We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stevie McCord. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stevie below.
Stevie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
Of the two decades that I’ve been in the industry more than half of it was in training and education. I worked for some very reputable luxury professional brands and had the pleasure of traveling internationally and training other Spa Owners, Directors, Estheticians and Massage Therapists. I then stopped to jump into becoming a Spa Director and managed different sized spas. Then, the last spa that I worked for, I jumped in the room full time and started to build a clientele. The owner of that neighborhood spa in the heights decided to close the spa. I automatically wanted to go back INTO education again as it was my comfort zone but then my clients started to find me through the magic of social media and encouraged me to start working for myself. With their loyalty and my drive to jump yet again into another uncomfortable journey, I started renting a small studio. That was the beginning of Heights Skincare just six years ago. I grew so quickly that just three years ago I expanded to a 3,000 sq foot facility in the heights and opened up a Full Service Spa and Wellness facility. All was going so well then exactly one year to the day that I expanded COVID happened. I then learned my most pivotal lesson which is what I would share with any new professional. Always keep it small, efficient and be cautious when thinking you want to have a much larger practice.
The happiest Estheticians I know are solo estheticians…. almost all of the larger spa owners and directors are stressed out.
When you work and serve IN the room you really will be a mess if managing a huge operation and serving your clients…. it’s doing a disservice to them. Even though I have an opportunity to go big again I will never take it. I LOVE enjoying my time with my clients and making them my focus along with growing my skincare brand. I have the time, energy and passion which isn’t fading because I’ve found balance.
Keep it small. Be genuine. Remember, your clients are your boss…. without them you cannot grow so be kind and go above and beyond with your service . They can get a facial anywhere but only you have your touch and intention and they will be loyal if a true connection is made. My clients ARE my family and I can’t imagine life without them.
Stevie , 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 have been in the spa and skincare industry for almost all of my life. My first job was at The Body Shop at age 15. I had always been interested in creating products as a dear family friend was an herbalist and gardener. She taught me how to make distillations, hydrosols ,essential oils and ointments, all using plant medicine with a more natural way of approaching skin challenges. At age 8, under her wing, I was officially obsessed. So I guess when I was working at The Body Shop at 15, I already had a basic understanding of essential oils but then I learned about other ingredients for skin and body applications. So that’s when my product ingredient passion was ignited. I finished school and have my CIDESCO diploma which is the highest level in the Spa World, then continued on to study for another year at The College of Holistic Studies then took every advanced class I could and with my advanced training and background was offered a role as an International Educator for a French Skincare line featured in some pretty exclusive resorts. I really got to learn about the difference in service at these resorts. I then decided to work for different clinical brands to get an understanding of all spectrums of the industry and really got such a wide variety of people to meet and learn from. It was a beautiful exchange of information both ways. What I bring that is truly different from any other esthetician is the fact that I have a very strong understanding of the products and treatments and can see through the trendy stuff out there and will not only offer an educated approach to their skin but I offer the level of service in line with a resort luxury facility yet have an intoxicating touch since I am also a massage therapist. Many estheticians don’t offer a ton of beneficial facial massage but not only do I do that but I incorporate lymphatic drainage and Reiki into each facial.
If they want corrective, I am well versed in that more so than the average bear.
I believe that when we do corrective treatments there must be balance for not only the skin but the soul too.
So we truly customize each experience. Speaking of customization, did I mention we make skin, body and cosmetics in house too? That’s right, we have a mixing bar so that consumers can learn more about it all if they want or just know that we are customizing their skincare. It’s bespoke
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think the biggest thing that helped build my reputation is being consistent and flexible schedule wise and them knowing that this is my passion and I will offer 100% for each of them and they will never feel like a number or just another person… they are my family. I care about every single one.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I’d choose it over and over again. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heightsskincare.com
- Instagram: @heightsskincare
- Facebook: HeightsSkincare
- Linkedin: Stevie McCord
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heights-skincare-houston-3?osq=Heights+Skincare
- Other: www.UrbanAlchemyLab.com This is my skincare collection and that journey.