We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Bernard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa , thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I went into school already with the idea of starting my business when finished. Two weeks after graduation I started booth renting from a friends business, she helped me with ideas of how to get started building a clientele. After a couple years at that location, I decided to make a move and open up a location of my own, I then changed my name from Skincare by Melissa to Lavish Divine Skincare. Business was good and I had a great clientele but was not happy with my life in Albuquerque outside of work. I began traveling to San Diego quite often. While visiting, I would book skincare services from local Estheticians and pick their brain about running a business in such an expensive city. After a few visits, I knew in my heart that opening a business in San Diego was where I wanted to be. I sold my house, closed my business, packed up my car and headed to the city I love. Upon arrival I set out to find work. I began working as the Lead Esthetician at the Kona Kai resort. After about a year of working there, I set out to find a location, and began building my business. Since then everything has fallen perfectly in place, I have built an Amazing clientele and my business continues to thrive.

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.

My skincare journey begin after my divorce, I was 39 and starting to notice my skin aging, my self esteem was low and I was in desperate need of something different in my life. I began getting monthly skincare services done and was so intrigued by the treatments I was receiving and the results that were achieved, that I decided to go to school and learn more about skincare solutions to help other women and men feel more confident about their appearance. Being that I am in my 50s anti aging treatments are super important to me , so I make it a point to stay up to date with all the latest anti aging procedures, that are under my scope of practice. I have been working with Skin Script and PCA for the 10 years I’ve been in business, these products are the only products that touch my face so I am a firm believer in the results that can be achieved when sticking to a solid home care regimen. Prior to Aesthetics I was a massage therapist, so I incorporate a therapeutic aroma therapy massage with all of my facials, the clients love that extra attention. Before I began my shift and after each client I like to burn sage to clear the energy of my previous client and open space for the next. To me Aesthetics is not only about treating the skin but also about the bond that is created between my clients and myself, that is the greatest gift of all.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I take pride in being honest, humble and kind, always going above and beyond for my clients, taking a comfortable approach and igniting positive and peaceful energy with every service I provide, sending out a follow up text and always being available via text to answer any questions or concerns a client may have.

This google review was written by an actual client of mine, it literally brought tears to my eyes.

“ If you are struggling with self and skin confidence then literally Melissa Bernard is your answer. I have been seeing her monthly since December 2020 and truly have never been so happy and confident with my skin. She has a peaceful and uplifting energy. She creates a safe space to escape from day to day life & creates incredible results for your skin. Going to her consistently using her monthly membership has become so therapeutic for me!!
My skin is not perfect, no skin really is but I walk out of her lounge feeling the best version of myself. So grateful for her and her talents!”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Moving my business from Albuquerque to San Diego was a big risk taken, leaving behind all my clients that I built over 3 1/2 years was a very emotional transition. I remember crying to my clients about leaving them behind and moving on. One of my clients told me “ Melissa don’t worry about us, just go where your feet feel good” . That right there made me feel ready to make the move . Stepping into a competitive industry in such an expensive city was a little scary, but I knew in my heart that everything was going to work out. Being a single women , who lives alone and pays not only one rent but two and having to be completely dependent on my business is what kept me hustling hard to afford a San Diego lifestyle. I have built an Amazing clientele and continue growing through spa Finder, occasional Groupon deals, e-mail blasts and referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lavishdivine.com
• Instagram: Lavishdivineskincare
• Facebook: Lavish Divine
• Yelp: Lavish Divine Skincare