We recently connected with Mackenzie Olsen and have shared our conversation below.
Mackenzie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.
I was incredibly fortunate to work for two amazing doctors while living in orange county before starting my business in San Diego. I worked for cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist, Dr. Lenore Sikorski for four years. And I worked for Dr. Hung Ong at Bella Cara Dermatology in Newport Beach for five years. The valuable and extensive knowledge I gained from working with these physicians is priceless. It’s shaped the clinical type of esthetician I became and truly helped me to understand the science of the skin. While attending my aesthetics program I learned about a lot of things including how to create a positive spa setting, how to gain returning clients and where to shop for aesthetic supplies; but where I really gained my knowledge of skin health and treatments was from my medical experience.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
After moving to California in 2009 I started my career as a medical assistant for a cosmetic dermatology practice in Laguna Niguel. After four years of working with that practice I moved over to a dermatology practice in Newport Beach California. There I got to work closely with the two staff estheticians and familiarize myself with what exactly an esthetician does. While working as a medical assistant in dermatology I was able to perform some esthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and extractions. I fell in love with skin health and obsessed with skin improvements. Three years ago my husband accepted a job offer in San Diego and I decided to study the esthetics program at San Diego city College. After a four month full-time program and passing the California state board, I began working at medical age management in Hillcrest. Just under a year after starting with them and I decided to Embark on my own as I was expecting my first son. I wanted to offer my family a more flexible schedule and lifestyle.
With my nine previous years of medical experience before entering aesthetics school, I offer my clients a thorough skin health experience. My clients have access to years of knowledge and experience and I am always willing to share my recommendations. I am extremely well-versed in many skincare brands, products and ingredients; including prescription medication so I am able to work closely with my client’s dermatologist if they are struggling with certain skin concerns.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Social media has been the backbone of my businesses success. It is incredible tool that is free to use and draws people right into your business. I have found a lot of my Clients have found me from Facebook groups. I joined several different Facebook groups when starting my business and actively promoted or commented when people were looking for my type of services. There is so many opportunities to promote your business on not only Facebook but Instagram and TikTok. From there I drew my initial clientele but I do remember feeling like it took forever for me to build up my business. Now looking back it was only a natural progression that had to happen over time. A lot of my clients have now been referred by friends or family which I absolutely love because that means people trust you.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Even though my medical experience was essential for my career as an aesthetician it also hindered me when I was first starting my business. It was hard for me to step away from the clinical setting and create a soft and relaxing setting for my clients. I always felt like a bull in a China shop coming from a fast paced medical practice. It took time for me to learn to slow down, spend more time with my clients and create a relaxing atmosphere for them to enjoy themselves in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/38f583ee-fd8e-418c-99e1-27f5fca5213a/1Z6DGFZ5W0E5S/services
- Instagram: @fireflyesthetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fireflyesthetics/
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