Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Fong . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?
When it comes to education in the beauty industry, here are some potential areas you could consider changing or improving:
- Inclusive Curriculum: Ensure that the curriculum is inclusive and diverse, covering a wide range of skin tones, hair types, and beauty practices from various cultures. This can help students learn how to work with clients of different backgrounds effectively.
- Updated Techniques and Technologies: Incorporate training on the latest beauty techniques, tools, and technologies to ensure that students are well-prepared for the industry’s evolving landscape.
- Business and Marketing Skills: Provide education on business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship to help students develop the skills needed to run a successful beauty business or brand. This is where students often struggle when they enter the workforce.
- Focus on Sustainability: Integrate education on sustainable practices in the beauty industry, including eco-friendly products, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing. This will prepare students to be more conscious of their environmental impact.
- Health and Safety: Emphasize the importance of health and safety practices in beauty services to ensure that students understand how to maintain a clean and safe workspace for both themselves and their clients.
- Continuous Professional Development: Offer opportunities for ongoing training and professional development to help beauty professionals stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and industry standards throughout their careers.
- Mental Health and Well-being: Include education on self-care, stress management, and mental health awareness to support the well-being of beauty professionals who often work in high-pressure environments.
- Practical Experience: Provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or work placements to help them apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
By implementing these changes in beauty industry education, you can help ensure that future beauty professionals are well-equipped to succeed in a rapidly evolving and competitive industry. Not all need to be added, but this was just where my mind was going on how the educational system can improve.
Michelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began my journey in the beauty industry 20 years ago, and I always knew this was my path. I started off in makeup for film and TV, which I enjoyed, but I felt that something was missing, a sense of fulfillment. Then, I landed a job as a skincare manager at Sephora, despite knowing little about skincare at the time. This role changed me; it sparked my love for skincare, and I found myself drawn to education in the beauty industry.
Working with Sephora’s education team was transformative for me. They required auditions to join the team, and I eagerly went for it. Educating others on beauty-related topics brought me a sense of completeness and purpose.
Through these experiences, I realized that sharing knowledge and educating others on all things beauty resonated deeply with me, giving me a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my career.
Approaching my 30s, I felt the need to achieve one last thing on my list—I wanted to become a licensed esthetician. Pursuing this goal was scary yet showed my commitment to personal and professional growth, marking a significant milestone in my career.
Becoming a licensed esthetician expanded my expertise in skincare and beauty treatments, opening up new opportunities in the industry. I was fortunate to have an amazing mentor who set me up for success.
With the support of my mentor, I obtained my license and gained valuable experience. Recognizing the need for more mentorships for newcomers to the industry, I ventured out and started my own business, Succulent Skin Day Spa.
My journey from obtaining my esthetician license to starting a successful day spa has been incredibly rewarding. It all began with a passion for skincare, dedication, and the courage to pursue my dreams. Despite challenges like relocating and navigating through the pandemic, I went on to win awards for the best day spa, showcasing the impact of perseverance and determination in my career.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The Go-Giver” has profoundly impacted my life and mindset. Authored by Bob Burg and John David Mann, this book imparts a valuable lesson on the power of giving and serving others, both personally and professionally.
Its core message, emphasizing the importance of providing value and serving without expecting anything in return, serves as a poignant reminder in today’s often self-centered world. I’ve read this book twice now, at different points in my career, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I read it again. I can’t recommend it enough.
Additionally, I’m obsessed with self-help podcasts—I find myself listening to an episode almost every day.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My move to Idaho and starting my business has been quite the journey, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Navigating a new location, building a clientele, and then facing a sudden shutdown due to the pandemic was incredibly tough. I remember crying for about 24 hours until my now husband asked me why I was crying when the whole world was shut down. He encouraged me to get creative and think of other ways to show up for my clients. That’s when I pivoted to creating an online e-commerce business and developed skincare facial boxes.
Exploring alternative ways to connect with my clients and maintain relationships virtually, such as offering online consultations and tutorials, selling products online, or providing at-home skincare kits, turned out to be the best decision I made during that challenging time.
Contact Info:
- Website: succueltnskindayspa.com
- Instagram: @succulentskindayspa
- Facebook: @succulentskindayspa
Image Credits
amandak.photography Amanda Koslosky