Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Skye Martin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Skye, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I got the idea of being a holistic esthetician while going on my own health journey and I resolved to start my own business and create a skincare shop that was authentically holistic. There was a lot to do! First, I leaned onto my experience and training to find product lines that meet true holistic standards. It was the actual buildout of a shop, however, that was the most difficult part of the process and where I learned the most. I scouted different parts of Denver and discovered that the RiNo arts district lacked a skincare boutique. Every week I searched for a prime location that also met my budget. After three months, I found a great location in the Backyard on Blake courtyard. I had to learn a few things the hard way as I became a small business owner. That knowledge to me is now priceless. I learned a lot about researching and hiring a contractor and understanding their specialties. Navigating the permit process with the city was more time consuming and expensive than expected.
When it finally came to fruition, the covid-19 pandemic hit. I was already frustrated and anxious, and part of me wanted to give up. But I had my livelihood on the line and I wouldn’t abandon my dream. I was able to work with my commercial landlord on terms for my building and my community of family and friends came together. I was able to keep my business afloat through that hard time. I’ve learned a lot of invaluable information through experience, but am happy that my idea is a reality.
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?
People ask me all the time how I started and became a skincare and makeup professional. It’s simple: I was just born with it and it’s in the stars! (I’m an Aries sun and Libra moon.) I went to full cosmetology school in Billings, Montana, back in 2002. After working one year doing hair, I quickly turned to the lead esthetician at the spa and asked her to teach me everything she knew. She said yes and I happily followed her guidance for five years. Later, when working at an acupuncture clinic, I worked alongside a community of professional, insightful healers, learning from them and taking a new direction on my own health journey. I finally realized that I wanted to share my special gift of combining knowledge with intuition and empathy to improve health outcomes as a holistic esthetician.
I provide waxing, facials, spray tanning, and makeup lessons and application. My clients usually begin coming to me because they have a variety of skin ailments such as dermatitis, eczema, and acne. Dermatology protocols involving harsh medications and prescriptions aren’t working for them and their skin has gotten worse. They’re dissatisfied with its dry, dull, gray look. I approach their problems with less aggressive, more balanced solutions. The skin is our largest organ and many skincare products that people use cause reactions; the ingredients of these products correlate to our health. I take a lot of time explaining how the product lines that I use were investigated with clinical studies showing that they’re not as harsh on the skin and that good results take time. I’m set apart by combining empathy for their needs and intuition with my knowledge base. I experienced these same issues about my own health so I can relate to them. I recognize people who are willing to give my holistic services a try and can get them to open up. But also sometimes a client comes in and I can tell they’re not open to my protocol and I’m willing to support them on their own journey.
I get so many compliments from clients about how they feel the warm, wholesome environment and good energy I’ve created as soon as they walk in the door. They don’t feel intimidated or unwelcome like they do in a typical salon. I’m also very proud that the business adds to my feeling of independence. I did it on my own! My dad always said that I shouldn’t rely on a man to take care of me, and this independence was among the top goals on my life list. I want everyone to know how myself, my brand, and my work all tie together, and they’re not just moving parts. Authenticity is not just a word but a way of life. For example, the name of my business isn’t just a name, but it shows my love of animals. (My cats Chip and Russ are with me in all my moments.) Confidence isn’t just in what society says beauty is but in an inner understanding of who you are. I take confidence in knowing my unique path and loving that path. Maybe this isn’t a typical answer but it’s authentic.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Location, location, location, location! I constantly get new clients from lots of foot traffic and new eyes on the storefront. People regularly seek me out as well because they found me online. I worked hard to build my online presence through search engine optimization (SEO). It utilized my website and focuses on keywords to raise my business to the top search results. The cost of SEO is something to be figured into your budget, but it is so important for raising one’s profile.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I communicate with clients via text messages and emails about special offers and updating them on new products and services. It’s also important to develop personal rapport with them at their appointment to make it easier to educate them on lifestyle maintenance for my specific services. This connection helps me do a rebooking for their next appointment right away. I foster this loyalty with a loyalty program that gives discounts to dedicated clientele. I have found that discounts for first-time clients doesn’t stimulate long-term business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.copperandsphynx.com
- Instagram: @copperandsphynx