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

Hi Ashley , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

We live in a world where social media, filters and highlight reels are the norm, everyone is always looking for the next trend, whether it be in fashion, beauty, or music. While all of these things definitely allow us to be creative and free, here at Mixed Esthetics we want to bring it back the roots, bring it back where it all started. Our Mission is to enhance your natural beauty, not alter it and have a great time in the process!
We’ve build a fun, safe-space where individuals of all genders, colors, shapes and sizes can come to feel beautiful, receive high quality services and build a community.

‘You are an esthetically beautiful mix of all who came before you; let’s embrace that and enhance it!’
-Ashley, owner

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?

After not being able to complete nursing school in 2016, A close friend of mine brought up cosmetology school. I sat with the information for about two months before I reached out and set up an appointment to attend an orientation for the Esthetics Program at San Diego city college. Once I completed the orientation, I was excited, I called family and friends to tell them about the program, and that I thought I was going to do enroll. I was excited to start me journey in a new field! I enrolled into the full- time program summer 2017 and graduated four months later, I went to Los Angeles in December 2o17 to take my state board exam and passed, I was finally a Licensed Esthetician, I felt as though the possibilities were endless! Fast forward to early 2019 and I was bringing my business idea to life, I opened my first waxing studio in San Diego!
Mid 2019 COVID definitely put a damper on things, I closed and then opened and then closed again, there were SO many stipulations I had in place, not to mention trying to grown a brand new business!?
Nonetheless, I prevailed and although I’m still growing, I love brazilian waxing and I have the most amazing clients EVER!

I think the moral I wanna get across here is to never give up! If you have a vision or a strong connection to something, go for it, don’t talk about it, don’t just dream about it, go for it! I thought I was going to be a nurse in my whole life, but God had other plans. And even though I’m still growing my business, I’m proud of what I’ve created, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Mixed Esthetics.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I believe any time you start a business and stick to it, shows resilience. In my case, starting a business in the middle of a pandemic, navigating different ways to grow and gain new clientele, following the state’s protocols in regards to COVID, staying passionate, and not allowing the uncertainty, slow days, no-shows, and stressful times detour me, illustrates my resilience and fire!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I believe staying connected with your clients is so important. Once a new client reaches out to me on social media or books directly online, I’m starting to foster that relationship. I reach out to them via text. I let them know that they will be receiving intake forms to fill out 48 hours prior to their appointment, I give them tips on what to expect for their appointment, I allow them to ask me questions, and I make them feel comfortable. I believe being available to your clients is a huge asset, and it sets me apart from other waxing studios. For my reoccurring clients, they get monthly exclusive emails, they have a rewards program, they have my personal cell phone number, and they know that they can reach me anytime.
I’m also hosting our first client appreciation event this month and it’s all about giving back to my clients!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mixedesthetics.com
• Instagram: @mixed_esthetics
• Yelp: Mixed Esthetics