We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexis Walker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexis below.
Hi Alexis, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started Esthetics school in January of 2020. At this point in time in my life, I was working 2 jobs and sleeping on my mothers couch with my 3 year old. I always wanted more for myself. So I started to make a few adjustments to my life. I had just switched career paths, pre-medicine to the study of skin Esthetics.
It was a huge change, some could even say not the smartest choice and I didn’t know what to expect. But it’s something I felt lead to and I had to try it.
The first couple of months of esthetician school were hard but so inspiring! I learned about ways to treat skincare conditions, selfcare methods, the sciences behind skincare therapy, & how to pour into the community. I felt like I had something of my own to try, I felt challenged, and like I had a purpose.
Then out of nowhere, a global pandemic hit. It was time for another shift. We started taking our courses online and demonstrating. It was difficult, but we all stayed the course. We were allowed to go into hybrid classes. Half online and half in person classes. My classmates and I started noticing skin conditions starting or forming due to constant covid mask usage. Alot of us were experiencing maskne and Dermatitis, including myself. A light bulb just went off in my head.
I wanted to combat the skin irritation from masks. I wanted to come up with a treatment or a plan.
So I started doing my research and put my pre-med biology experience to use. I researched natural remedies, case studies, ingredients, formulas, and product safety. Then, it was time to put everything just researched and learned together. The result was a natural Facial cleansing soap bar and A Facial Serum system that worked together to clear skin irritations and conditions. I tested it with family members, friends, and loved ones who all had different skin types but experienced the same skin concerns. Like dryness, irritation, inflammation, acne, pimples, etc.
I quickly realized this is something I wanted to help with. Creating things that help people and also make them feel good about their skin.
Once I received the positive feed back from my loved ones. And their results, i knew this was a worthwhile endeavor. Soon after I created an LLC, while in Esthetics school. I was taking orders by text/email at first and then purchased a web page to sell my products.
Even though I had never sold anything before or had experience running a business, I felt as though I would be successful because I was filling a need. There was a need to combat the effects of the pandemic on our skin, and I provided a natural option. And the most exciting part was seeing real results with my formulations.
The next step for me was finishing school and seeing where this new found endeavor would lead me.
Alexis, 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 first introduction to the skincare industry was in college. I went to Albany State University for Pre-Med Biology. I used to love wearing makeup and Lashes all the time but was terrible at removing it or cleaning my face properly. I started taking note of my roommate at the time, her skin was top tier. I noted some of the products she used and how she used them and became intrigued. I got into the industry though a very successful esthetician friend who attended Elaine Sterling Institute. After doing the research and seeing the reviews and success stories, I made the decision to dive in.
I’m proud to say as a licensed Esthetician & Skincare Therapist, I offer number of services and products. From customized skincare treatments to hair removal, to help with exams & boards for my fellow future estheticians.
My goal is to offer unique skincare solutions to not only ensure skin health, but to educate you on self care techniques and boost your confidence. This along with giving back to my community sets me apart from others.
I’m most proud of helping others particularly women of color with their skin care concerns. Seeing skin health improvement real time. I’m also proud of my perseverance and how far I’ve come since the start of my business in 2020.
The main things I would like my potential clients to know is that I will do my due diligence to address and treat your skincare needs to the best of my ability. I will do the work to ensure your skin health. My number one goal is for us to work together to provide the services that lead to your desired results.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I can remember where I was in 2020. I had a 3 year old, I was sleeping on my mom’s couch, working 2 jobs and still living paycheck to paycheck, and hating the situation I was in. I wanted so much more for my life. And I knew God had more for me. I prayed constantly. I stayed faithful to what I envisioned. When I created my business, I saw it as a means to help people with their skin conditions and also a means to financial freedom. And possibly generational wealth. So I started with what I had, my moms kitchen and a few natural ingredients I could afford. I started selling my products while in school and working and being a fulltime mom. And then, the pandemic hit full force. Everything started closing down, orders slowed, school was haulted ,until our administrators came up with an online plan, and our graduation date was pushed back. It was a hard blow. I had everything planned out, graduation, exams, licensure, and hit the ground running. However, no one knew or could guess the trajectory of the global pandemic. Eventually, school resumed in a hybrid fashion. Half online and half in person. You had to put in overtime to catch up in order to graduate on time. I stayed the course, doubled downed on work assignments and practical credits. And even partnered with a few classmates. At times it seemed impossible to catch up and finish. I even watched a few classmates graduate before me. But I stayed the course. Sometimes staying after school late to put in extra hours. Things were looking up, until one day I received a call in class of my grandmother suddenly passing away. It was a different hard blow and tough pill to swallow. Time can sometimes escape you when you’re trying to reach your goals. One of my biggest regrets was not spending more time with her. And not even a week later, on the day my grandmother was laid to rest, my aunt passed away from complications of diabetes. This was one of the toughest times in my life. I wanted to stop everything and just seclude myself. Cushion myself from anymore bad news or setbacks. But I realized I didn’t have that as an option. I had to be a mom, I have to provide for myself and my child. I could not give up. In the words of my mom I had to “put my grown woman pants on” and finish what I started. I headed back to Esthetics school to finish. Got back on track and graduated only a few weeks after my scheduled date. I passed my state board exams with flying colors and was licensed 2 months later. Soon after that, I found a job working in a small spa as lead esthetician. This is just a summary of the time and work that was put in to make it through this chapter of life. The weapons formed, but they did not prosper. Life is hard, but with God all things are possible. Never give up and always stay the course.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
In my experience the best source to gain new clients is word of mouth marketing and showing results. My business is service based. There’s nothing better than clients referring friends and loved ones to your business for services they received. It costs nothing, builds positive brand reputation, and is more effective than a paid ads. Most people want to see what you do, how it’s done, and how it benefits them. This is best demonstrated or shown by taking before and after pictures and filming treatments and sharing them with clients on your platform.
Contact Info:
- Website: Am-esthetics.com
- Instagram: Am__esthetics
- Facebook: Alexismichelle_esthetics
- Twitter: Alexmiesthetics
- Other: Info@am-esthetics.com
Image Credits
Cloud9Visualz AM Esthetics LLC