Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alisha Bennett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

There seems to be this stigma around the beauty industry that it’s an easy out- not just from Corporate America, but even some who pursue this career path as well. This industry requires hustle, selflessness and self discipline. This is an industry made up of individuals who otherwise felt out of place, too much, and longed to put their creative passion to use but refused to fit in society’s “box”. I will always be in love with the idea that I never again have to know what it’s like to water myself down and not love what I do. It is our job as professionals to deliver confidence to each of our clients- all vastly different. That is anything but easy.

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.

Throughout my childhood I noticed that I never felt left out, but also never felt like I quite fit in anywhere. I struggled with this all throughout my late teens and to be honest, even though I was raised in this industry, it never occurred to me to pursue a career. I was 20 years old, I had an uncompleted criminal justice degree, had just suffered a traumatic pregnancy loss and I remember my mom saying ” why don’t you try Esthetician school?” knowing i could relate to my clients due to my struggle with acne growing up. I had put the idea of being a mom on the back burner and decided before we had children,
I wanted to complete school and get on my feet. Little did I know, 5 weeks into school i got pregnant with my daughter. We got through beauty school together, I completed my lash training at 33 week pregnant, and I graduated with her on my hip. Now 6 years later her and her brother get to see that no matter how low you’re knocked down, hard work and leading with your heart will get you to where you need to be.

We live in a world where social media gives us the perception that self care is selfish, but the best piece of advice I’ve ever received was ” find out who you are outside of being a mom”. Not only has that helped me as an individual but it is also how I have formed my brand. When you enter my room, you have to meet no one’s need but your own. I pour everything i have into providing the best service possible because if I can refill your cup that starts a chain reaction and you can pass it on to someone else as well.

I pride myself in providing self care opportunities for those who typically don’t allow that time for themselves. I work on both sides of the field providing beauty treatments such as Lash Extensions and Laminations to the medical side including Microneedle Facials and Chemical Peels, specializing in acne treatments!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up in a time where mental health has just begun to be accepted and people are more self aware, helps us learn to set boundaries- but that doesn’t mean I have never faced unhealthy mindsets and tendencies in a work place. It is very easy to overwork yourself when you love what you do, setting boundaries and learning to separate my work and home life has been the best thing i have done not only for myself but my career as well.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I became a booth renter in a small salon directly out of beauty school, simply for the fact that i was told I’d be unsuccessful without a full clientele. spoiler alert- I crushed it. My biggest piece of advice I have is be annoying. every post you see involving what you do, comment. Even if you don’t book the original poster, not only will other potential clients see it and possibly book but the algorithm will put those type of posts at the top of your feed, assuring you will see them sooner. I also recommend trading with other service members allowing them to speak on your behalf while they are in their chair. I love trading with the hair stylists in the salon because word of mouth to their clients will land them on my books as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://outspokenheadquarters.com
• Instagram: Simlpy_bennett_esthetics
• Other: Tik tok: Simply Bennett Esthetics

Image Credits

Khaos Photography