We were lucky to catch up with Spencer Bristol recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Spencer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission is to make sure each of my clients leave my studio feeling like a force to be reckoned with. My industry is called the “Beauty Industry”, but I believe it goes much deeper than that. Beauty may not be the only goal for every client or even their goal at all. I want to feel like I helped them curate the way they choose to present themselves to the world. I love to use my services to give confidence to my clients in a way that radiates from within. That may mean some funky colored lashes and decals, removing body hair, contouring the body, microblading brow hair they have lost and don’t quite feel whole without, whatever makes them feel powerful.

Spencer, 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 fell into this industry in the perfect serendipitous way! I was in another line of work that was no longer fitting my lifestyle and knew I needed to make a change. A salon in the area was opening and I applied for a receptionist position so I could work a day time job while I decided the direction my life was going to go in next. I really enjoyed learning about the industry as I had only ever been familiar with the hair styling aspect of it. My position there grew into management and I completed an apprenticeship for microblading. Once I began taking clients for microblading I knew that the beauty industry was right where I belonged. At this point I had taken a big interest in lash extensions, hair removal and more and decided this was definitely the career for me. I attended cosmetology school where I received my esthetician license and began performing more services and taking clients full time.

I have always had a very clear vision of what my brand and aesthetic were. I dreamt of creating a space that was colorful, edgy, funky and inviting. In May of 2022 at 30 years old I brought that dream to life and opened The Reckoning Studio!

The Reckoning Studio is an esthetics salon located in the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Which felt right as this is the very first neighborhood I lived in when moving to Grand Rapids!

I offer a variety of services including microblading, which is a semi permanent form of cosmetic tattooing. My microblading services include eyeliner, realistic brows and even freckles! It is the perfect service to enhance your natural beauty and save you a huge amount of time getting ready in the morning.

Another service I offer is eyelash extensions. Lash extensions are individually applied to your natural lashes to give length, curl and fullness. I offer a variety of styles and types of lashes, from a more natural “mascara” look to fluffy and full, even a variety of colors, UV reactive lashes and decals. Whatever you are looking for I can give you the lashes you’ve always dreamed of!

Body contouring is another really unique service I offer at The Reckoning Studio. A combination of vacuum and suction therapy is used in the Colombian Butt Lift, which reduces cellulite while lifting and increasing the size of the booty! The same machine can also be used for Stomach Contouring which can help snatch your waist, increase metabolism and even aid in the regulation of internal organs and improve digestion. Breast Enhancement is another incredible body contouring service I offer which can improve the size, shape and fullness of your breasts as well as aid in lymphatic drainage and increase circulation.

I also perform Sugaring! This is a hair removal service suitable for all skin types including sensitive. Remove unwanted body hair, stay smooth for weeks and see a reduction in hair returning. Plus what does come back is finer and softer!

A full list of my services can be found on my website and I am always open to chat about any questions!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I believe social media is king in advertising for the beauty industry. I feel most able to connect genuinely with current and potential clients there. I also love being able to curate my page to give them a feel for my studio’s vibe and my style of work. While it isn’t always easy to maintain, social media can absolutely feel like a second full time job, I am so appreciative to have such an easily accessible avenue of marketing!

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Again, social media really has been the best tool to keep in touch with my clients. I tell everyone that they are more than welcome to message me through my website, Facebook or Instagram. I am always super available for any questions, to help with booking etc. Also many of my clients I see multiple times a month and I really do feel a strong connection to them. I always say that is one of the best parts of my job, I feel like I am just hanging out with my friends all day! We get to know so much about each other during their appointments and I think a genuine connection with your clients is by far the best way to foster brand loyalty.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheReckoningStudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thereckoningstudio/