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

Laney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started Bees Knees Beauty Studio January 2022. It was right after all the Covid 19 crisis had hit, but it was no longer the peak of the crisis. I had noticed that during Covid customer service had really taken a turn for the worst, and people’s mental health greatly was suffering too! Business were very quick with customer interaction, and hurried business practices. That is when the idea of my studio started to really take shape. I wanted to create an environment that was sanitary, customer focused, and a place they could escape their life problems. Almost two years later and Bees Knees Beauty Studio has become just that! I would not have changed the timing of things at all. I believe the timing was perfect for my business to bring that friendly southern charm back into the picture, after it had been forgotten. My customers flooded me with positive feedback saying they actually felt cared for, and were not just a number. I am so thankful for how far things have come and I look forward to the future because it sure is bright!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Laney Beall Tepes also known as The Queen Bee. I have been a licensed esthetician for eight years now. Before Bees Knees Beauty Studio, I went to school for a biology degree, and after a few years realized it wasn’t the right path for me, so I enrolled in cosmology school. I unfortunately found out I absolutely hated cutting hair, and at age twenty-two I enrolled in Esthetics School. I had finally found a place that I felt true passion for! After I graduated I worked for many well known franchise such as: UltraSkin, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, and European Wax Center. Six years later Bees Knees Beauty Studio was born! Everyone has their opinions on working for a franchise, but I went in with the mindset that I would learn and absorb any possible knowledge and training the franchises were willing to offer me. I would not be the well rounded professional today had it not been for that experience.

I offer a variety of services to my clients: lash lifts, full body waxing for all, skincare, and permanent hair removal! I am best know for my Brozilians, and pride myself on being a compromised skin care specialist! I truly enjoy tackling skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and those with autoimmune disorders. There is nothing more rewarding than bringing comfort to those with these skin issues!

I am also a First Place International Award Winning Esthetician, as of March 2023! It is an accomplishment I truly take pride in, because it is my personal promise to all my clients that I will never get comfortable in my skill set, and always look to better myself as their technician!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

When I was creating the vision for my business my brain was loud with all the ideas. So I took to Amazon for some reading materials to help me build a business plan. I found an incredible book called Mind Your Business: A Workbook To Grow Your Creative Passion Into A Full-Time Gig by Ileana Griffo. This workbook allowed me to write down my thoughts in an organized way. It really helped me form my brand!

I also was introduced to a life changing competition called The Skin Games. This is where I landed my international award, as well as it helped me find a community within the beauty industry! Being a solo entrepreneur/esthetician can be very lonely so finding a community that builds you up, introduces you to new products, and holds you accountable makes all the difference. The Skin Games has elevated my business in a way I can not fully explain, but I’m so thankful for it!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Two words CONSISTENCY and DISCIPLINE. If I could give any new estheticians any advice it would be stay consistent in what you do. Be consistent with showing up to work, posting on social media, and provide the same standard of service every time! I am I wish I could give you more of a magic recipe but you must be consistent. While my friends were out taking vacations, and living life, I was always working. I definitely remember declining many an invitation or missing a family gathering due to having to work. So just remember your hard work will pay off, and not to give up. It took me a solid eleven years to get to a point where I own my business!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laneybeall.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/beeskneesbeautystudio?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==