We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alisha Shumake. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alisha below.

Alright, Alisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I got my start in esthetics at a place called Beauty First — a smaller, more personal version of ULTA. While I was still in school, a few friends worked there and encouraged me to apply. I interviewed, was hired as a retail associate, and was told I could transition into the esthetician role once I became licensed.

Two days after finishing school, I started. I was so excited to be surrounded by skincare, cosmetics, and hair products every day. I spent those first month’s learning everything I could on the retail floor, becoming familiar with nearly every product we carried. Once I earned my license, I moved into the spa side and began taking clients.

Those early days were slow shifts, long hours, and holiday schedules. The industry wasn’t as collaborative then, so learning from others wasn’t always easy. Thankfully, Beauty First valued education and sent me to trainings that helped shape my foundation as an esthetician.

Looking back, I’m grateful. Beauty First gave me the right start — supportive managers, hands on learning, and experiences that have stayed with me throughout my 19-year career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a licensed esthetician and the owner of The More You Glow in Plymouth, MI. I opened my practice in 2020 with a clear intention: to offer customized facial treatments that blend corrective, results driven skincare with a calming, spa like experience. My focus is helping clients feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

What sets me apart is the same thing that sets every esthetician apart — personality. No one else will approach a treatment the way I do, because no one else brings my exact perspective, experience, or style. After my years in the industry, my dedication to this work hasn’t faded.

But what fulfills me most are the relationships built along the way. The conversations, the trust, the shared moments — those are the parts of this career that matter most to me. I always say I’m the luckiest esthetician, because my clients truly are the best.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I’m proud to say that The More You Glow is a 100% referral-based business. A referral is one of the greatest compliments a business can receive, and the clients who have supported me over the years are a major reason this practice has grown into what it is today. To show my appreciation, I offer a referral rewards program that gives both the referrer and the new client a discount — a small thank you and a warm welcome.

Social media has also played a role in my growth, especially when it comes to educating clients about treatments, products, and skincare tips. I’m not a professional photographer and my feed isn’t overly curated — but it’s real. I don’t edit or overly refine my photos because it’s important to me to show honest, accurate results.

At the end of the day, my business has grown because of trust — trust in my work, trust in the results, and trust in the relationships I’ve built. The More You Glow has become what it is because of the people who choose to be part of it, and that’s something I never take for granted.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Traits like tenacity, motivation, passion, and follow through are essential in this industry. Esthetics has grown tremendously over the years, and it’s far more demanding than people often assume. Our services are considered non-essential — even though I’d argue they’re incredibly valuable — which means they’re often the first thing paused when the economy shifts or uncertainty hits.

No amount of training, certifications, or advanced techniques can eliminate the natural highs and lows that come with this career. To build longevity, you have to be willing to show up fully, adapt, and stay committed even when things get challenging. Success in esthetics isn’t just about skill; it’s about resilience, consistency, and the willingness to keep going when others might stop.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themoreyouglow.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: the_more_you_glow
• Facebook: The More You Glow