We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gita Kunce. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gita below.
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 always been interested in skin care, even from a young age. I I was born and raised in Latvia. At that time, Latvia had just become an independent country and we did not have a lot of money. While my parents were busy working, my sisters and I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. We couldn’t afford beauty creams, but my grandmother was very creative. She would improvise, making homemade skincare products with local herbs, honey, yogurt and oatmeal. We would find recipes in the local newspaper and then invent our own. I loved watching my grandmother make creams and masks, and I started trying out her recipes. I remember many of them to this day.
As a young adult, I moved to London and began working in hospitality for luxury hotels. I met my husband in London and 5 years later we got married and moved here to Miami. Luckily, I was able to continue working in Miami in the hospitality industry. The hours were very long, and I worked every weekend. When my son was born, nine years ago, I tried to squeeze every free moment I had to be with him, but it was not enough. He had to stay with a nanny or in daycare most of the day because my husband also travels for extended periods of time for his work.
When my son was four I received two clear signs that I needed to change my career. First, I was given a questionnaire my son had completed about me as part of a Mother’s Day gift from the school. My eyes teared over seeing that every sentence was about my work. I was so embarrassed that he didn’t really know me outside of my work.
Two months later, I went to pick up my son from pre-school and I was approached by one of the classroom moms. This mom introduced herself and told me that her son’s birthday was approaching. She wanted to make sure my son was coming since he was her son’s best friend. I blurted out, “I am so sorry, but we cannot go because I have to work and my husband is travalling.” Then this mom, who is now one of my best friends, told me something that changed my life. “We have all been wondering who you were because your son has never been to any of the kid’s birthdays”. She spoke kindly but the words stung. I was shocked and full of guilt that my son had not been able to participate in these activities because of my job.
As tears filled my eyes, I knew I had to make an immediate change. I quit my job but had no plan and our family could not survive on just one income. I knew I could not return to working at a hotel, but that was my main job experience for over a decade. I knew I had made the right decision, but I was very worried about my next career move.
One day I was walking around South Beach with my son and I saw the Beauty School sign. I was drawn to it and decided to find out what they had to offer. Within a week, I enrolled and began studying skincare.
I knew that skincare would allow me the flexibility to be with my son while also utilizing my skills in hospitality. Also, I remembered that young girl in Latvia who had a passion for mixing up skincare products at home and I wanted to do work that fed my soul.
After finishing beauty school, I could not afford to rent my own studio. However, I was inspired by one of my good friends to offer mobile skincare. She was declined services at a salon when she arrived with her small child. I discovered that so many moms didn’t have time or childcare to go somewhere for a facial. I came to them, and it was beautiful. Moms were able to relax, and their kids played close by. Now that I have my own space, I will continue to cater to moms, and children will always be allowed to come along.
My work
My business is called SimplyGalmSkin – holistic skincare and I still offer both services, skincare in the comfort of your home and my new skincare clinic. I focus on relaxation facials, with soft music, beautiful light, warm towels, and natural essential oils. I want my customer to emerge from the facial room restored, and relaxed with hydrated, firmed, and glowing skin. All my facials are customized; they start with a facial massage followed by the treatment. I use only professional skincare products and modalities and I am certified in DMK facials.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most important strategy to grow your client base is to establish relationships with your clients and establish your brand. First, you need to know who your customer is and what they need. For example, my spa is not a medical spa. Instead, a treatment with me is a wellness experience. I give my positive and relaxing energy to clients so they can leave feeling renewed, energized, and of course looking amazing
My customers usually come to see me after working all day or whenever they feel like they need a break and recharge. Another important factor is to give back. I believe in my heart that you have to give first before you receive. I love posting skin wellness tips on my Instagram such as how to care for your skin after Botox or what to eat for skin health. It’s not just about getting a facial, skin health is a huge factor in looking good.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
The beauty business can be competitive and there are a lot of skincare clinics in Miami. However, I believe in abundance and that there is enough for everyone to succeed. Also, you have to love this profession, if you do, your customers will notice and will enjoy coming to see you. And always, educate yourself, do research, and be professional.
Contact Info:
- Website: simplyglamskin.com
- Instagram: simplyglamskin
- Facebook: simplyglamskin
Image Credits
Darcy Graf Photography