We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alisha Shumake a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I am a believer that things happen when the time is right. I always knew I would own my own business, I just did not know what it would look like or when it would happen.

I started my business in 2020 after many years of working for others. I was happy being an employee – until one day I wasn’t. I realized that if I was going to work as hard as I was, why not work for myself? I gave myself one year. One year to learn, prepare and plan. At the end of that year I went over everything I had learned, the metrics I measured and ideas I had. After some serious contemplation on if I was ready for this entrepreneurial adventure the answer was a very strong: YES!

I think my timing on this move was perfect. I was ready mentally, physically and emotionally. I was confident in my skills as an esthetician but also confident that I could run my own business and be successful. Looking back, I would not change one single thing about this experience. I have so much gratitude for the highs and the lows have served as lessons learned. I’ve learned so much about myself throughout this- both personally and professionally. For that, I would never change a thing.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a licensed esthetician specializing in age management facial treatments. I decided to get into the beauty industry back in 2007 and have worked in many different facets throughout my 16-year career.

I work with clients to treat skin concerns, but it goes beyond that. Helping someone feel comfortable in their own skin is the most important part of my job. When a client comes in for a service, I encourage them to make the most of their time in whatever way works for them. Do they need an hour of peace and quiet or time to vent? Or maybe to just share some stories and laugh. When their treatment is done, it is my goal for that person to leave loving the way they look, but most importantly loving the way they feel.

I am proud of what The More You Glow has become in these three years of operation. It is my home away from home and I truly hope people find comfort and peace when they come in. I operate with honesty, respect and integrity because that is what each client deserves.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I am incredibly happy to say that The More You Glow is a 100% referral based business. The best source of new clients has been existing clients. I offer a referral reward program where anytime a client refers a friend, both the existing client and the new client receive $10 off a service. Referrals are by far the biggest compliment a business can receive and it is important to me to acknowledge and thank every client for helping me to grow.

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

I believe in operating with honesty, respect and integrity at all times. The aesthetics industry is mammoth, growing and changing constantly. As an esthetician, part of my job is to help people navigate through all of the information that is available out there and find what best suites them. My approach, from time to time may be a bit forward but it is honest. Clients are not coming to me for lip service, they are coming to me for results and information and it is a priority to provide that.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Shelby Dubin