Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Auer.
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?
Unable to work at my job during the pandemic because I am part of the personal care industry, I found myself bored and depressed at home, questioning my happiness. I was employed by a company that was turning more corporate by the minute, and I found myself wanting more and more to break free. I had lots of time to sit and think about what I wanted… but more so at the time, what I didn’t want. I had started a manifestation course online through Manifestationbabe which was a 5-month program that promised to help me plan and live out my dreams. It was really therapy for me, and a part-time job! As I began to work the course, I started to identify the patterns I perpetuated and limiting beliefs I had that were holding me back. As I tackled this course, I grew more confident that I could indeed start my own business, as scary as it was. I became interested in Reiki Energy Healing, hearing from others about how it helps with anxiety and depression. I took several Reiki classes, at first for my own benefit. I decided I could use this in my business as well as my esthetic services. And so became Sugar and Chakras.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The first few months were difficult with setup, such as not being very techy. The more I did I on my own, the more confident I became. When I got stuck, I would reach out to a friend. Bookkeeping is not my favorite, and taxes either. But the hardest part was finding space. I was subletting for a year from a friend and then had to find something else. I was able to find a room to rent close by, but it wasn’t ideal. I wanted my own space and something more permanent that was mine. I ended up on a waitlist at a Sola Salon, and I finally got into my own, more permanent space there a few months ago. The greatest obstacle was my fear. Fear of failure, fear of the future, and fear of SUCCESS. Can I do this? What will the future hold, and how much more complicated and difficult could it become?
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Sugar and Chakras?
I’ve been an esthetician specializing in sugaring hair removal since 2016 but opened my own business in April 2021. I also incorporate Reiki energy healing into my practice. I am an ICRT Usui and Holy Fire III Reiki Master. Some unique things about my business: – Hair removal can be a painful experience, especially the first time. I always ask how you are feeling, I care about your well-being, and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible. To calm a client (or if they’re simply having a rough day), I sometimes I use certain crystals around the head or heart to relieve anxiety or negative vibes during a service.
– I offer a Reiki Express treatment, which is a shorter session for those that want a quick pick me up. It’s affordable for most everyone and helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and the blues.
-My passion is to be able to help as many people in the LGBTQ community as possible with Reiki to help heal trauma, calm anxiety and stress, and relieve depression symptoms that are prominent in my community.
-Every person is welcome and accepted in my studio. It is a safe space.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I moved to LA 16 years ago with little money, no job. I was high on life, just looking for something new and exciting. Little did I know how difficult it would be; I waited tables for years with no real goals in mind. You get caught up in everyday living, and it’s easy to lose that spark. Taking time to get to know myself was a big risk for me. The biggest risk. Coming to terms with my past, my trauma, the trauma I put onto others, the pain that made me ME, and the pain that I caused others because of it helped me see my deeper, truer self-more clearly. I decided not to operate out of fear anymore. I still struggle daily with certain tasks because of my fear but understanding where it came from and how to manage it has helped tremendously.
As Trans Day of Remembrance was yesterday, and while thinking of Club Q and so many victims that were injured and lost their lives, I’m proud that I am able to identify myself as part of the LGBTQ community in my business as well as personal life. It seems safe to be in Los Angeles as queer, when in fact, sometimes I forget that walking down the street holding hands with your partner is a risk in itself.
Above all, I hope everyone has become more inspired in the last few years to do something they’ve always been afraid to do. Taking a risk and facing a fear creates more confidence in the long-run. It also helps us face larger obstacles with more knowledge, growth, and stamina. I’m a strong believer that the universe is partnering with us to bring our hopes and dreams to life. However, it’s ultimately up to you to step up, take that risk, put in the work and make it happen.
Pricing:
- Sugaring from $25-$120, depending on service
- Reiki Express Treatment- 20 minutes, $40
- Reiki Treatment with Crystals- 1hr, 15min- $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sugarandchakras.com
- Instagram: Sugarandchakras
- Facebook: Sugarandchakras
- Yelp: Sugarandchakras
Image Credits
Juana Ayala
