We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zhane Bushrod a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Zhane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
Becoming a business owner has been one of my greatest accomplishments with going through all of the trails and tribulations. I honestly wouldn’t change my process because it has molded me into being a better entrepreneur.
Since starting I’ve been retracing my steps to ensure all avenues have been corrected so that I can connect with a larger audience. I’ve been working with a brand developer to bring my vision to life as of May 2023 after consulting with her for a year. We’ve redone my logo, mission statement, and brand book thus far with other upcoming projects to come. Also, I’ve been being more attentive with my spending habits while monitoring inventory to stay within a consistent budget so that eventually after I’m done with my research I can start working towards building and maintaining business credit as its just important to have outside of actual revenue for capital. Choosing a great location is also important as when I first started I was so eager to work solo I chose a location that wasn’t as accessible for my potential target audience. Once I made all of the necessary adjustments my brand and business has began to head in the direction I need it to.
Zhane, 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?
My name is Zhane Bushrod, 26, a single mother of an 11 year old girl, and also a Washingtonian. I began my esthetics journey in 2015 enrolling into Aveda after attending an orientation for massage therapy and esthetics.
I stayed for the orientation only to find out by the director that the DMV area only offers esthetics and that the Miami area offers both. I didn’t let that influence me to feel discouraged.
Once I started the journey I was very eager to learn more about skin and proven results through trail and error on myself. My first love was administering facials. Then, my niche changed in 2020 after receiving multiple inquires in reference to if I would be interested in providing services part time during the pandemic. I agreed, it has been one of the best decisions I made career wise in a while. As of September 30, 2022 I now wax full time as an esthetican with working both with a company in Capitol Hill – DC full time and solo on the weekends at my suite in Temple Hills – MD.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source for me thus far in business to gain new clientele has been word of mouth from current clients but also “Groupon”. A lot of my clientele came from Groupon. However, I was able to retain them through excellent customer service and meeting them half way by not being too expensive as group-on has a lot of great bargain deals.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I keep in contact with my clients through my booking portal. I use a platform called Booksy where I can connect with my clients by sending out message blast through the portal to all of them at once. Occasionally I do follow up via text message to ensure appointments are confirmed but not limited to making sure my clients are doing well.
Brand loyalty is offered after a guest refers another guest or leaves a review. When a guest is referred by someone that person and the person that was referred can both either receive a complimentary underarm or eyebrow service. When a guest leaves a review they can save $5 at their next visit.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Skin_Prettynightmare