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

Hi Christyn, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Absolutely. For us, delivering exceptional customer service is a top priority and a core differentiator in an industry that often overlooks genuine human connection. We recognize that our clients’ trust and patronage deserve accountability, respect, and sincere gratitude. Rather than treating appointments as mere transactions, we strive to cultivate meaningful relationships by truly listening to our client’s needs, ensuring every interaction reflects our appreciation for their support. We also pride ourselves on being consistent with our quality of work and seeking continued education to stay abreast with the industry trends.

Just yesterday a client thanked me for just being available. She called numerous businesses to get services done and most did not respond or return her call. She also appreciated the knowledge she gained during her consultation with me about the service she was interested in.

Christyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Chris, and I’m the proud owner of SKNDP (pronounced skin deep), a beauty enhancement studio located in Laurel, MD. For the past eight years, I’ve been transforming lives through services like permanent makeup, lash and brow extensions, and skin tightening.

Art has always been a core part of who I am. Growing up, I was drawn to anything that allowed for creative expression—whether it was styling hair, doing nails, sketching, or singing. I knew early on that my passion for art would one day lead me into entrepreneurship, and SKNDP is the realization of that dream.

What truly fulfills me is the opportunity to help others feel confident in their own skin. The services I provide offer my clients an immediate transformation—they walk in as one version of themselves and leave feeling like an enhanced, more radiant version. Witnessing that boost in their self-esteem never gets old.

What sets SKNDP apart is my dedication to precision and personalization. Beauty is not one-size-fits-all, and I take the time to understand my clients’ needs and goals, ensuring the results are not only stunning, but tailored to them.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Many of them come to me during significant moments in their lives—be it a wedding, a milestone birthday, or simply a time when they need a confidence boost. Being part of their journey is such an honor.

For those considering working with me, I want you to know that SKNDP is more than a beauty studio—it’s a space where artistry meets empowerment. My goal is to help you look and feel your best, highlighting the beauty that’s already within you

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has undoubtedly been word of mouth and referrals. There’s nothing more powerful than a satisfied client sharing their positive experience with friends, family, colleagues, or people in passing. It creates an organic trust that no amount of advertising can replicate.

In addition to that, reviews and video testimonials have been game-changers. Potential clients often want to see real results and hear authentic stories from others who’ve been in their shoes. Video testimonials, in particular, allow me to showcase not only the transformations but also the emotions and confidence my services inspire.

Combining these strategies has created a ripple effect. Every happy client becomes an ambassador for SKNDP, which continues to grow my reach and reputation. It’s proof that building genuine relationships and delivering exceptional results is the best marketing tool of all.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, my side hustle has indeed grown into my full-time career. For the last 11 years, I’ve worked as a flight attendant for a major airline. While it’s been an exciting journey traveling the world and meeting people from all walks of life, I always knew it wasn’t part of my long-term goals.

The flexible schedule that came with being a flight attendant allowed me to pursue my true passions: entrepreneurship and beauty. After earning my certification in permanent makeup artistry, I started small—working out of my home and offering discounted services to models in exchange for reviews and promotion. It was a humble beginning, but it laid the foundation for something much bigger.

Once I had built enough capital and a loyal clientele base, I reinvested every penny back into my business. This allowed me to secure my first suite space and step up my marketing efforts. From there, the business continued to grow, fueled by word of mouth and a focus on providing exceptional results.

A major milestone came when I opened my first brick-and-mortar location. That step solidified SKNDP as a trusted name in the beauty industry. Now, I’m proud to share that I’m expanding even further. In February 2025, I will launch the DMV’s first suite space dedicated exclusively to skincare and wellness businesses. This new venture is a dream come true, and I’m thrilled to provide other entrepreneurs in this space with a platform to thrive.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how this side hustle evolved into a fulfilling career and brand. It’s a testament to hard work, persistence, and the power of chasing what you truly love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skndp.me
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_skndp
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/its.skndp
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/GKte4K7

Image Credits

Mike Nelson, Derrick Payton