We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Watkins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I was a new mom going through a lot. Working in the travel industry I decided to get my esthetician’s license in 2019. My daughter was only a few months old. I was on maternity leave from my job and was glad i was able to spend so much time with her. Upon returning to work, covid happened. I was terrified about layoffs. My job was asking people to take a leave of absence to assist with the cost of operations. Trying not to panic, I knew I had to make something happen just in case I would no longer have a job. I had this license, I needed to figure out how to make use of it. I took a leave of absence and started looking for resources. Luckily I had people that supported me, and allowed me to practice in the home I lived in at the time. I reached out to my amazing Esthetics instructor and she helped walk me through everything I needed to get started. In the midst of all this, first time mom, dealing with postpartum, covid and job uncertainty, I was also in the midst of a rough breakup. With everything around me seeming to be falling apart, my daughter inspired me. I wanted to make sure we were ok. I also realized from my own experience and watching other great women around me, we often put ourselves last. Even in moments where we are doing something needed for ourselves, many women and mothers will feel a sense of guilt. I wanted to create a judgement free space that allows guilt free relaxation and a unique spa experience that allows people a chance to reset. To feel renewed. In my opinion, it was a necessity. I knew it would work. My services were going to be affordable yet never skimping on quality. I created this space for the people. The overall well-being of my clients and helping them feel and look their best was and still is my mission. I was constantly learning and studying different treatments and technologies, because I wanted to offer more than just the basics. I wanted to meet as many of my client’s needs as possible in one place. Some clients may have me booked for half of the day due to the variety of services. Many spaces don’t provide that. The skill set I have is very proficient in all that I offer. I also educate my clients on each service. People cannot do better if they do not have the knowledge to do so. It is my job to not just serve, but to educate. When I found the first building for my business and signed the lease I was so nervous but excited. This was the start of something new, something I could be proud of.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been in the spa business and a licensed Aesthetician for over 5 years. I am well-versed in advanced skincare treatments such as microcurrent facials, microdermabrasion, back facials and more. I also provide body and face waxing services along with body contouring services like wood therapy, ultrasonic cavitation and detox spa wraps. I assist my clients with skin issues and conditions by providing customized facials and skincare treatments along with some of the best products on the markets. Skincare can be purchased in-house, but I also allow skincare purchases on my website for client convenience. Being consistent with a home-care routine is necessary for maximum results, so I allow shipping right to their front door. Some clients that require hair removal find that I am very thorough and meticulous. I have been told I am the most gentle waxer my clients have ever experienced. What I believe sets me apart is my genuine care and level of integrity. I once had a client that booked a one hundred dollar facial. When she came in for her appointment, after doing an analysis, I changed her facial. Her new facial was only sixty five dollars. I told her, I will not charge you for something you don’t need. I always have my clients best interest at heart. I also have a of clients that are business owners themselves. Some are bakers, hair stylist, massage therapists, seamstress. I have a section on one of my wall full of business cards because my space is also a resource for networking. I support other small businesses. I love when a client asks for a suggestion and I know someone that can help fulfill that need. Being to connect people in the community helps the community. The main thing I want people to know about me is, yes, I run a business. Even though I have numbers to hit, that doesn’t make you a number. You are a person and I will always treat you as such. I always have pure intentions and hold tight to my integrity.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Word of mouth from friend groups and large families really helped build my reputation. People are more likely to take information or suggestions from people they know and trust. A lot of my clients know each-other. They are coworkers, friends, best friends, sisters, mother an daughters and so on.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I do sell skincare products on my site, I use the Squarespace platform for my e-commerce. It is very convenient. They give constant analytics on sales. site traffic, product inventory and more. My clients have the option to use apple pay and the site is very easy to navigate. You are allowed to purchase your domain name for your site through them, and they make it so easy to change, and customize your site as much as you want. It can be a little pricey but, it looks very professional and I trust the company. If you don’t have the patience to sit through it to build it up, you may want to hire someone. It can be a bit tedious. I would know, I built my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AdeSpaSkincare.com
- Instagram: Ade_Spa_LLC
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/adespa
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ashley-watkins-b779b729a
Image Credits
n/a