Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Strout.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Back in my early 20’s, I met an esthetician who inspired me to sign up for school. I immediately became so absorbed in my studies. I was practicing everyday, perfecting my skills. I found myself booked with customers every night at school while we had open appointments reserved for the general public.
After receiving my aesthetic license, I quickly got started! I knew that my career path was heading in the right direction. I started as an independent contractor in a chiropractic office and then moved my business inside a salon (which I still have one client from) I was then recruited by a salon owner who was looking to replace an Esthetician who had been working in her salon for over 10 years. This woman had over 18 year experience; big shoes to fill! It was only 8 months post-graduation and I was interviewing at a very busy salon with over 14 stylists with full clienteles. This was a big opportunity for me, however, I was so new in the business and only 22 years old. Would I be taken seriously? I landed the job!
After only 1 year working on commission, I had the clientele, confidence and drive to become a full time “booth renter”-a rarity in cosmetology. I was officially a business owner! I had no capital, no official business education, just my passion and my craft.
Fast forward a few years, another hair salon, working 60 hour labor intensive work weeks, with a full schedule. I worked early, and I worked late. After a few years here, I decided to completely break away from the salon environment and run my business 7 miles away and in an entirely different city. Who does this in the service industry? Well, me! My clients followed, roughly 98% of them. I stayed in this shop for about 5 years, while I started planning and building my dream boutique spa!
I ended up full circle, owning my own spa, in the neighboring building to the salon that recruited me at the beginning of my career in 2001.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had an easy time building my client base. It was easy. Until recently, I have never spent a dollar on advertising, with the exception of business cards and brochures (so early 2000’s)! I have struggled with being too busy at times. I believe that if you constantly verbalize the words “I’m busy” it manifests itself. I never had uttered the words “I’m slow” I find that this has worked in my favor. Maybe too much!
Some minor struggles have been working in noisy salons, in tiny rooms not suitable for an esthetician to work in. When you are trying so hard to keep an ambient environment, and the elements stand against you.
Skinfinity Spa – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Skinfinity spa provides customized facial services, waxing, and peels. I have found that most consumers don’t really know what their skin needs, so I have created a complete customized approach to my services.
Skinfinity spa is ME. I am the hands and passion of Skinfinity Spa. My touch and technique are like no other (everyone states). I have extensive knowledge of how the skin functions and how products and ingredients work to correct various skin concerns. My brow shaping is also on point- another service that I have mastered.
I am proud that I’ve made it, even though the economic downturn, I was busy. Busy enough to have the confidence to build my dream boutique spa, and I am still in business. After leaving for over 4 months while on maternity leave twice, I have still maintained my clientele. They weren’t happy, and they were dying for me to return. That says a lot about skinfinity spa.
I stand out because I am real, ethical and an honest business owner. I am generous, never greedy. I give away a lot, and I am extremely professional.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Every day that I walk through my door, and into my beautiful spa, I am proud. I know that I made it, and have the best career suited for me!
Pricing:
- Customized Facials range from $79-$175
- Brow Shaping $23.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 18021 Skypark Circle
Suite N
Irvine, Ca 92614 - Website: skinfinityspa.com
- Phone: 949-955-3536
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/skinfinityspa.irvine/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/skinfinityspa.irvine
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/skinfinity-irvine
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
