Inspiring Conversations with Monica Lakey of Monica Lakey Beauty Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Lakey.

Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am Monica Lakey, I was born in Amazonas, Brazil. I am 28 years old, and I am married to the love of my life. I can say that my career started when I was about 12 years old, helping my mother with sales, so I could have my own money and spend it how I wanted, I’ve always loved being able to pay for my things.

When I was 18 years old, I graduated high school and moved to Manaus, to have access to better opportunities. I graduated in aesthetics and cosmetology after studying for three and a half years. Because I wished to deepen my knowledge, I moved to São Paulo to graduate in Pre and Post Surgical Massage. During that time, I had the opportunity to learn a lot working in high-end beauty spas, which motivated me to do many other advanced courses.

After living in São Paulo for 3 years, I wanted to experience living abroad, to get to know a different culture and language. I chose to be part of the Au Pair exchange program, where I learned more about the culture of the United States, and even though it was a rewarding experience, I missed doing what I love the most. That is why during my free time, I started to do eyebrows, and since I did not have transportation of mine or a location to do so, I would put all my tools in a bag and meet my clients in a park nearby the house I used to live and gave the best service, so they could be happy with the results.

Knowing that this is my lifelong passion, when I left the Au Pair program I got all my American certifications and licenses and started to serve customers in my apartment. Even though there wasn’t a lot of privacy, because I was working where I lived, it felt amazing being able to work with what I was made to do, again.

My clientele started to grow, so I moved to a studio in Santa Monica to accommodate my new clients and improve their comfort. Then, I started to offer waxing, eyebrows techniques, and facial and body procedures. My biggest accomplishment was that the love and dedication I put into my work started coming back to me through referrals and the growth of the number of clients that came to me. After six months, I had to rent my second studio and grow my team to serve all the clients that came to us.

We have a wide range of procedures, and we have the best specialists to deliver incredible results, and I am honored to be accredited to teach my permanent makeup eyebrows and body sculpting techniques, spreading all knowledge I’ve acquired throughout the years and seeing other people achieving their dreams to work with something they love.

Soon, my new project will be available in LA, my skincare line for body and facial care, so I can take the passion I have further and help clients feel comfortable in their skin. These products will boost the effects of the results we deliver, allowing our clients to have a fuller experience and to be part of the process of achieving their dream body and skin.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey wasn’t easy since I had to face many challenges. However, I am grateful for each one of them, because my rocky road has given me the maturity needed to persist and never give up on my dreams. I’ve learned that believing in yourself can take you a long way, and trusting the process was essential to get where I am.

If I were to give a piece of advice to someone that is thinking about being an entrepreneur, I would tell them to keep going, keep studying, and keep on improving themselves and they won’t regret it! And, even when things turn out different from what you expected, persist. The law of harvest is one of the truest concepts I’ve come across.

The destination is important, but so is the journey. That is why doing everything with love and putting your best into your work will always be worth it.

The best thing about my job is being able to see someone feeling comfortable in their own skin and happy with the results. A pleased customer is the greatest gift of my profession.

I feel blessed because looking back I can see how God sustained me and guided me so I could be where I am today, without Him, nothing that I achieved would be possible.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are specialists in happiness! Women that undergo our treatment have incredible results, therefore their self-esteem is boosted, their bodies get healthier, and their relationships get better. All of our treatments are done with love and passion to deliver results that will impress each person that chooses the Monica Lakey Spa.

Our team is prepared to offer waxing, eyebrows, body, and facial procedures with the best technique, and you can do all of that in the same place. We always explain every detail of the procedures, so the client can feel comfortable and relaxed. Our space is clean, organized, and prepared to give every client a great experience.

We also have courses where I teach our techniques for eyebrows and body contour procedures.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is key to having an entrepreneurial mindset. When you are around people that dream big and aren’t afraid to go after their goals, you can feel motivated not to give up on your own vision.

I used to centralize all tasks to do them myself, but to grow you need people that are specialists in what they do, so they can help you go further.

I am thankful for having a great mentor called Paulo Kazak who, together with my team, helps me to be better, to expand my business, and deliver superior service to each one of our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monicalakeyspa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicalakey_beautyspa/