We were lucky to catch up with Brooke Ledbetter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Yes! I run the 1 and only fully vegan sustainable spa in the DFW area! The spa and beauty industry are pretty wasteful and use a lot of disposable products creating more trash. Over all I practice less waste and try to buy less disposables.

I also combat that by recycling EVERYTHING with a program called TaraCycle and I even encourage my clients to bring any items that can not be recycled in their home bin. I use organic eco friendly soap nuts for my spa laundry that I can compost after along with the box they come in. I perform all my intake forms digitally making my spa paper free! I offer vegan snacks and vegan mints! More importantly the products I use are 100% vegan and free of: phthalates, sulfates, parabens, synthetic dyes or fragrances. No animal testing, ever! I also offer a refill program on my serums, producing less packaging waste. That is something I offer separate from the product line I use, to be even that more sustainable. The products are packaged in glass for easy reuse or recycle too.

It is our job to love and care for this planet the best we can, if you believe that to be true this is the spa for you!

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

I graduated Esthetics school with the Leadership Award (only 1 given in the whole school which includes cosmetology!) almost 10 years ago and have owned Ledbetter Skincare for 5 years this July! I have always loved skincare and caring for my skin since being a child, and never had any interest in makeup. Even though it took me a few years to find my way in life and I sometimes feel I started my career a little late, I have learned so much along the way!

When I first opened in 2017 I offered EVERYTHING form waxing to tattoo removal…because I thought I had too. I have now over the years narrowed my menu down to my 1 true love facials! Customized facials more importantly! I also offer skin tag, mole removal and really anything you’d like removed from face or body.
Skincare is always important to me for my clients but I also like to help my clients with mindset, which I think is another thing that sets me apart as an Expert Esthetician. We live in a world of filters and photoshop, so I like to remind my clients especially the women that skin is skin and only that! Pores, wrinkles and sun spots! “Men don’t age better they are just allowed to do it.” I like to remind my clients to love and be kind to themselves, and that they are beautiful at all stages of age.
I have also cleared up adult acne for my clients, but it is not something I specialize in with teenagers.

I am most proud of this brand I have built for myself being the ONLY fully vegan sustainable spa in DFW maybe even Texas! I am proud of the way I serve my clients fully. They know I love and respect them. I would want any potential client to know that Ledbetter Skincare is a safe place and everyone is welcomed!

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

Getting in front of people and building relationships through networking and pop up events. My first 2 years of business I set up tables at vegan fairs and sustainable events- I had products on the table but I was never there to sell products. Sometimes I did but I talked to people more then anything, I got my business out there in front of the people I knew wanted to hear it or wanted a specific service that I could provide. I also grew though IG stories, I showed and still show my face on there everyday I am in the spa. Talking about my day or some helpful information I have to share about skincare.

Gaining a positive reputation takes building those genuine connections and not just seeing people as dollar signs, I truly think that is what helped me grow my reputation in this industry. Satisfied clients tell their friends about their wonderful experience at Ledbetter Skincare.

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

My 100+ 5 star reviews on Google! Really besides referrals, google is how all of my newest clients have found me. Now after 5 years I am booked and busy so I sometimes even can not accept new clients, making a waiting list! I definitely recommend any business set up a business google page the same day you open, and ask your clients to leave you a review…if they were happy with their service of course. It truly is that easy!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ledbetter-skincare.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ledbetter.skincare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ledbetter.skincare
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blskincareandlaser/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChOHGdVcftKzMi7rj8mIZig/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ledbetter-skincare-bedford?osq=ledbetter+skincare

Image Credits
All photos are my own