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

Alright, Eulexus thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey has been far from a straightforward endeavor. It all began during my freshman year at Cal Poly Pomona, driven by a lifelong fascination with beauty. From a young age, I was captivated by watching my mother meticulously apply makeup, cleanse her skin, and strive to present her best self.

As I launched my business, I was simultaneously developing a profound interest in chemistry and the intricacies of life sciences, particularly their connection to self-preservation. This newfound passion led me to internships at Abstract Tech and Neoderma Dermatology, where I gained hands-on experience in formulating skincare products using CBD and THC. I also had the opportunity to observe medical procedures, which provided invaluable insights into the clinical aspects of skincare. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my path in the beauty industry.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was staying committed to my goals, as I am inherently driven by passion. Maintaining focus on my academic pursuits proved difficult, prompting me to take a semester off to obtain my aesthetics license at Salon Success Academy.

Shortly after becoming a licensed aesthetician, I opened my first brick-and-mortar establishment in Old Town Torrance, California. It quickly became apparent that cultivating a dedicated clientele and understanding the specific niche market of my business were crucial to its success. No one had warned me about the importance of location; ideally, your practice should be within a 30-minute radius to accommodate emergencies and last-minute appointments. Since then, I’ve relocated multiple times, operating in Pasadena, Beverly Hills, and now Westchester near LAX—an ideal spot for travelers seeking a moment of relaxation between flights or upon arrival.

As a licensed aesthetician, chemist, and educator, my advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to never stop learning. There is always room for growth, and the best leaders are those who remain students at heart. Staying receptive to new advancements, strategies, and technological innovations is crucial to the success of your business. Being in tune with current trends will not only help you stay relevant but also position you to innovate and set yourself apart within your market.

Eulexus, 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?

Hello everyone, my name is Eulexus Thomas, and I am the first in my family to pursue a major in the sciences, particularly biochemistry. To me, chemistry represents the perfect fusion of art, beauty, and science. However, finding my true path wasn’t always straightforward, as I’ve always been a “Jane of many trades.” Over the years, I’ve explored various fields, from fashion—where my clothing line was featured in UCLA fashion shows—to real estate, notary services, and even teaching as a Paul Mitchell and Project Scientist Educator in Sherman Oaks and California Institute of Technology, Pasadena.

My entrepreneurial spirit was heavily influenced by my father, a successful entrepreneur who exemplified hard work and resilience. He never handed anything to us easily; instead, he instilled in his children the importance of earning their achievements. My first venture as a child was creating beaded keychains in various shapes, from snakes and lizards to flowers and lanyards. I sold them to teachers at my school and employees at my parents’ workplaces, relishing the hard-earned money that allowed me to express my creativity. By middle and high school, I was designing clothes for friends and crafting unique crop sweatshirts from thrifted garments with vibrant patterns.

Entrepreneurship was always within me, but I didn’t fully embrace my academic potential until I realized my capabilities. Attending the prestigious California Academy of Math and Science (CAMS) was a pivotal moment in my journey. I remember my eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Tran, telling me that another student deserved the spot over me. I was determined to prove him wrong—I deserved to be there. My acceptance into CAMS affirmed that my diverse talents made me worthy of such an opportunity.

I take immense pride in proving the skeptics wrong, and I am grateful for how my experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. My true passion lies in making a meaningful impact on others’ lives. Each day, I wake up motivated by the opportunity to help people enhance their confidence and present their best selves to the world. My business, Skin Expert Aesthetics, offers a range of services for both men and women, including post-operative care, skincare, body contouring, paramedical tattooing, and training for aspiring estheticians or professionals looking to advance their careers.

One of my greatest accomplishments extends beyond profit—it’s giving back to my community. I provide financial support and donate services to help survivors of domestic violence prepare to re-enter the workforce. From offering clothing and makeup services for their interviews to empowering them to regain their confidence, I strive to make a positive difference. To me, entrepreneurship isn’t solely about money; it’s about the fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve changed someone’s life for the better.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My best advice for growing your clientele is to show up consistently and strategically position your business. Ensure your location has strong foot traffic and aligns with your target demographic. Catering to your specific niche is essential; being in the wrong location at the wrong time can be detrimental to your business’s success.

I am fortunate to have my current location near LAX airport, and I am especially grateful to Charles “Chuck” Taylor and Tondra Taylor for providing me with the opportunity to expand my clientele within their salon. Their positivity, encouragement, and expertise in business management are invaluable. They exemplify the kind of mentors from whom you can learn from every day.

While attracting new clients is relatively easy, retaining them poses a greater challenge. Clients seek not just a service but a personalized and memorable experience. Elements such as follow-up calls, in-depth knowledge, engaging personality, consistency, excellent bedside manner, and a well-crafted elevator pitch all contribute to client retention. When clients feel comfortable and confident in your expertise, they are far more likely to return.

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

Many people perceive entrepreneurship as a straightforward, linear path, but I’m here to dispel that myth. The reality is far more complex, especially when you’re self-funded. I can’t even count the number of seminars and workshops I’ve invested in, only to leave feeling as though I gained little of value. Many hosts are quick to share their success stories, but few provide actionable insights to help others achieve similar results—this gatekeeping of knowledge has been a significant source of frustration. My students can attest that I am not one to withhold information; if I have something valuable to share, I will, and if I don’t, I make it a point to find out and follow up.

As an entrepreneur with four years of experience, I’ve often heard that most businesses are unlikely to survive beyond the first year. The common narrative is that if you make it past five years, your business is on a path to success. However, what no one tells you about are the countless late nights, the financial sacrifices, and the relentless dedication required to sustain a business without the backing of investors. The truth is, entrepreneurship demands far more than a 40-hour work week; it requires extensive time, ongoing development, and rigorous research to thrive, particularly in the beauty industry. There will be days filled with clients, and there will be days with none at all.

My advice is to cultivate additional streams of income that complement your primary business. For instance, as a service-based enterprise, it’s prudent to offer products and leverage your expertise through education. Drawing from my experience as a former Paul Mitchell instructor, I’ve diversified my revenue by hosting workshops, partnering with brands like Topicals, and serving as a keynote speaker at various events. True resilience in business means anticipating challenges during slower seasons and adapting accordingly. This is why versatility and multiple revenue streams are essential for any entrepreneur seeking sustainable success.

Contact Info:

• Other: Here is my linktree with all my links!https://linktr.ee/skinexpertla?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=a21ea006-5380-4aa0-8782-b0e03dac84a6

Image Credits

D.Chanel