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

Alright, Michaela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

My idea salon I’d love is a store front. In the past I’ve dealt with many people and salon owners. Some were good experiences and some weren’t so good. I’ve had issues on my end and issues on their end. I’ve moved into one suite located in the Northern Area before and it was very lavish. I had my own space, keys, access anytime. It was a stretch but I looked at it as being worth it.

After awhile I started noticing the owners saying things about not being able to pay. I disregarded it and continued to work. After so long, the lights were cut off and I was lied to constantly about the lights. I eventually moved out in the dark at 12am. I bought maybe $100 worth of flash lights and moved. I was emotionally exhausted, crying, sad, depressed and did know what was next. This was one of the most unexpected experiences of my career.

As a upcoming esthetician, with a raise on expenses, this was something that was very difficult for my career. I’m learning that everyone doesn’t do good business and it’s hard to avoid it. From that moment forward, I knew having my own was priority. All collaboration isn’t good.

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.

I got into this industry by staying up late nights and long days. I studied products, recipes, created my own, studied branding, selling and marketing. I have loads of notebooks filled front and back with breakdowns of everything. I studied like crazy. All just to sell lashes and lipgloss. I then started hosting monthly pop-up shops that were all successful.

The problems I solved were making women feel and look beautiful; increasing their confidence and understanding of who they were.

What sets me apart from other is me being someone who struggled with confidence, skin issues and acceptance of myself and being around others. I was always quiet. I wanted to blend in but stood out.

What I’m most proud of is I’ve endured everything that life has thrown at me and I’m still continuing to grow and a business owner and person.

The main thing I want my potential clients and followers to know about my brand is that I exceed the expectations of beauty. My job is to make you be that person who makes every one look when you walk in the room. My job is to make you fall in love with your self and self-care again. My work is outstanding and speaks for itself.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I got started making my products by research, research, research. Day in and out reading and writing notebooks of notes. It’s more-so of a trial and error type of thing. I didn’t know what I was doing or what to expect.

The only vendor I seriously research were for lashes. I’m big on quality and in order to sell “luxury”, that product must meet the criteria.

I found the right vendor by also trial and error. I’ve never had a bad experience with any vendor. You have to find one that fits your budget, good with communication, and can meet your style standards.

The lessons I’ve learned is don’t go head first in everything. Life is about risks but make sure you’re prepared for the consequences. Do your research. Study the numbers and products used to make products, know your people. When manufacturing products know that everyone isn’t the same or have the same reaction.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience by promotion. I get up everyday and make post related to my business. I don’t care if I have 1 like. I also promote on almost every platform. I personally don’t like the time it takes to make a TikTok but you have to stop being stubborn and just do it. It sounds crazy but it sales.

The advice I’d give is to show up for yourself. Your family and friends are not going to support you. Don’t give away your money, secrets or plan especially if your just getting started. Do the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: SKINInfinitySpa.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/skininfinityspa
• Facebook: Facebook.com/skininfinity
• TikTok: chae1k

Image Credits
Facebook: Kodak Court