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

SkyLee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

For nearly five years, I ran my nonprofit spa from a separate studio on my property. After dealing with a severe roof leak and plumbing issues, I knew I needed to find a new space. I quickly rented a place but soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Thus began my search for the perfect location.

I never imagined that just three months later, I’d be signing a lease for a 3,400 sq ft building with seven rentable rooms, a large conference space for continued education, and another area for a secret project I’m developing! Honestly, I was hesitant about the size, but my partner encouraged me, saying, “You got this. If anyone can go big, you can.”

I’ve always dreamed of creating a collective space to bridge the gap from school to solo practice, utilizing my teaching experience to support those who didn’t get the education they deserved or aren’t ready to go solo but dream big.

I can’t predict the outcome just yet, but I can promise to do whatever it takes to make this venture amazing and successful!

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’ve been a licensed Esthetician for 15 years, a licensed Educator for almost 13 years. I’ve been a school director and now I’m the Education Director-Esthetics for a large chain of beauty schools and I own a nonprofit spa that specializes in treating cancer patients as well as the general public.
I specialize in not only Oncology Esthetics but sound bath facials, nutrition, advanced facial massage, and integrating medical & holistic practices.

The thing that sets me aside from other practitioners is my INTENSE love of skin. I didn’t get into this industry to get rich. To be honest, I had no idea how much Estheticians made when I started school, I never asked and I didn’t care. I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life. I spent soooo many hours researching, studying, growing and working to be the best possible. My clients come first and sometimes that means understanding that spending hundreds of dollars on skincare isn’t in their wheelhouse and that it’s not my job to push things on them theyre not comfortable with. I educate and work within their budgets.
At the end of the day I just want to help and that’s why I give away so many complimentary services and products to cancer patients.

I equally love educating new students and new Estheticians. They’re so hungry and driven and open to learning. Watching the light bulb go off is what inspires me every day!

My ultimate goal is to have my new space be a collective of estheticians, massage therapist, chiropractors, acupuncturists, lash techs, and many others.
I want it to be a center where people know they can go to not only receive services but for professionals to take continued education classes and elevate their career under the guidance of someone who’s already done it and for community events to take place and bring people together.

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

I believe that my genuine love and dedication to the spa industry has been crucial in developing my reputation. I started groups on FB for Estheticians to be able to share info, get help, ask questions, find others, etc. And I spend a huge amount of time helping in there. I created youtube videos so that Estheticians could pass their practical exams, and I teach classes at every conference possible and try to commit to as many events as possible without overworking myself.
I believe even if a student isn’t from one of my schools they deserve help if needed
and I will always believe in “collaboration over competition”

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I have always said “a happy clients brings more happy clients” and I believe this 100% in regards to two client generators. The first is word of mouth. I have SO many clients schedule because their friend told them they had to! It helps that I offer a $5 discount to both of them too! The second is google reviews. I ask every single client to leave me a review at the end of their appointment and then I text them 2 days later to check in on them and include the Google review link in the text as well.

I’ve paid for IG, FB ads, promo materials, offered discounts, done raffles, etc. And none of them have been 1/10 as successful as word of mouth and Google reviews.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.facethefight.com
• Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/facethefightwellness
• Facebook: Http://www.facebook.com/facethefight
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylee-n-edmiston-77054826?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@estheticsempress?si=gIxdpna2swYdGTza
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/face-the-fight-tucson

Image Credits

Hannah Olivia