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

Rebecca, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

After working for 15 years in a resort spa doing both services for clients and a management roll, I took a 2 year hiatus from spa life. I was working in an oncology clinic as a patient service rep. I missed doing what I loved in esthetics and the opportunity came to rent a space and start my own business in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. I worked my regular 40 hour a week job at the oncology clinic and then took clients in the evenings and weekends. After 6 months of this grueling schedule and missing my family, I decided to quit my job and focus strictly on building my business. This was the scariest thing I’ve ever done, I am not normally a risk taker. I was only 6 months into my business so I hadn’t quite developed a following or regular client base so everyday was a nail biter! Worrying about being able to cover my regular bills on top of rent and supplies for my business gave me a few more gray hairs for sure! Now, almost 2 years into my business, I have a loyal clientele and stay busier than I thought possible this quickly. I wouldn’t change the stress and scariness for the satisfaction of being my own boss and helping people achieve their skincare goals!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a kid I was always interested in makeup and skincare. I remember flipping through my mother’s Avon catalogs and asking for different scrubs, masks, and moisturizers to try. I would fill up the sink with hot water and lean over with a towel over my head to steam my skin and then do a whole skincare routine with the products from the catalog. I often did my friends makeup for dances and prom, I really just loved making people feel good about themselves! After being a stay at home mom for 10 years and my youngest at the time approaching school age, I knew I had to find something to do to fill my days. I saw an advertisement for an esthetics school and I knew then and there that is what I wanted to do. After receiving my diploma and state license, I began work at a resort spa near my hometown. I worked there for 15 years as the Lead Esthetician role and Spa Supervisor. While working here, I was blessed to be educated by world renowned spa industry trainers. It was here that I was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine and the holistic side of skincare. It was here that I also was introduced and trained in energy work. I am a level 2 Reiki practitioner and my goal this year is to achieve Master level. I truly believe in a holistic and whole body approach to not only skincare but emotional and mental well-being. Reiki is a wonderful tool towards reducing stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and pain relief. Nothing gives me a greater sense of satisfaction and purpose than when a client remarks after their Reiki session that they feel more balanced and relaxed and calm than they have in a very long time. Finally, I believe in providing facials and body treatments that incorporate natural and organic products. Our skin is the largest organ and so I want to be sure I am putting the highest and purest quality products on it! I use both Mad Hippie and Hale and Hish products. As an oncology certified esthetician, Hale and Hush comes highly recommended by dermatologist and oncologist alike for its gentleness for individuals going through chemo and radiation treatments.
My goal in my practice is to provide all of my clients the most result oriented treatments possible while also still providing a relaxing experience. My proudest moment recently came when a client told me she was able to go off of her acne medication because her regular facials and my recommended home care routine had made such an improvement in her acne. These results and the relationships I have formed with my clients is so rewarding. I truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else!

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

I feel the greatest thing that helped build my reputation is my willingness to educate my clients and not just provide a service. I try to always explain what I am doing and why, especially to new clients. Making sure I understand my clients goals and concerns for their skincare is the only way I can provide them the quality treatment they deserve. My intake forms and consult prior to the clients treatment might seem redundant but it really helps me to understand their wants and needs. I try not to push different services or products, rather I prefer to explain how these different modalities will improve their skin and move them closer to their goals more quickly. Showing integrity and care for my clients builds their confidence in my skills. This makes all the difference and fosters such an amazing word of mouth referral system!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Imposter syndrome. I had to unlearn alot of feelings of “I’m not good enough” and “who am I to think I can run a business”. The lessons I learned as a child were not ones of encouragement and self confidence, rather that I would not ever amount to anything or make anything of my life. This lesson was further solidified by toxic relationships. Being introduced to Reiki and energy work made all the difference in healing those parts but the thoughts of inferiority still pop up. Healing isn’t linear nor is it instant. On days where I was ready to throw in the proverbial towel, I could count on the best hype man I could ever hope for and that is my husband. Everytime I doubted my skills or my ability, he pushed me and encouraged me. I am also blessed with such great friends who never fail to lift me up when I am doubtful and support my business. I can’t forget my kids who were so excited for me to start my business. They dealt with not seeing me very often during those first 6 months. When I did have some time with them, I was tired. They didn’t complain (mostly) but kept supporting me. They talk about me expanding and sometimes I think they have bigger dreams than I do!
In the end, even the hard days are better than not following your dreams and working hard for what you desire!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mysite.vagaro.com/phoenixskinandbodywellness
• Instagram: @phoenixskinandbodywellness
• Facebook: fb://profile/100090299196066
• Other: Tik Tok: @phoenixskinandbodywellness