We recently connected with Ariella Beamon and have shared our conversation below.

Ariella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

When I started my spa business in 2018, I trained with multiple skincare lines and choose one to retail within my business. From 2018 I retailed a major professional skincare for my business.

But in 2021 I decided to release my own all natural corrective skincare line called Skin on Beam. Taking this risk was scary; I had to invest thousands, took a lot of losses, and totally rearrange my personal life schedule and business schedule.

Already having a established authorized retailer business and than totally shifting gears to solely educate and promote my line hasn’t been easy. Unfortunately it has cost me to lose customers (as some would only buy the other line). But I kept pushing!

Last May I acquired a 1200 sq ft warehouse space for my skincare line production & shipping operations. And as of this month April 2022, my line has a total of 20 products, & is officially a Six Figure Skincare Line.

Ariella, 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?

My name is Ariella (Arie) Beamon, a God fearing woman, boy mom of 3, Chicago native, kidney disease warrior, and spa & skincare line owner.

People always ask me how I do all the things I do; and I always tell them Prayer! I always ask God for guidance with every business decision I make. I start my day with praying, I pray in my warehouse, I pray in my spa, I pray for my clients; and that’s one of my business strategies.

My sons literally motivate me daily. On my weakest moments, they push me to keep going. My oldest son is my best friend; he will listen to me and is so understanding. My middle son is my juke box; he always has a song request to change my mood even on my hardest days. My baby boy is my hugger; at any time my baby will come and give mom a hug and realigns me.

Being a entrepreneur in a city you aren’t from is not for the weak. It forces you to work harder! I relocated to Dallas in 2016 with my now ex husband. So life has changed a whole lot the last 5 years! Going from having a “family” to only having your mom & kids hasn’t been easy. I miss my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and childhood friends a lot. But I am grateful for my clients! Many of them have been there for me over the years and I’m grateful for that!

Having a rare kidney disease and running a business honestly physically drains me at times. On my days off I look forward to being in bed until noon LOL! But it has taught me I have to take care of me. I cook more now to help my health, and I listen to my body more! When it says rest; I honestly will rest! If it says stay in bed and take days off I WILL!

I started my spa business out of my house in 2017. In January 2018 I moved into a 96 sq ft suite. That same year I had to expand and officially opened my first Looks Skin Studio September 2018(a 350 sq ft space). After only 8 months there I expanded into my own storefront 5 room spa!

My growth came primarily from my expertise of Natural Corrective Skincare. As a Black Esthetician, I make it a priority to educate people who “look like me” on the importance of taking care of their largest organ (the skin), showing the power of natural services, and educating on skincare products AND using suncreen!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

One of the main reasons I built a solid reputation of being a corrective skincare specialist is for sure recommendations! My clients are walking billboards for my business! So many people seek out my services because of the results my clients receive. Imagine knowing someone who has suffered from acne and you see them 3 months later and their acne is basically gone; you’re going to ask what they did? And that’s where the recommendations come! I’m so grateful for everyone who chooses me as their skincare professional!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In March of 2020, like many other brick & mortar businesses my spa had to close. I wasn’t expecting to be closed for close to 4 months!

Unfortunately I never received any funding from the SBA during those months. That was rough because my property management didn’t give us any rent relief. I still had to pay all the business bills, and maintain supplies in stock, etc.

That was a rough time. I mean it was so many days I literally cried because I just wanted to work & see my clients and couldn’t. But I kept going. That’s actually what led me to starting my skincare line. So while I’m not happy about those months I was closed, I am grateful to say my business is surviving a pandemic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.looksskinstudiollc.com
• Instagram: @looksbyarie
• Facebook: LSS Spa

Image Credits
Ernest Williams Ahmad J