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

Shelby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

When most people think if the word “success” the first thing that comes to mind is profit. While I do think profitability has a large part of it, I do think it is more than that. When I was in middle school, I had a business teacher named Mr. Brown. One of the biggest things that has stuck with me through my whole life, came from one of his classes. Mr. Brown shared with us one day about happiness being more fulfilling than any amount of money. He continued to share that he was once a businessman and with this job, he was making tons of money. Overtime, he became less happy. He would get home late, he started to hate his job and eventually came to a point that no matter how much money he was making, it was not worth his happiness, as he had dreamed of being a teacher. That day I took home with me the knowledge that no amount of money is worth my price of my happiness. To me, success is multiple things. I am successful because I get to do what I love every single day of my life. I am self employed, no one gets to control me and my time (although sometimes I almost find I am harder on myself than a boss ever would be.) I have friends, family and wonderful clients who support me and my business. I have built a business that I am overwhelmed with clients, that has been a dream of mine since I started this journey. I am able to set my own prices and bring new services to my area, it has been so exciting offering things to my community that others have not before. Last, I am successful because I was able to learn this lesson at an early age in life. Mr. Browns message that day really set my course for what I wanted in life, for that, I am forever grateful.

Shelby, 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 am an Esthetician or a Skincare Specialist. I offer many different services to my clients which includes Hydro Facials, Full Body Waxing, Brow Lamination, Bridal Makeup, Microneedling, Dermaplaning, Chemical Peels and Teeth Whitening. I am very passionate about providing a quality service with quality products. What I love most is helping my clients, whether it may be a skin issue, wanting to feel beautiful on their wedding day or just stepping back for some self care. What sets me apart is that I do my best to provide the best service to each person who walks through my door, new clients or faithful clients, I want to always deliver my best service no matter who they are. I am most proud of the fact that I have never ran a business ad. I have been in my area for 6 years and over that time, each client has come to me through word of mouth. To me, that is one of thee biggest compliments.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what helped me build my reputation within my market was timing, consistency, and my continuing to offer new things. Around the time I moved to my area and started working, there was not a lot of Esthetic services being offered. Within the last 5-10 years by industry has exploded. I am seeing so many girls going to beauty school for Esthetics. It is most definitely an up and coming industry. I feel my timing starting this career was near perfect. When I began my career as an Esthetician, it was not easy. It took a lot of self promoting, discounts to get clients in the door, being uncomfortable asking clients to take my card or rebook… it was a lot of work. I did my best to offer things that no one else in my area offered, that really set me apart. After word got out about me, I started to fill up my books. The biggest increase of business came after the pandemic hit. July 2020 I opened my spa with my business partner. People were flocking for self care services and the new spa in town was the perfect place.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been offering special rates for returning customers. In this instance, I offered a repeat discount for my Hydro Facial clients. This definitely opened a door for repeat clients for me. It also became great exposure for other services I offered as well, it got them interested in other services I offered. This helped built my ticket with each client and word of mouth really pushed this strategy.     

Contact Info:

• Website: bareskinbyshelby.com
• Instagram: bareskinbyshelby
• Facebook: Bare Skin by Shelby

Image Credits
Jenna Lambertz / Lambertz Photography & Design LLC