We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rikki McBride a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rikki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
As a single mom of three navigating the aftermath of a divorce, the realization hit me: I couldn’t be a stay-at-home mom any longer. It was time for a change. That’s when I decided to become a licensed Allied Health Instructor and began teaching at a local post-secondary college. Taking charge, I embraced the role of Lead Instructor, teaching classes in Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Medical Billing & Coding, and EKG and won teacher of the year award twice in a row.
My passion for skincare, education, and giving back has always been a driving force in my life. As a self-professed lash enthusiast, I’d spend hours with my lash artist, chatting about skincare and lashes. Inspired, I decided to take the leap and join a lash class. Little did I know, Georgia had its legal nuances – to legally do lashes, one had to be a licensed esthetician. This revelation momentarily halted my dreams, but not for long.
In 2020, as I juggled a full-time job teaching day and night classes at a local college, fate stepped in. A local esthetician school opened its doors, and I knew I had to enroll. Committing to 1600 clock hours and a $10K investment (no financial aid accepted), I took on the challenge. My days became a whirlwind – mornings teaching at the college, afternoons working at a MedSpa, then back to the college to teach my night classes, and then leaving there and off to esthetician school until the late hours. All this during the pandemic while my kids adapted to virtual learning. It was intense, but my determination fueled me.
In 2021, I proudly graduated as the Valedictorian of my esthetician class, armed with eight certifications. During those intense days in esthetician school, I knew I was destined to own my spa. Manifestation, prayers, and unwavering belief in myself were my driving forces.
Fast forward to today, and Royal Glow Aesthetics, my brand, is not just a spa – it’s a thriving embodiment of making women feel confident and emphasizing that self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity! The journey from conceiving the idea of Royal Glow Aesthetics to its vibrant execution has been nothing short of a dream turned reality for me. Beyond being a thriving award winning day spa, it has become a platform through which I can give back to my community. My mission extends beyond skincare; it’s about promoting health, wellness, and the essential concept of self-care.
This venture has opened doors for me to pour into aspiring beauty professionals, sharing my experiences and insights by speaking at schools. The culmination of these experiences has led me to embark on a new mission, Beauty Mobb CEO. It’s a movement aimed at educating and empowering trailblazing female estheticians, providing them with a bold vision to make a positive impact and craft a life of freedom on their own terms.
Royal Glow Aesthetics has become more than just a business; it’s a conduit for change, a symbol of empowerment, and a testament to the transformative power of dreams coming to life. From the initial spark of an idea to the thriving execution, this journey has not only fulfilled my aspirations but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the growth and empowerment of others in the beauty industry.
Rikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Rikki Rosè, affectionately known as “Esthie Bae,” and I’m here to share my empowering journey into the world of skincare and wellness. Born on January 3, in Miami, Florida, and later rooted from to Statesboro, GA, then Evans, GA and now striving in Atlanta, GA, I’ve evolved from a dedicated community volunteer to a two-time award-winning Licensed Esthetician and the proud owner of Royal Glow Aesthetics, a local day spa in Marietta, GA.
My professional journey began with a detour, as the birth of my son with Cerebral Palsy led me to put my college dreams on hold. However, undeterred by life’s challenges of being a divocree and single mom, I entered the medical field, becoming a Certified Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist. Balancing work, raising my three beautiful children, and giving back to the community became my daily mission.
Over the years, I’ve worn various hats, from serving as an office assistant at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service to becoming the Area Manager over 13 stores, earning the title of the top tax instructor in 2008. My commitment to community service has been recognized through awards, including the South’s Greatest Moms in 2017 and the October Rising Entrepreneur of the Year for Moments Magazine in 2013.
In 2020-2021, I ventured into aesthetics school, graduating as Valedictorian and realizing my dream of owning a spa. Royal Glow Aesthetics, established in 2021, has since become a haven for over 1,000 clients. We offer a range of services, including Medical Skincare Aesthetics, Corrective Skincare, Spa Parties, Trigger Point Therapy Massages, Brazilian Waxing, MircoNeedling, Chemical Peels, Brow Tinting, Teeth Whitening, Permanent Makeup, stretch mark and scar revision, eyelash extensions, full-body waxing, and more.
What sets Royal Glow Aesthetics apart is our commitment to creating personalized experiences that empower clients to feel confident and beautiful from the inside out. It’s not just about skincare; it’s about fostering an environment where clients feel heard, seen, and valued. Our services extend beyond the surface, offering therapeutic benefits that go hand in hand with promoting health, wellness, and self-care.
I take pride in being more than an esthetician; I’m an author, entrepreneur, and community leader. I’ve donated over $10K in services to the Atlanta Area, and in 2023, I received the American Express Community Hero award, furthering my dedication to giving back to small businesses. “Beauty Mobb CEO,” my mission launched in 2023, aims to be a model example for Black women estheticians, emphasizing education and empowerment within a supportive community of women.
As a Global Leader and Accountability Coach for Spa Boss Tribe, I contribute to an annual conference serving over 5K Spa Professionals. My expertise has taken me beyond local boundaries, with features in celebrity lounges at Essence Festival and being awarded “The Best Day Spa” by the Best of Georgia in 2023.
If you’re seeking not just skincare but an immersive journey to self-love, confidence, and empowerment, Royal Glow Aesthetics is your sanctuary. I invite you to join the Beauty Mobb movement, where education, empowerment, and the pursuit of dreams converge. Together, we’re redefining beauty standards and creating a legacy of self-love and success. Welcome to the glow-up journey!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I took a trigger point therapy class and started offering chair massages for every event I could. I sponsor at least two free events per month. I began building up my celebrity clientele and blowing up my business in Atlanta. I travel from state to state and put myself in rooms I normally would never be in. Growing my clientele has been no easy task but it’s been very rewarding.
If you have multiple revenue streams in your business, would you mind opening up about what those streams are and how they fit together?
Beyond spa services, I extend my knowledge by teaching classes and hosting shadow days for aspiring estheticians, contributing to the growth of others in the industry. I am also a self-taught graphic designer with an Etsy shop that brings in over $5K per month in revenue. I also love to bake and cook, and I make cookies and dipped treats. Having multiple supplementary income streams is a strategic move that not only provides financial stability but also allows you to explore and excel in various areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.royalglowaesthetics.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/royalglow_aesthetics/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalglowaesthetics
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCLoY0tm4Ibfin29ciWEnj2w
- Other: https://beacons.ai/royalglowskyn
Image Credits
@kishotitvisuals @brandonmckell