Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Dillard.
Alicia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from high school, I joined the Navy and was stationed on an Aircraft Carrier out of San Diego. One of our ports of call during a Westpac was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I experienced my first facial there and I’ll never forget it. I loved the atmosphere of the spa; it was designed beautifully, smelled amazing, and was very tranquil. During that hour, I felt so relaxed and special. And I just knew that having the opportunity to make others feel the same way would be very rewarding. So, I began to make that dream a reality by enrolling in Esthetics school at JeBoutique College of Esthetics in California and I later graduated from the International School of Skin, Nailcare and Massage Therapy in Atlanta, GA.
My first position as an Esthetician was at a salon and spa in Stockbridge, GA, which is an ideal place to begin building a clientele. You show up, talk to clients, pass out your business cards, and take walk-ins. I loved where I worked, but I ended up moving to Columbus, GA a year later and had to start all over. I took a position in a small spa and began to pursue a degree in Fine Arts/Art History. That spa turned out not to be the best fit for me professionally so I worked some retail jobs while I was in school and I waited for another spa opportunity to present itself. While I never intended to leave my career as an Aesthetician, I believed obtaining a degree was important.
I wasn’t entirely sure how these two fields would intersect until recently. I just completed a Microblading Certification, which is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that enhances the brows through the creation of very fine hair-like strokes. This has given me an opportunity to blend my passion for art with my love of working one on one in the treatment room. I currently have a suite inside of Kerry Mac Salon and Spa where I offer all of my services. My business is growing at a steady pace and I am excited to see what the future has in store!
Has it been a smooth road?
I started out as an employee in a spa and now I am self-employed. I am constantly learning as I go. This has become one of my favorite things about being a small business owner. Being able to solve problems creatively and on my own terms is extremely liberating. One of the ongoing struggles I have faced is the polarization of being in a treatment room as well as being the only Aesthetician where I work. However, along with a couple of Aesthetician friends, I have found some amazing online groups that have become indispensable.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a Certified Aesthetician with 15 years of experience in the treatment room. I believe in using natural skin care products that are combined with active ingredients to optimize results. I provide Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, and Chemical facial peels. In addition to facials, I offer Sugaring hair removal which is preferred for its longevity and gentleness on the skin. Along with my spa services, I am now a Certified Microblading Artist, which allows me to bring my artistic nature into the treatment room. My attention to detail along with meeting the needs and desires of each of my clients is my number one priority. I am always striving to improve my client’s experience.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I only know of a handful of salons and spas that might have positions open for beginning Estheticians in my area, which can be discouraging. A career in the treatment room requires time and patience. I don’t think it matters what city you’re in, you have to be persistent. However, the beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and growing. So, I believe that there is always a potential for beauty professionals and entrepreneurs to build a successful business in this field. They just have to be ready and willing to hustle.
Pricing:
- Microblading $295
- Facials $50-$125
- Hair Removal a la carte $13-$120
- Lash/Brow tint $20 each
Contact Info:
- Address: 6039 Gateway Rd.
Columbus, GA 31909 - Website: http://www.seedlingbyalicia.com
- Phone: 706-570-7009
- Email: seedlingbyalicia@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/seedlingbyalicia
- Facebook: facebook.com/seedlingbyalicia
Image Credit:
Franklin Dillard
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