We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Desiree Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Desiree below.
Alright, Desiree thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.
My first job in the industry was at The House of Beauty Queens in Bishop Arts District.My best friend and business colleague Aniyah is the owner of the business and she promised me a job as soon as I received my license.So I studied so hard I remember going to Starbucks and sitting for hours on my laptop to study for my state tests.I passed with flying colors and before you knew it Aniyah was calling with my job offer.She primarily does lashes and her studio at the times housed about 3 other lash techs.I was the only esthetician at the time primarily offering facials and waxing,the other estheticians worked on their lash clients throughout the day and were so busy that I took in most of the facial and waxing clients.We all made a great team and Aniyah mentored me and showed me the ins and outs when she wasn’t so busy herself.I remember my first day there when they showed me my treatment room and told me to make myself at home.They we’re all very welcoming and I loved the vibe and energy there.Til this day I thank Aniyah for taking me in with no experience and helping me get up and running in my career.
Desiree, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started esthetician school in 2018 after working dead end jobs for years!!At the time my son who is now 12 was 8 years old and I knew that I had to secure a future for us after our troubling past.I had a couple of friends in the industry and I always admired what they did.I’ve always had a passion for helping people and for beauty so the 2 went hand in hand and after losing a very close friend in 2018 I went for it.When I told my parents I was quitting my job to go to school they weren’t as excited for me as I expected them to be so I knew there was no choice but to do it and succeed.Me and my son took a tour of Aveda and I fell in love.Shortly after the tour things took a turn for the worse and I had to take an unfortunate break in life but when I returned I was determined to turn things around for the better.I drove to Aveda alone and I enrolled in school.Once I graduated I worked a couple of jobs and then was offered a job at a Medspa during COVID and I was not anticipating working while schools were shutdown and my son was home but I accepted the job offer anyway.Once I started there I found passion in esthetics again and I gave 100% everyday to make my clients happy.While I worked at the Medspa I went to laser school and got my laser hair removal license and also was pushed by my boss at the time to get certified in body contouring.I wasn’t interested but I got certified and we soon found out that it would become my niche and my most requested service!I soon moved into a manager role over the body contouring department where i trained other estheticians,got into posting on social media,and got a ton of bookings for that service.I left the Medspa in 2021 and purchased my own body contouring machine.Business didn’t go as well as I had planned for at the time and everything was going up in price so I was forced to find another job.I didn’t see myself doing anything but esthetics so I looked tiredly and endlessly until I found the perfect job that fit me and that’s where I’m at now.I work in an iV and cryotherapy clinic called IV Bars and I offer hydrafacials,waxing,and body contouring there.We are also looking into starting to add in other services such as microneedling.My career as an esthetician has had its fair share of ups and downs but I have a passion for helping people feel their best and look their best.I plan on continuing to do so for as long as I can.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think my social media and word of mouth has helped build my reputation in the beauty industry.I’m not afraid to talk to people!!Ive been through a lot in life and I’ve been transparent about it through my work and social media and I believe that is what draws people to me.I put my all into my work and I treat it like it’s and art and it shows.I’m constantly posting pictures,videos,and short clips of myself in the treatment room.I’m no stranger to the camera and I believe that’s what you have to do in order to stand out in this era.People want to know who you really are not just what you tell them but what they can see.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A big lesson I’ve learned is to keep business and personal separate.Treat every client as a stranger even if you have a personal relationship with them so that you remain professional and that helps them maintain their loyalty to you.Never get to comfortable with someone that you don’t give them your all in the treatment room.And never give your clients your personal phone number.Always give them a business number to reach you on during business hours only.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ivbars.com
- Instagram: desi_the_esthi
- Linkedin: Desiree Wilson
- Youtube: Desi The Esthi
Image Credits
Brittany Ihezie