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

Antonique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Yes, I am happier as a business owner because I get to live in my purpose and build something that truly reflects who I am. But I’d be lying if I said I never think about what it would feel like to just have a regular job again—especially with the way the economy’s been since COVID.

One of the last times I really questioned everything was during the height of inflation—products were getting more expensive, clients were cutting back, and I could literally feel the financial pressure closing in on everyone, including myself. I remember running numbers late at night and thinking, “If I had a regular job with a steady paycheck, benefits, and maybe a 401(k), would life feel a little more stable right now?”

But even in that uncertainty, I realized that while working for yourself absolutely comes with more risk, the freedom I’ve earned is priceless. The freedom to pivot, create new offers, take control of my schedule, and grow something that’s mine—that’s a type of security in itself. No job is truly “secure” anymore, and that became really clear after COVID. At least as a business owner, I get to bet on me.

So yes, I think about it sometimes—but the vision I have, the impact I want to make, and the ability to build a legacy all outweigh those moments of doubt. I’d rather face the uncertainty with purpose than play it safe without passion.

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?

My name is Antonique Garrick, and I’m the founder of Pepsy Cosmetix Spa Lounge, a 24-hour luxury beauty and self-care studio in Atlanta where confidence is created around the clock. As a licensed esthetician and passionate entrepreneur, I specialize in helping women feel bold, beautiful, and completely in tune with their feminine energy—no matter the hour.

At Pepsy Cosmetix, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all beauty. We cater to real women with real lives, which is why we offer appointments 24/7—because your glow doesn’t operate on business hours.

Our full-service spa menu includes:
• Full Body Waxing (with a special focus on Brazilians)
• Vajazzling — our glam add-on to Brazilian waxing that lets you leave with a smooth finish and a sparkle
• Customized Facials to treat, heal, and glow
• Body Sculpting services to tone, contour, and snatch without surgery
• Makeup Artistry for every occasion, from soft glam to full beat
• Permanent Makeup, including brows, lip blush, and more
• Yoni Care services to promote intimate health and balance

Alongside services, I’ve built a beauty lifestyle brand that supports self-love beyond the treatment room. Our Pepsy Cosmetix product line includes:
• The signature 24K Gold Feminine Serum for intimate brightening, soothing, and aftercare
• Waist Trainers to support sculpting and waist definition
• Satin Robes for luxe lounging or post-service comfort
• Lace Panties that pair beautifully with your waxed glow
• Makeup Brushes designed for flawless application at home or on-the-go

What sets us apart is how deeply we care about the experience. From the vibe of the room to the way you’re treated before and after your service, everything is intentional. We create a safe, sacred space where beauty meets sensuality, and where women—especially women of color—can feel honored, celebrated, and catered to.

What I’m most proud of is that I built this from the ground up with purpose and passion. I’ve created a space where women can feel powerful, pampered, and unapologetically themselves.

If you’re looking for a place that understands your need for convenience and luxury, a team that sees you, and a brand that elevates every part of your feminine journey—welcome to Pepsy Cosmetix Spa Lounge. Your glow lives here.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it was a journey of consistency, creativity, and connection. When I first started promoting Pepsy Cosmetix Spa Lounge, I wasn’t focused on going viral or chasing trends. I was focused on showing up authentically—sharing my passion for feminine care, beauty, and self-love in a way that felt real to me.

In the beginning, I posted a lot of behind-the-scenes content—me setting up the spa, restocking products, showing real wax results, sharing client reactions (with permission), and even just speaking from the heart on why I do what I do. That transparency made people feel connected. They didn’t just see a business; they saw a woman building something with purpose.

Once I found my rhythm, I started using more visual storytelling—before & afters, aesthetic product shots, video content of yoni steams or vajazzling, and empowering captions that spoke directly to my audience. I treated every post like it was for my community, not the algorithm.

What truly helped me grow was engaging back—answering DMs, reposting clients, commenting, showing love to other small brands. People remember when you make them feel seen. I also wasn’t afraid to experiment: I tested reels, went live during services, did giveaways, and built excitement around product drops or late-night service availability.

My advice to anyone just starting is this:
1. Be consistent, even if only a few people are watching. The right people will find you.
2. Don’t wait to be perfect. Done is better than perfect. Post the content, share the story, show the progress.
3. Build your brand voice early. Let people know what you stand for—whether it’s confidence, comfort, empowerment, or luxury.
4. Use your face and voice. People connect with people, not logos.
5. Treat your followers like a community, not an audience. Your energy sets the tone.

Social media is a powerful tool, but it works best when it reflects who you truly are. I built my audience by being myself, sharing my glow, and speaking directly to the women I knew I was meant to serve. And that’s what I still do to this day.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team is really about managing energy—yours and theirs. The vibe you bring into the space as a leader sets the tone, so I always try to lead with respect, transparency, and gratitude.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people don’t just work for money—they work for meaning, for growth, and to feel valued. So I make it a point to recognize my team not just for what they do, but for who they are. A compliment, a check-in, or simply acknowledging someone’s effort goes a long way in keeping morale high.

Here’s my advice:
1. Create a clear vision and let your team feel part of it. When people understand the “why” behind the work, they show up differently. I always let my team know that Pepsy Cosmetix is bigger than just services—it’s about helping women feel seen and celebrated. That mission keeps everyone motivated.
2. Set the standard—but don’t micromanage. Trust your team to do their job, but give them the tools and training to succeed. I like to empower each team member to take pride in their role while still holding everyone to the same level of excellence.
3. Keep communication open and two-sided. I don’t just talk at my team—I listen. Their feedback matters. If they’re struggling or something’s not working, I want to know. That trust helps prevent burnout and resentment before it starts.
4. Celebrate wins, big or small. Whether it’s hitting a weekly goal or handling a tough client with grace, I try to celebrate progress and pour love back into the team. A happy team creates a happy experience for our clients.
5. Protect the energy. You can’t have high morale if there’s drama, ego, or bad energy. I’m very intentional about who I bring into the space and make sure everyone understands we’re building a supportive, peaceful, and purpose-driven environment.

At the end of the day, I believe leadership is service. If you take care of your team, they’ll take care of the clients—and together, everybody grows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PepsyCosmetix.com
• Instagram: Pepsyx_