Meet Lauren Holmes of O’Réal Aesthetics Medspa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Holmes.

Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am from Stone Mountain, GA and got into Esthetics right after graduating High School. In the beginning, I had no clue what I wanted to do until my Aunt Marica suggested that I pursue being an Esthetician since I was already into my skin and makeup. At the time, I didn’t know anything about what an Esthetician was. My aunt took me to a local spa in the city for a facial and I fell in love with everything and asked the Esthetician who did my facial where did she go to school and what other services she provide in her career. I wanted to help and be a part of that industry to make a client feel confident and beautiful because I used to struggle with acne and hyperpigmentation. I enrolled at International School of Skin and Nailcare in Sandy Springs, GA and have been in this career ever since. I completed the Esthetics program in 2006, back then there weren’t many Estheticians when I went on interviews that looked like me. My goal and passion was to learn and feel comfortable with all skin types but specialize in ethnic skin with expertise.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since I enrolled in the Esthetics program so young at the age of 19, there were some struggles trying to get hired at spas because a lot of them thought I wasn’t the right fit for their clientele and wanted an older Esthetician with more experience than me. I would send my resumes to all the day spas in Atlanta just wanting an opportunity to join their team. I took buses and trains everyday to get to my interviews and jobs. I also enrolled in continuing education classes to stay up on what was new in the industry. When I did get hired, the spa jobs were part-time with little pay. After years of working for day spas, I switched my career focus to the Medspa field. I loved the idea of clients coming in for advanced treatments and being committed to their skincare journey instead of working at a day spa only doing pampering treatments. My dream was to open up my own med spa in the city and offer advanced facials, laser hair removal, chemical peels and have a clientele of all ethnicity to get serviced with treatments that provided real results. I wanted to create my own opportunity without needing approval from others who couldn’t see my potential.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2018, I opened O’Réal Aesthetics Medspa that is now located in Buckhead. I have 16 years of experience and offer laser hair removal, advanced facials, chemical peels, hydrafacials, microneedling and teeth whitening. We have a Nurse Practitioner at our medspa and she offers botox, fillers and kybella. What sets me apart from others is that I am one of the few women of color in Atlanta who offers laser hair removal services, and I am comfortable with all skin types. The laser we offer is the Cynosure Elite+. It is safe and effective for everyone. Our laser does spider veins removal, laser hair removal, acne/hyperpigmentation removal and skin rejuvenation. I am a licensed Laser Practitioner through the Georgia Medical Boards along with being a Licensed Esthetician through State Board. Our medspa also has a training facility where I offer advanced training classes for other Licensed Estheticians and Nurses wanting to get into the Esthetics industry. Our training facility is also available for others to reserve and host their own training classes. With my brand, I am most proud that our medspa carry our very own medical grade skincare line called O’Réal Skincare. This product gives clients the best home aftercare management and can be purchased on our website or at our medspa.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to always continue to believe in yourself and to take chances. It took me years to open up my Medspa business because I was so afraid of failing and thinking how I would build my clientele. I’ve been blessed with amazing people around me who have pushed me and encouraged me that if I can work for someone else all those years and build their clientele that I can do the same for myself. All the knowledge I have gained through the years has given me the opportunity to build this brand. I am very grateful for all the lessons and skills I have learned from working for other day spas and med spas because I learned what I wanted to implement at O’Réal Aesthetics Medspa.

Pricing:

• Starting at $175

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://orealaesthetics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orealaestheticsmedspa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OReal-Aesthetics-MedSpa-485347745279534/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/o-r%C3%A9al-aesthetics-medspa-atlanta

Image Credits
Photographer: Michael D. Images Photographer: I Am N Focus Photography Hair Stylist: Bree Robinson at Bee Hyve Beauti Makeup Artist: Celina Mae Beauty