We recently connected with Tiffany Simons and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tiffany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?

When I graduated from esthetics school, there weren’t many options for estheticians. The main paths were either working for a big corporation, which was often highly sales-driven, or booth renting. I chose to booth rent right out of school, and from there, I eventually opened my own small location. That experience turned out to be one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in business so far.

At my first location, I didn’t do the proper vetting, which led to a legal dispute involving my landlord and their landlord. This unfortunate situation forced me to move my business back into my home temporarily. Later, I was able to rent a small room, where I worked for about two years while rebuilding my practice. Then, by chance, I found my current location, and I’ve been here for nearly six years now.

Knowing what I know now, I did things very differently the second time around. I ensured that the person I was renting from was the actual property owner, and I confirmed that the space was coded and approved by the city to operate as a spa. I also saved money and tackled a lot of DIY projects to get my space up and running without overspending.

My advice to young professionals considering starting their own practice? Start small. Booth rent from a well-established owner first, and focus on building your clientele for 2-3 years. This way, you’ll have a solid foundation and a clearer vision when it’s time to step out on your own.

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 originally set out to become a registered nurse or nurse practitioner. Straight out of high school, I went to college and completed all the prerequisites to enroll in a nursing program. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t passionate about nursing. I was pursuing it because I’d been told it was the “best” career choice for me. Eventually, I decided to take a break to figure things out—and I never went back.

During that time, I worked various full-time jobs in customer service, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. Then, one night, I stumbled upon a makeup tutorial on YouTube, and for the first time in a long time, I felt genuine joy. I was inspired and wanted to learn everything about makeup! That spark marked the beginning of my journey into the beauty industry.

I moved to Florida from Kansas City, MO, and spent my time there practicing and refining my skills. During that period, my now-husband proposed, and I decided to move back home. When I returned to Kansas City, I enrolled in what I thought was a makeup artist school. My dream was to become a celebrity makeup artist! The counselor assured me I was on the right track, and I signed my contract. But as it turned out, the program was focused on esthetics and skincare, not just makeup.

At first, I felt tricked and upset, but I decided to stay—and I’m so glad I did. I unexpectedly discovered my passion. Learning about skincare and how to help others transform their skin was a joy I hadn’t anticipated.

Since becoming an esthetician, I’ve had incredible opportunities and achieved milestones I’m proud of. My proudest moments, however, come from teaching student estheticians. Sharing knowledge and watching them grow in this field is something I truly cherish.

Today, I embrace the full spectrum of my talents and skills in esthetics. I’m a proud makeup artist, waxer, and skin therapist specializing in acne—and I also love teaching students! I’ve learned that you don’t have to narrow yourself into just one niche to succeed. My goal is to help my clients feel confident and cared for while inspiring and equipping future estheticians to follow their own paths in this ever-evolving industry.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I love this question because, while training and knowledge are crucial in our industry, there are other equally important qualities that often don’t get enough attention.

One of the most important traits for succeeding as an esthetician is integrity. Being a person of integrity and welcoming to everyone is essential. In this field, clients often share deeply personal moments with you as they trust you to help them with their concerns. It’s important to be not just a skilled professional, but also a compassionate human—a listening ear when they need it most.

Success also comes from taking things one step at a time. Building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals through networking can open doors you might never have expected. Social media is another powerful tool for growing your business. Letting go of the fear of rejection and putting yourself out there is key. Every idea has potential; it just needs the right research and execution.

Lastly, knowing how to use your resources and being willing to ask for help can make all the difference. Collaboration and learning from others can help you grow both personally and professionally. Success isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about how you connect with others and approach challenges with resilience and an open mind.!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of my journey—and a true testament to my resilience—was during the time I worked as a school bus driver for nearly five years. While I was preparing to open my current location, I needed extra money to cover the costs of painting and other essentials.

At 34 weeks pregnant with my second daughter, I took on an opportunity that many wouldn’t have considered. I flew from Kansas City, MO, to Memphis, TN, to drive an 84-passenger flat-nose bus, with no air conditioning, all the way to Los Angeles. It was an intense journey, to say the least, but I did it because I was determined to create the space I had envisioned for my business.

Looking back, it was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it reminded me of the lengths I’m willing to go for my dreams. That experience reinforced my belief in perseverance and sacrifice. When you’re passionate about what you’re building, you find a way to make it happen—no matter the obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SknClusivebeautyspa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sknclusivespa/profilecard/?igsh=MWYzZTZ3c2Nyb2xxbw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/157YMeb8ao/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sknclusivebeautyspa?_t=8rpIIgmzpCU&_r=1

Image Credits

Photography by Tania Olah of Visuals by Tania