Meet Ivana Benton of Ivana’s Beauty Garden in Stockbridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivana Benton.

Ivana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been interested in Skincare. I myself used to have bad skin and it didn’t make me feel good. Skin is the largest organ of our body. Why not take care of it?

I worked odd jobs here and there to make money, but I knew I did not always want to work for anyone. My mother told me one day about school to become an Esthetician. I attended and became a licensed esthetician. I started working at a spa. I was excited to do what I loved but still not satisfied.

I spoke to my support team.. (My family) and told them I thought about quitting and starting my own business. They were all for it! Though I was scared I stepped out on Faith. Yes, there has been struggles but that is just small compared to how much growth I have seen. With God on my side, the love from my family and the support and appreciation from my clients! I feel like Ivana’s Beauty Garden will do just fine.

Has it been a smooth road?
I believe, when working towards success there is never just a Smooth Road… I have been discouraged and hurt by a few potential clients. I work from home for the time being as I save/find the perfect building for my business. In my home, I have a designated room just for my clients, away from everything else so that they may feel comfortable. I have had a few potential clients come and turn away because I operate out of my house. For me, it is one of the most hurtful experiences. I wish that they would have just knocked on my door and come inside.. so they can see it for themselves how clean, and peaceful it is. Not to mention the amazing service I provide. It also makes me more anxious and feel the need to rush and find a building.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am an esthetician. I specialize in skincare. My services include; waxing, facials, foot detoxes, laser lipo, and dermaplaning. My products include; body scrubs and body butters.

Seeing my clients fall in love with their skin again is one of the proudest moments. I have clients who suffer from bad acne, Ingrown hairs, etc. When they receive my services or try my products and see great results… the reviews that are left. It is just amazing. It makes me happy because my goal is to have everyone proud of the skin that they’re in.

My passion and love for what I do sets me apart from others. You ever ate at someones home and the food they made wasn’t good? Then you eat the same meal at another’s home and their food is absolutely delicious!? Everyone can cook they can..anyone can go in the kitchen and make something on the stove or in the oven. However, not many people put love or as some of us say it (Their foot in it) in the food that they are making. That is what makes certain individuals food better than the next. I absolutely LOVE what I do. The smiles on my client’s faces, seeing their skin glow is truly one of the happiest moments for me. I am proud of myself when I see things like that.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The city of Atlanta is Huge. We all can have the same occupation and still everyone will be able to eat. There is a lot of opportunity here for Growth. The biggest part for me is Network! I strongly believe in networking. Get out there and promote yourself. When you provide a service for a client, make sure you do a phenomenal job. Word of mouth can either make you or break you.