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

Zentavia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I actually did not start working in my field until 2021. but i graduated from my esthetics program in 2018. Everyone that hired me wanted to hire me for management or front desk positions so i worked as an admin or manager for a few years. My first real job as an Esthetician was when i went solo in 2021. I was desperate to grow and use my license so i decided to start my own business. I shared a suite with a friend and we split the cost every month. I paid $200 a month to occupy a small room in a busy hispanic salon. It was always noisy in the salon because all the rooms were rented out to hairstylists, nail techs, and barbers. My friend and I were the only estheticians there at the time. Imagine performing spa services in a high traffic hair salon. It was horrible, but i was proud of myself for taking the risk and starting. I don’t think i stayed the entire year there but i’ve been solo ever since.

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 am a licensed Esthetician that specializes in acne and hyperpigmentation for skin of color. My mission is to build confidence in black and brown women while providing a high quality luxury experience. I also am a certified Gut Health Specialist. With my Gut Health Certification I teach people how to eat cleaner, and become healthier. I’ve paired this certification with being an esthetician so that i can heal acne using an inside out approach.

I went to Esthetics school in 2017 and graduated in 2018. I started working as a solo esthetician in 2021. What sets me apart from others in my field is me. My approach to skincare, the way i tailor my services and the customer service sets me apart from other estheticians.

I am currently rebranding and plan to relaunch in 2024.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I absolutely not! The beauty industry is my industry. The only thing i would change is my approach to becoming a solo esthetician at the time that i did. I’ve learned so much. If i knew back then what i know now, I would be more successful.

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

Putting yourself out there. This field is all about being bold. You have to work hard, put yourself out there and network, get to know people and pitch yourself. You are a walking brand at all times. You also have to be consistent. Consistency builds trust and trust gains clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zenestheticsllc.com
• Instagram: @zenesthetics