Meet Ingrid Thompson of High Vibration SkinCare

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Thompson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Some say that the issues you face in childhood become your life’s passion. In my case, I believe this to be true. I was fortunate to grow up in the tropical island of Oahu, Hawaii playing on the beach, fishing, collecting seashells and making forts in tree tops. I ate mangoes, bananas, guavas, tangerines and avocados straight from our backyard. It was wonderful. However, as a blonde, with fair skin and freckles, I always knew I was different than the locals. In fact, I was teased mercilessly for my pale skin and developed strong insecurities about the way I looked. It was my sole wish to be like everyone else, brown and flawless.

I went on a mission to rid myself of my freckles and even had my mom buy me “bleaching creams” from the pharmacy. Unfortunately, when these types of products are exposed to sunlight they backfire in the worst way. Every time I would go swimming or be in the sun for a matter of minutes, my skin would be splattered with dark spots.

Around my mid-teen years, I gave up beating up on myself for something I couldn’t control. Instead of disowning my identity as a white girl with freckles, I decided to embrace my uniqueness. I realized that a healthy diet, good skincare, and sun protection were the best ways to investment my energy.

I internalized this feeling of unworthiness for many years, and the ripple effect went on for many more. The inherent connection between our skin and self-love is nothing to be balked at. When we’re feeling self-conscious we’re caught up in our heads and not living full out. To love your skin is to feel free, to be confident, to express yourself, to be limitless. If the eyes are the window to the soul, then I think the skin is a view our essence and our history.

Feeling insecure about how others saw me was one of my greatest gifts. I have since been on a journey to truly love myself for who I am, and what I look like is only a portion of that. Although, it’s important to accept and embrace our skin no matter what, it’s not necessary to live with skin conditions that make us feel “less than”.

I guess you can say my mission is to help people love their skin. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Has it been a smooth road?
Although I have been an esthetician since 2003, I have been an entrepreneur for only 3 years. I had been working for a popular medical spa in LA called Ona for almost 6 years, and in 2014 they abruptly announced they would be closing their doors. The thought of trying to find another job was dreadful, so I decided it was time to go on my own. I had no idea what would be involved, but I knew I had enough experience and a decent following of loyal clients. I also have a marketing degree so hoped it would help me navigate through the business side of things. I discovered how drastically things have changed in the past 20 years since the 4 p’s of marketing strategy I learned.

Luckily, I had been maintaining a supplemental skin care business since 2008. I found a quaint little wellness boutique hidden in a residential community near Burbank. Although I envisioned my “someday skincare clinic” to be a street front location, I felt grateful that the transition would be smooth and convenient.

It was scary at first. I resisted the idea that I could be successful with no signs, no indication that I was there, and running a business out of a 3 story condo. I was really hoping my current clients would continue to see me even without the “official” spa amenities and even worse, not on the west side. Most of them came, but eventually half of them fell off as the convenience of Ona was no longer. I was clear, I needed advertising. With no budget, I had to figure out ways to promote my business short of a smoke signal.

I designed my own website, started blogging about health and beauty, engaged in social media, monthly newsletters, you name it. I know more about SEO than I ever wanted to. As of now, I have more than doubled my business and still have not paid for advertising. I have a long way to go but have been building my online presence authentically and am committed to providing valuable and relevant information and services to all interested.

I think some of the biggest challenges I face are making time for all that needs to be done and learning new skills to improve business operations. Things like accounting, budgeting, technical platforms to create before and after photos, and designing menus and brochures. It’s a lot. I think the most important thing that I am learning is efficient time management. When I don’t have clients I have to figure out what’s my highest priority and commit do that and not let distractions throw me off. No one is keeping me accountable but myself.

It’s my passion to help others that keep me focused and always expanding my knowledge and expertise. I no longer see being hidden as an obstacle. My clients love coming to our healing space, off the grid and have a truly magical experience.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
As an esthetician and a holistic health coach, my goal is bring my clients skin to a point where makeup is no longer necessary. Alongside customized treatment plans, I provide my clients with tools, support, and accountability necessary to achieve their skin goals. Most of us are not born with perfect skin, rather we have to work at it. My skincare practice is based on the belief that beautiful skin is a combination of proper nutrition, emotional well-being, lifestyle and consistent self-care and skincare rituals.

I specialize in skin problems ranging from acne, rosacea, scarring, pigmentation, dullness, chronic dehydration and clogged pores. My holistic rejuvenation programs require a client to come every few weeks for treatments, use recommended products, supplements and make adjustments to their diets & lifestyle that may be contributing to their skin issues. For those committed to transformation, success is inevitable.

I love when my clients feel happy and hopeful about their skin and leave feeling rejuvenated. It’s exciting to help people attain the complexion they’ve always dreamed of even though they may have struggled with their skin for years, and have gone to dermatologists and been on prescriptions and haven’t gotten results. I truly care about what’s going on in my client’s lives and help them understand how stress and imbalances show up in their skin.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is a perfect place for a skin care professional. Although there is a lot of competition, people are focused on health and staying youthful.

People want to know you care about your craft. It’s easy to get burned out when you are a health practitioner. Self-care is essential for preserving your passion for creating the space for your client to relax, detox and rejuvenate. If you are depleted you have nothing to give.

Also, keeping abreast on what’s new in the industry is important. It’s easy to get swept away by good marketing. It takes good old fashioned research and experimentation to find products and formulations that actually deliver results.

Pricing:

• 1 hour Custom Facials from $120
• 90 minute Anti-Aging and Intensive Acne Clearing $175

Contact Info:

• Address: 3401 Barham Blvd.
• Website: www.HighVibrationSkinCare.com
• Phone: 3238424477
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvibrationskincare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid.thompson.568
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/high-vibration-skincare-los-angeles
• Other: High Vibration SkinCare