We were lucky to catch up with Sharon Subdhan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sharon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving my corporate job at the hospital to pursue Esthetics full time. It was a full year after Covid hit and a little over one year I’ve been living on my own in my first apartment. I had a what people would say “a dream job” at the hospital with a good position and making decent pay for a city job in NYC. The problem was it wasn’t my dream job; I was miserable! I was extremely stressed, tired, overworked, had so much neck and back pain and constant migraines. I was also belittled and disrespected in the work place on the regular. It was not a good feeling. On top of all of that, there was a ton of politics going on that I did not agree with and it just didn’t sit right with me and was literally messing with my mental health. I was in a position where I couldn’t express how I truly felt and had to compose myself in a certain manor. A manor which was to act like everything was okay, without complications, smile all day and fix everyone else’s problem although I had my own. Before Covid I was sad with that job, after Covid I was depressed.
I was so stressed and burnt out that it effected my eating habits, sleep, mental health, personal life, etc… I was not myself. I was slowly becoming bitter and mean and miserable. And I hated feeling like that. I was already 5+ years in working at the hospital and it was more than a big deal that leaving was a thought in my mind. I mean, I worked hard to get where I was and worked my way up to the Chief Medical office.
Although I had plans to stick it out for another year – I just couldn’t take it anymore.
I made the bold decision to call it quits and finally leave- I wrote up my 1 month notice in my office and handed it in later that day. My boss took it as a joke and didn’t take me serious. Yes, I was extremely nervous and scared because I have never done this before, but I was also super happy, excited and relieved. It was as if a bunch of weight had come off my shoulders.
When it was time to actually leave; he finally realized how serious I was and tried to bribe me to stay with higher pay more employee’s, less work load.. etc. For me, it was a hard no!
I put all of my trust in God and had faith that I was going to be okay. I took a leap of faith and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My main concern was to not struggle and put myself in a hole that I couldn’t get out of. I prayed a lot! And, I put a lot of work in to grow and improve my business in so many ways.
Then, everything fell into place. I noticed more visibility on my website and IG, I unexpectedly received help from unemployment after sending them a super long letter on why I had to leave, which was a huge relieve for me- because that is truly what helped me pay my bills for a few months. Three months after, I received a phone call from Dermascope Magazine telling me that I was their cover contest winner for the year of 2021. It was an absolute dream come true! I naturally started to see new clientele. I had the opportunity to bring on new services and actually afford to. Most important, I was at peace and I was happy and my free-spirited self again. Yea I was tired and still working like crazy, but I loved every minute of it and still do! It was the best feeling in the world to work for myself, create my own rules and bring my own ethics into my business, which is something I stand extremely firm on.
So, it was a risk worth taking and I’m grateful I had the strength to do it all.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I‘m the Founder and Esthetician at Skin by Sharon. I help women transform their skin with result driven treatment plans whilst restoring self-confidence. I had major acne issues for many years, which led me to attend Esthetics school. It was actually an early birthday gift to myself 😊 It’s been 4 years since graduating and I now specialize in acne, holistic facials, chemical peels, microneedling, hydrafacial and laser genesis and laser hair removal services. There is a personal story behind every treatment I offer, mainly due to it boosting my own self confidence. Then wanted to provide these services to help others too. I still do continued education; I’m feel like there’s always something to learn- so I’m always taking online courses trying to learn as much as I can.
There is a quote I used all the time, now turned slogan- “where wellness meets the skin.” because it’s just that! Combining skincare and wellness has become my purpose. I’ve realized that the two play such an important role in our health, minds and skin. Yes, I love to help people with their skin, but also help expand their minds to a new level of health. Educating my audience on the right foods, mindfulness, incorporating breathwork and CBD massages is just the beginning of this amazing journey. I am still evolving and becoming- I’m a big believer in accomplishing and fulfilling your true purpose in life and skin and wellness is mine.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The endless education I continue to do and the results I provided. Showing my audience visuals on how I can transform skin. I also think a huge part of my reputation comes from me being my most authentic self to people and always showing up honesty, sincerity and kindness with everything I do.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, the most effective strategy has to be my client’s transitions and trust. Their referrals and reviews have made a major impact on how new potential clients view me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.skinbysharon.com
• Instagram: skinbysharon_
• Facebook: Skin by Sharon

Image Credits
photo in red and black are done with photographer Sarit Gali