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

Angelina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am definitively happier as a business owner. I have and still do wonder what it would be like if I were to go down a different career path or work a “normal job.” When I’ve been discouraged, or business wasn’t doing as well as I’d hoped, I wondered if I made a mistake. But the moment I try to actually picture myself doing something else, I can’t. I am passionate about skincare and helping people with their individual skin journey. I know being an esthetician and business owner is my purpose, and I will continue to follow it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I went through cosmetology school while I was in high school back in 2016. I was originally pursuing a career in doing hair. After obtaining my license and gaining some experience in 2018, I knew skin was where my expertise thrived. I have since worked Dermalogica and became an Expert with them as of 2020. Just over a year ago, I launched my own business: Afterglow Skincare. Along the way, I found my niche specializing in sensitive/sensitized skin and customizing my treatments to each client’s skin type and concerns.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I have an interesting backstory of how I was able to fund my business… So as I mentioned previously, I obtained my cosmetology license while I was in high school. I was certain what I wanted to do with my career before the time came. I also started working the year I entered cosmetology school. I am fortunate enough to have been able to work a salon job and save my paychecks, using only tip money for spending from ages 16-18. Then as I entered the skincare world with added responsibilities, I continued this strategy up until I had the idea to open a business. I was 22 when I made the decision to finally dip into my savings and invest it into opening a business. I am incredibly lucky to say I have zero loans to my business!

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

I like to call myself a “realist esthetician.” By that I mean I am not going to look at my clients like dollar signs when they walk in my treatment room. My clients feel warm, welcome, and know they’re going to have a connection with someone who’s genuine and going to get to the root of their concerns. I am professional without being a robot that is trying to make a quick profit. Real, human connection is the technique that grows my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://afterglowskincare.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: @afterglowbyangie
• Facebook: @afterglowbyangie
• Other: Tiktok: @afterglowbyangie