We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pamela Pannacci. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pamela below.

Pamela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

I remember when I first started out and welcoming in only a few clients a week. I was ecstatic if I had more than one in a single day. I was trying to cater to any and all potential clients, offering what I thought THEY might want. I worked this way for years. And honestly, it wasn’t until the shut down in 2020 when I really honed in on my niche and decided to cater to those struggling with inflammatory conditions, i.e., acne, rosacea, and skin sensitivities. I was incredibly nervous to do this, though, as I kept thinking I was going to be omitting many potential clients. But you know what happened instead?… My business grew beyond what I could have imagined! What’s the saying? A jack of all trades and master of none? I let my fears go and my business grew. If only I had felt comfortable and confident to do that sooner.

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 can’t remember a time when I didn’t love everything about the beauty industry. I remember as a young teen visiting a makeup boutique in our neighborhood and buying whatever I could afford with my allowance, and then practicing my makeup application techniques on my younger brother, (who hates when I share this. And this is why I continue to share. ;)

It wasn’t until I began developing acne that I really took an interest in skincare. My spending shifted from makeup to anything touting ‘acne clearing.’ This went on for years, until one day, my mom and I spent an afternoon at a spa. It was a memorable ‘mother-daughter’ day, and my very first facial. And the first time I realized that helping others with their skin would become my life’s passion.

Within my 13 years as an esthetician, I have immersed myself in education, and continue to do so. After receiving my esthetics license and professional training, I received my certification in Oncology Esthetics by the pioneer of Oncology Esthetics, Morag Currin, who founded and developed Oncology Training International.

In 2018 I received my first holistic training by Dr. Vodder School International Manual Lymphatic Drainage, trained by a world-renowned educator, Anne Bramham.

Each of these experiences has shaped me into the esthetician I am today; an esthetician with empathy for those who struggle with acne, rosacea, and skin sensitivities.

At the young age of 53, I can appreciate aging confidently. I’m a believer in a more graceful approach to treating the skin. My goal is to help you effectively manage inflammatory conditions while inspiring healthy aging. I take a natural and holistic approach to your skin’s health that not only promotes healthy skin but inspires permanent change.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I remember taking a marketing class years ago, at the start of my career. And one of the points the educator made really stuck with me. She said, ‘”If you’re not in front of your clients, someone else will be.” For the past 10 years, I have been writing a newsletter once or twice a month. Religiously! I make notes throughout the month of common questions my clients ask and things we talk about. I try to keep a theme in each newsletter, and encourage engagement with trivia questions for my clients. Of course I offer a little incentive for correct answers. I love the feedback from my clients. Just knowing that they take the time to read my newsletters brings me joy. :)

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

We’ve shared this story a lot this past year, as we are really growing as a team! My partner and I met in 2017 when I moved to the South Bay. I needed to find a place to build my business and ended up in the loft of a pilates studio. She was in a small room downstairs… we refer to it as the dungeon. We met my first day there. I knew I couldn’t be in this pilates studio long, and I knew I liked Lyssa. So it made sense to ask her if she’d like to grab a cup of coffee. Thankfully, she said yes. :) We often joke about how that cup of coffee soon transitioned to what felt like a job interview…. “So Lyssa, where do you see yourself in 5 years.” Yes, I asked that question. I knew I had bigger dreams for my business. And after spending time with Lyssa, I knew she had bigger dreams for hers, too. We soon combined forces to create a third, joint business – in the works as we speak. More on that in another episode. :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lauraveraskin.com
• Yelp: Laura Vera Skin & Acne