We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Wells a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I would definitely have started my business sooner if I knew what it took at the time. It has been so fulfilling to create something so meaningful to me and my clients, and I only wish I could’ve had more of this for a longer period of time. I was working for a waxing corporate chain for almost four years before venturing off on my own. Before that, I worked in a salon as a receptionist and esthetician doing luxury facials for Aveda. I very quickly realized that I work best on my own, and I like the idea of being able to do my career in the way that works best for me. If I would have started sooner, it would have allowed me to only further grow and develop as a professional and business owner. I don’t believe that I would be where I am today if I didn’t pull that trigger. It’s been the best move I’ve ever made for my mental health and clients. I feel so blessed to be where I am today. If I could go back in time, I think I would have started right after the end of the Covid lockdown but I believe everything happens when it’s supposed to.

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?

My name is Stephanie Wells. I’m a New Mexico native who was born in CA. I went to UNM for Criminology and Psychology and worked as a Paralegal for four years. I very quickly realized that sitting behind a desk all day was not for me. I have struggled with acne for my whole preteen and adult life, and I had always taken an interest in my own skincare, so that led me to starting an esthetics career at Aveda Institute New Mexico. I grew up without a mother, so I really wanted to learn how to properly help myself with my own skin, as well as being able to help others. I own a skincare and waxing studio, body waxing and eyebrow services being my primary services. What sets me apart from others is the time and dedication I place into each and every service. I make sure I get every hair and that every client’s needs are met. I also strive to provide a safe space for people to feel at home while they visit my studio. I am most proud of how far I’ve some. I’ve learned so much about how to perfect my craft and how to run a business. My biggest pride and joy aside from my business is the digital ebook I wrote this year about how to get and maintain a solid clientele. My clients truly are everything to me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started studying the reels community on Instagram. I was very new to the reels part of social media and at first was a little camera shy to be honest. I started learning how the algorithm works, and how to make pretty much anything relevant to what you are marketing. Almost any trending sound can be applied to you and your services that you provide. My advice would be to not get in your head too much about what other people think. That doubt will hinder your future success, and you have to stay out of your own head. Also don’t listen to any negative comments or feedback people may leave on your reels. Have fun with it and show your true self. Potential customers like to see who they are booking with and that shows confidence in the way you present yourself. It also puts the client at ease knowing they can trust you. They’ll feel like they know you before even booking with you – which could lead to a new client!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Hands down my one piece of advice – this is huge. You HAVE to market yourself. I know it seems redundant and tedious but you have to talk about yourself so that people know about you and the services that you provide. Social media is free so use it to your advantage! Also taking business cards and/or gift bags to local businesses helps!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Citrusskinbarabq.square.site
• Instagram: citrusskinbar

Image Credits

Salt west photo