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

Melanie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am happy with being a business owner, but it can be very stressful at times. I do have the flexibility when it comes to being a business owner which I like, but I do sacrifice a lot of weekends and late nights. There are some days I wished to be back at an 8-5 job so I have a set schedule, the effort it takes to be a business owner is not for the weak. I have to manage my appointments, social media, supplies, product inventory, and monthly expenses. Even when I’m not in my studio I feel I’m always constantly working on something for my business! It can be tough at times juggling everything with running my business, but at the end of the day I know being a business owner is for me. There is no greater joy than knowing I am making a difference in someone’s life by making them feel beautiful in their own skin and makes all the effort worth it!

Melanie , 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 am a Licensed Esthetician and Permanent Makeup Artist, and it all started when I first worked for a cosmetics line at a department store. I loved being able to share my knowledge with others about taking care of their skin, I later found myself going back to college to change my career path and pursue higher education to receive my associate degree at South Central College in North Mankato and then returning to the workforce. After a few years of being back in the workforce, I decided that I was going nowhere with my current position and I had to make a change for myself, so therefore I went back to school again to earn my Esthetician License at Nova Academy of Cosmetology in Mankato. I shortly worked at a hair salon where I would slowly build my clientele, I outgrew the space and branched out on my own and found an office space and converted into a treatment room. After being in the beauty industry for some years, I knew I wanted to continue to make my clients feel confident within their own skin, so I went on to earn my certificate at Gemineye Studio for Permanent Makeup. I then completed my 200 hour Apprenticeship to be licensed to perform permanent makeup.

There is no greater reward knowing that I am helping people feel and look their best! Being a skincare expert/permanent makeup artist isn’t just about providing a beauty service it is much more than that, it is about educating my clients on how to achieve healthy skin, boosting their self-confidence and improving their overall well-being. My proudest moment of being in the esthetic world is the new relationships I have been able to build, making new connections with people of all walks of life- people of all different ages, genders, and ethnicities. I feel honored knowing that new clients and loyal clients are trusting me to help them achieve their aesthetics goals! In order to achieve skin care goals, I only use products that have shown proven results such as PCA Skin, Glymed Plus, and Face Reality. In addition, I don’t just sell a treatment service I try to guide my clients into a skincare routine that will help maintain their skin and prevent premature aging. Also, I provide acne treatments for clients who are struggling to control their acne by helping them to prevent and minimize future breakouts. Aside from skin care treatments I take pride in being able to wax clients who are able to be comfortable in a non-pressured relaxed environment. One of my favorite services I love to offer for my clients is enhancing their natural beauty with makeup application whether it be for weddings, engagements, photoshoots, or any special occasion. I feel honored for each client I have and take pride in taking care of them!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Showing my clients the knowledge, I have in the skincare field, and building relationships and putting their trusts in my skills and expertise. Word of mouth goes a long way; people see positive results and will share with other future clients that reach out to me. I am accepting of all colors, ages, genders, and I love to make everyone feel confident in their own skin! I go the extra mile to make my clients feel comfortable and confident they will be receiving the best treatments I have to offer!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I personally think that before and after pictures are a good way to show your work. I have been able to create fun reels and showcase my work with trending music, it captures the audience attention when you create reels that are short and to the point. I advise using more than one platform to engage your audience’s attention to reach more people that could turn into potential clients. I not only like to show my work, but I also like to educate my clients through social media informational posts. I have some loyal clients that have shared my work and supported my business which has drawn new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://schonehaut.com
• Instagram: @schonehautmn
• Facebook: @schonehautmn
• Other: TIKTOK: @schonehaut

Image Credits

FAERBER FILMS