We recently connected with Marion Simms and have shared our conversation below.

Marion, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

When I was finishing my aesthetics training in the UK, one of the other students who came from Johannesburg in South Africa wanted an aesthetician from the school to go and work with her there in her salon.
I volunteered. It was a huge leap of faith because I didn’t know this person well and had never traveled that far before.
But it turned out to be a great learning experience and taught me the importance of taking a chance when opportunities present themselves, even if you are a little fearful and unsure of the outcome.

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

I grew up in the English countryside and loved being outdoors in the natural beauty that surrounded me. My parents were always very supportive and encouraging about what I wanted to do with my life. Both owned their own businesses – Dad a builder and Mum a hair stylist, so that influenced my decision to strike out independently. I observed how they ran their operations focusing on exceptional service and listening closely to their clients’ needs, principles I stick to today. I loved watching my Mum transform her clients’ looks as she cut and colored their hair and we lived in several homes that Dad would modify and transform into lovely living spaces.

During the four decades I have spent in the skin care industry, I transform the way my clients feel about their skin. I have been a business owner, facialist, consultant, writer and educator. Through these collective experiences, I have developed a keen interest in the concepts of wellness – that overall state of balance that keeps our bodies and minds healthy and alive. My ongoing education has also instilled in me a deep desire to pass on the latest and most beneficial information to my clients, and this reflects in all the treatments and products I offer at SkinSense.

I am still passionate about what I do. By customizing every salon treatment and at home beauty regimes, my clients and I accomplish amazing results. In this high tech society, one to one interaction and human touch are even more important than ever. Acne and aging are my main focus and I have a selection of science based and organic products suitable for both.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The hospitality industry – which we are considered part of- was very hard hit during COVID. We were closed for almost a year, a situation unimaginable to so many.

By focusing on product sales and coming to the salon every day to answer calls, I stayed connected and hopeful. Of course, an understanding landlady, the PPP loans and very loyal clientele helped enormously but as soon as we were told we could perform treatments outside, I went on the road! I packed up a massage table, products, linens and a variety of portable devices and worked on patios and decks all over the city.

It was great fun, my clients loved it and it brought in some much needed income. until we could reopen again.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I would say truly listening to your client and their skincare concerns. And being ready to accommodate busy work and life schedules. A strong work ethic is vital and a determination to prevail no matter what. I am very proud to be able to say I have been in business for forty years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skinsensewellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_simms_skinsense/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/