We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deborah Pannier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deborah below.

Deborah, appreciate you joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

Always giving my all to each and every client. Never ever cutting corners or skimping on quality. Even if the client doesn’t see it Putting them and their needs and wants first. Reinvesting in my business before going on vacation or buying personal stuff.

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?

I have been a makeup artist for over 20 years. Doing makeup for commercials, catalogs, advertising, runway shows, editorials, and music videos. I have lived and worked in Milan, Barcelona, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, Montreal, Chicago, New York, and L.A. I moved to Los Angeles to work in t.v. and film. I didn’t find the work as satisfying as the fashion industry.
I decided to go back to school and get an esthetician license. I fell in love with the science of skin and researching. I continued my education and received a B.S. degree in health education and holistic medicine in 2018.
I bring all of knowledge of the beauty industry and science to my clients.
I believe strongly in the beauty in every woman. My business is an escape from the clients everyday life. I feel it’s important to be able to de stress and relax along with getting an amazing facial. I empathize home care for the skin and incorporate diet and lifestyle into my treatments.
I have witnessed the most beautiful women in the world (models), look in the mirror and pick themselves apart with what they believe are flaws.
My mantra is “love your skin”.
I want women to be able to look in the mirror and like what they see. I strive to make sure everyone that comes to see me is happy with the results and relaxed and ready to face the world. My skin studio is a refuge from the world.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

I purchased my current business from a retiring esthetician in January of 2020. It included the built out space and a very substantial client list. My dream come true. Owning my own business and being a lease holder. I maxed out my credit cards, took out loans, and depleted my savings.
It’s a lovely serene space in a beautiful medical building in San Francisco Union Square.
I had two and a half incredible months of new clients and fantastic income.
Then March 16 2020 we all closed down because of the pandemic. California was really bad for my industry in the fact that we were forced to close our businesses for 6 months. We reopened for 2 months and were forced to close again.
Because of the physical closeness of facials, clients really didn’t come back until the vaccine.
It’s been an incredibly tough few years. San Francisco has really struggled because of the work from home, layoffs, and people fleeing the city.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I refused to give up. I had to take out additional loans to keep afloat. The business building management never gave any sort of discount or waiver on the rent. My clients were extremely generous and helped a lot by being loyal and referred me to many new clients. Also during the pandemic I had alot of first responders as clients. They needed to get away from the horrors of what they were dealing with everyday.
I’m still trying to climb out of all the pandemic debt but I’m definitely moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deborahpannier.com
• Yelp: Deborah Pannier Skin and Makeup