We were lucky to catch up with Tonita Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tonita , appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Being a Nurse for over 20 years gave me an advantage point in the fact that people are more likely to trust you due to your credentials. My first full paying client was a complete stranger; however she was referred to me by someone that saw an Instagram video that I posted of me performing a facial on my husband. I was so excited to meet her that I added on a custom treatment to her facial free of cost. I was super nervous but of course I pretended to be confident as if I had been doing this for years. I made sure to complete a thorough skin analysis and consultation paying special attention to my client’s concerns while addressing all of her questions. Half way through her facial treatment she was sharing stories about her family. It was at this moment that I knew that we had made a genuine connection and that she was relaxed and felt safe in my care. Upon completion, I gave her the mirror and her reaction was priceless. She was overwhelmed with satisfaction and happiness a to how her glowing skin looked. This made me feel extremely happy and grateful . When she stood up she asked if she could give me a hug and proceeded to schedule her next treatment. She also tipped me $30 which was also greatly appreciated. This was the beginning of me establishing genuine connections with each client while providing quality service and excellent customer service.

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?

I’m a retired military Nurse. I served honorably in the U.S. Army for 20 years. While serving, I worked for a Dermatologist for 3 years and had a passion for skincare. I had suffered from acne scarring in my younger years and was a “Product Junkie,” always trying new skincare products in hopes of clearing up my skincare issues.

When I retired I had the desire to work at a MedSpa because I wanted to perform facials and help others with skincare concerns to achieve healthy glowing skin. I could not get a job at any of the spas that I applied to.

I decided to take a risk and go to Houston, TX to train under another Nurse Aesthetician . She gave me the motivation to start my own buisness. My husband was behind me 100% and he even received training in teeth whitening. We decided to go into business together and form, “Haus of Smiles.”

I started with family and friends which led to a larger clientele consisting of people that I didn’t know.

Having a nursing background helps, but I believe having a genuinely caring and compassionate heart is what sets me apart. I pride myself in excellent customer service.

Like our name, “Haus of Smiles,” everyone leaves feeling better than they came and with a genuine smile. We have amazing clients and I also attribute our success to the genuine relationships and connections r
that we form with each client.

We’re extremely grateful for every client that takes time to leave us honest reviews on Google. Also, for everyone that continues to refer others to us.

I personally specialize in luxury facials and corrective skincare. I run an Acne BootCamp for clients who suffer from mild to severe acne. I help them to achieve clear, healthy skin through a series of customized facials and a thorough at home skincare regimen. We’re a team and we work together to accomplish their skincare goals.

I want every client to feel important, respected, and appreciated. It is my goal to exceed their expectations consistently. I’m honest and open with communicating with them. This is how we build trusting relationships.

Currently our practice is growing because I personally believe in being a forever student staying abreast of new evidence based practices. I’m in the process of completing accreditation for being a certified Nurse Injector. I will be offering Botox and Dermal fillers very soon.

Please stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram at Haus of Smiles. You may also subscribe to our website for updates and special promotions. www.thehausofsmiles.com

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I consider myself a serial entrepreneur because along with my husband, we have multiple businesses. I’m an author and I do speaking events. I have a non-profit organization working with the youth. I also have a Home Healthcare business, as well as being a landlord for multiple tenants. My son and I also have an apparel business called “Curse Breaker Apparel, Co.” This business was another passion of mine started back in 2017 with my cousin while I was still serving on active duty. Due to a deployment and my extended absence; my cousin and I had to dissolve the business, which is when the name changed from “Fashion Remix Boutique.”

This business idea was always my “Baby.” I love fashion and have always loved to make people look and feel good.

My son presented the term Generational Curse Breaker to me and we decided to put it on a hoodie. We had many conversations about the true meaning and how we were both breaking curses in our real life.

The more we talked about it and shared on our social media platforms with others the more the idea and concept came to life that this idea wasn’t about a hoodie, but far greater. It is a movement. We want to have a positive impact on generations to come.

We embody the term “Curse Breaker,” over our lives, and the lives of others that we come in contact with.

By our definition a Generational Curse Breaker is someone who is committed to building a legacy by breaking the cycle of emotional, mental, and financial poverty that previously plagued their bloodline.

As I said, this business is my “Baby,” but I had to come to terms that I could no longer stretch myself by running this business along with everything else I have going on.

As my Aesthetics business is growing, I had to pivot and do a hand-off to my son and my daughter-n-law. I provide minimal support in the background now. This was very hard, but necessary. I honestly feel like he has been properly trained and equipped with the resources and tools that he needs to carry the business to the next level of success.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business and life partner is my husband. I knew of him from our childhood. I say “Knew of him,” because, although we didn’t personally know each other, we grew up in the same neighborhood and his sister became bestfriends with my sister.

Many years later our paths crossed and I believe that the past familiarity was the thing that made our encounter feel natural and easy. Our connection was instant and here we are over 15 years later going stronger than ever and running multiple businesses together.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thehausofsmiles.com
• Instagram: The Haus of Smiles
• Facebook: The Haus of Smiles
• Linkedin: Tonita Williams-Smith
• Youtube: All Things MsTonita and The Smith’s Hustle