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

Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I’ve always loved all things beauty especially skincare but it never even crossed my mind that I could actually choose it as a career path. After HS, I went straight to college to study psychology and followed a career in social work. It was great but I something was missing.

Fast forward to the pandemic- We’re all stuck at home and I have nothing but time to try skin products, switch up my hair, be creative. Unfortunately, during one of my creative moments I used a skin product that gave me an unintentional burn. My skin became so irritated and nothing would help. Then I ran to the internet in order to do some research and came to find out that rosewater is amazing for soothing the skin. I immediately grabbed some roses and started to make my own rosewater. I would spray my face 3 times a day with the rosewater until it was finally back to normal. After this incident, I began doing more research and telling my friends about my incident and they would slowly throw the idea at me to sell the rosewater. That’s exactly what I did. I used canva to create a label, stood up all night coming up with the name, researched packaging and ingredients from wholesalers and spent nights over the stove making rosewater. I eventually added other natural skincare products such as a body butter and body scrub. Finally, The Pretty Thorn was created.

I made an online website to sell my products and it was growing slowly and then one of my friends told me about a pop up shop that needed vendors and that I should come. I had no idea what I was doing or what a pop up shop even was, I took the risk and went to the pop up. Here at this pop up event, I began to network and tell everyone that I could about my business and the benefits of natural skincare. After almost a year of being a vendor at different pop ups all over the tristate, I learned different things.

I wanted to know how I could expand my business. Using my products on people and showing them the benefits of the ingredients is what I wanted to do. In order to do that I needed more knowledge so off to cosmetology school I went. After a year of learning and practicing, I became a licensed esthetician. I was so excited and nervous. I had to redo my entire website and logos. I switched from selling products to selling services. It was a lot but honestly I’m so grateful for my support system. My close family and friends kept me going with every step. They helped me find a studio and pushed me to keep going. I’m proud to say I am the owner of my own studio in Jersey City, NJ. Everyday, I get to help many people understand their skin and how to take care of it. It was not easy and I’m still on this journey of growth but I can’t believe how far I have gotten and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Jennifer, 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?

I’m a master esthetician, I specialize in sugar waxing and skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and dermaplanning. I prefer to lean towards the more natural side of skincare, enhancing your natural beauty with clean products.
Sugar waxing has been around since 1900s and is one of the most natural ways to remove your unwanted hair. It is made with simple ingredients, lemon, sugar, and water. It’s perfect for the with sensitive skin, skin allergies, and eczema. Having sensitive skin myself, I’ve learned that this is a perfect method. It isn’t used hot at all so there is no risk of burning, and any sugaring paste left behind can be easily wiped away with a warm towel. I like to refer to sugar wax as the natural version of waxing due to its ingredients.

When it comes to skincare, I love that glow, that fresh, clean, even glow and I strive to give that to my clients. My treatments work towards calming acne, clearing scarring, and uneven skin. I love giving my clients that pretty glow, showing them that their natural skin is beautiful and we can reach their goals with a good routine and maintenance. Many have come to me with hyperpigmentation and discoloration in all different parts of their face and bodies, from hyperpigmentation on their cheeks, to discoloration in their inner thighs due to chaffing. A couple of sessions in my studio and you will see a clear difference that will make you more confident in your skin.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Having a set schedule is something that I had to let go of. With my history in social work I had a set 9-5, Monday – Friday schedule. In the beauty industry it is nothing like that at all, some days could be extremely busy and some can be slow. I’ve learned that during these slow moments I needed to use the time wisely, I would create content, edit content, order inventory, research new techniques to add to my services. It was a switch to go from a set schedule to a more open one, I’ve learned to appreciate the open schedule and I feel that I even have more time for my own self care and fitness.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I made an account on every platform that I could think of, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Youtube and if I find I new platform, I will be making an account for it as well. You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You will be doing yourself a disservice if you aren’t posting everywhere you possibly can. Do not be afraid to post and show your work, that is how you will reach the world and tell people about your service or product. Today, everything is social media, food, beauty services, products, vacation and I believe you need to use it in order to grow. Another thing is patience! growth doesn’t happen immediately but it does come when you remain consistent. Do not get down on yourself if you’ve only received a few likes on your recent post because tomorrow’s post can go viral.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theprettythorn.as.me/schedule.php
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_pretty_thorn_?igsh=dXRjc2hoOTd1ZzZw&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprettythorn
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ThePrettyThorn?si=DZTUZTXHlx09LelQ
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theprettythorn?_t=8joE3FAV2dS&_r=1

Image Credits
took myself in my studio