. I am proud of myself for coming into an industry where there aren’t a lot of people that look like me – a Samoan girl, born and raised in Long Beach.

My business means everything to me. I take pride in the services that I offer and being able to create a space that makes people want to keep coming back to me. I will always be grateful for the support that I receive from my family, friends, and my clients!

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I grew up in Long Beach and went to school in Lakewood from elementary through high school. My suite is located in the same mall that I grew up going to — so Sugar Suite 42 would have to be at the top of my favorites list! I also enjoy the food options and the weather. My least favorite thing would definitely have to be the traffic.

Pricing:

• $65 Brazilian
• $40 Bikini
• $25 Underarms
• $85 Standard Facial
• $125 Glow Up Facial w/ dermaplaning + nano needling

Contact Info:

• Website: https://esthizoey.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esthi.zoey?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==