Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Garske. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Vanessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
I got my first client through social media! I had told my family & friends about how I wanted to start my own business and just jumped right in. My first post was to Instagram talking about opening up my suite, & what I offered. My sister was my first model so I had something to show my clients and then boom, person after person began booking and my heart was so full. After about a month in, my friends and family started booking because I posted on my main profile and the rest is history!
Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into esthetics because at the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I suffered from acne and oily skin growing up and always took an interest in skincare but never knew what was right for me. After high school I went to 3 different colleges before I found esthetics. I worked my butt off and when to esthetician school and laser school at the same time because I knew I wanted to go into the medical side of the industry. Fast forward 6 years (crazy how time flies) and I have my own suite doing brow laminations + lash lifting & tinting! I love helping women feel more confident in themselves while always being reasonably priced. I think everyone deserves to feel beautiful no matter their budget.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The beauty industry is ever changing and when I first graduated esthetician school I told myself I didn’t need to take the test that would grandfather me into the advanced practice program (big mistake) and I regret that decision every day. BUT I told myself I wouldn’t let that stop me from still being in the medical aesthetics industry so I pushed on and used my sales background to end up working at a medical spa!
Have you ever had to pivot?
After working in a toxic work environment I knew I needed change. We’ve all been there where we wake up with anxiety and dread going to work and one day I said enough was enough. I was working at a medical spa at the time and that’s when I decided to open my own business! It was a challenge! I didn’t have the funds I was used to, nor did I have the clients initially but pushing through and remaining disciplined, I can confidently say im so glad I had to pivot
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thevenuslab_mn
- Other: TikTok: @the.Venus.lab
