Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Aldridge
Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Oh man, where do I even begin. Post pandemic and post partum I decided it was time to invest in myself and my interests. Growing up I had always waxed myself from head to toe. I started off with the strips that you warm up from CVS, from there I got a hard wax warmer from Amazon, until I finally discovered sugaring from my sugarista Max, to say it was life changing would be an understatement. I took Max’s sugaring course and from there I was like “you know what I want to get good at this”.
Sugaring is unlike any other form of waxing due to having to use your gloved hand for application and removal, to me it’s an art form and boy does it take time to master. Once I took the course, that motivated me further to go to esthetician school in order to get licensed. For 6 months I would wake up at 6 AM, be at school from 8 AM- 5 PM then head over to my hotel job and work until 11:30 and do that repeatedly 4 days out the week. Not to mention I had to balance being a mom to a 2 year old throughout the process but nonetheless, 6 months and 500 hours later, I completed the esthetician program and acquired an Associate of Arts as well.
As it normally goes after receiving a license or degree the search for an entry level job was brutal. It was hard to balance knowing my worth and having to sacrifice pay as I was in a new field. I continued practicing and taking clients from home during the time I was searching for a job. It took me approximately 6 months to find a position I felt would offer me experience and adequate pay. Going into the job I told myself it would be temporary and once I felt I learned everything that I could from this job, I would branch off on my own, which was always the end goal. With that being said I only worked there for the summer and am now working with my sugarista at her shop as well as still taking my own clients. I definitely have a ways to go and tons to learn but looking back at a couple years ago, I could not ask to be in a better place than the one I am in now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth, I think the biggest struggles I have had to weather were definitely those of time, balance, and encouragement . I was going through a very big transitional phase before I even decided to enroll in esthetician school, but everything aligned perfectly that I couldn’t NOT take the chance. I was trying to figure out how it would all work out, me being a full time student, working part-time hours, and my most important role of all: being a mother but I knew the risk would be worth the reward and that I would have something I could pass down to my daughter once she got older.
Finding myself in a new field was definitely nerve wrecking and intimidating. Especially because I didn’t meet the “criteria” or check off all the boxes of a “typical” esthetician. I would see estheticians on social media and feel like I wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t portray myself in the same way. Especially learning something like sugaring it is so important to give yourself grace and patience but knowing what I know now, I know that I will attract the people that are meant for me.
I also had to learn the real meaning of “trust the process”. It’s so easy to get frustrated with not being where you WANT to be, but I learned how important it is to realize you are exactly where you NEED to be. With every new season in life comes different struggles, I’ve learned to enjoy the moment despite the challenges, tough times truly do not last forever, and the people we are meant to be are forged during that time.
Also learning to be my own cheerleader, I tend to downplay my accomplishments at times but I have gotten so far in my journey and I know I will only go further. Don’t wait for people to give you your flower, give them to yourself!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Piel de Miel LA we specialize in sugaring and facials.
With over 2 years of experience in sugaring and several brand certifications in facials, I pride myself in the ability to not only educate my clients but to leave them with a confidence boost, feeling good about themselves.
Being from South Central LA, it is difficult to find quality services due to the stigma that surrounds the area. I aim to make it more convenient and accessible to those nearby and finding that you don’t have to go far for quality services.
I also pride myself in being a lifelong learner, if my clients have any questions or things that they want to know more about, I make sure to make it a priority to learn about it so I can offer valuable insight.
When clients come to get serviced by me I want them to know that this is a safe space and to leave any insecurity or fear of judgment at the door, I am here for YOU.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people are surprised when they hear that I have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.
I always loved learning and school so going to college after high school just made sense to me and at the time I thought that was where I was headed career wise. Clearly life had other plans!
Also I am studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer!! Super excited for that !
Pricing:
- First Time Brazilian Client- $40
- First Time Facial Client -$70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://piel-de-miel-la.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieldemiel.la/
- Other: https://theuncoveredla.com/menu-%7C-book-online/ola/services/brazilian-new-client-special
