Community Highlights: Meet Ameenah Lynch of SkinOver Co. & The Suite Lounge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ameenah Lynch.

Hi Ameenah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Virginia native living across the seven cities over the years. How I became an esthetician, well I was introduced to the industry about 8 or 9 years ago by my best friend but unfortunately where I was at in life going to school for esthetics really wasn’t what I was trying to do. A few years later I decided I wanted to make some changes in my life so I decided to do just that. I enrolled in the Merchant Seaman apprenticeship program and started on the journey of what I thought to be my “life changing” career. Well, that only lasted for about a year but during that year I did decide and begin to plan a new career in the esthetics industry. In 2018, I set out to begin my journey to become an esthetician.

Upon graduating my Professional program, I did what any newbie would do and I started applying for positions for estheticians and front desk positions at local spas and wax centers. Well, that didn’t last long as no one really wanted to hire me because of lack of experience and no clientele. So why not try to do this on my own, so I set up my first treatment space in my home. No privacy, no fancy decor, just a wax pot, massage table, and facial machine that barely got any use.

When I started on my own I wanted to solely focus on facial services but the girls were only booking me for waxing but that was ok with me because honestly it help me build my confidence in the treatment room and with my clients who I didn’t know.

I was blessed with an amazing partner who seen a lot more in me than I did and one day decided I should have a brick-and-mortar location. Now me not knowing anything about business, didn’t really know what to do. I didn’t feel ready to be a “Boss” and have to micromanage people or make schedules and stuff like that. So we decided to open our first Salon Suite location, “The Suite Lounge” in Virginia Beach where we house other beauty professionals and their businesses.

Yes, I am still a full-time Esthetician operating from my personal treatment space located in Portsmouth Virginia. I specialize in intimate waxing, corrective skincare treatments, and I am in the process of becoming a Licensed instructor. My goal is to keep growing my businesses and further my education so I can help others on their journey to become their best selves.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Whew, no not at all. Coming into this industry so many knew what esthetics or estheticians were. Then one day it just started raining estheticians lol. I will say one of my biggest struggles is comparison but what I have learned over time is “DO YOU” do not focus on what nobody else is doing lock in on you. Your journey, your path. God chose you for this specific assignment.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SkinOver Co. & The Suite Lounge?
So SkinOver Co., is my baby. This is my Esthetics Practice where I specialize in intimate waxing, body treatments, & other skincare treatments. I also offer wax training to fellow estheticians looking to up their waxing skills. What I am most proud of in my business is my growth and client retention over the years. Having clients that have stuck with me through my journey is really a blessing.

The Suite Lounge is my salon suite space located in Virginia Beach. Here we home a range of businesses from lashes to hair restoration services. What I am most proud of in this business is being able to help others grow in business. I get a lot of tenants fresh out of school and really don’t know what they are doing or which direction to take in their business. So being able to somewhat guide them and give them real down-to-earth information about business really makes me feel good.

Any big plans?
I have a lot of big plans for the future. My ULTIMATE goal is to one day own and operates my own Esthetics School/ training center. Along with another project but me and God still working on that one so ima keeps it on the low lol. I do want to travel more in my business and connect with other estheticians and salon owners across the world.

Pricing:

• I do offer 1 on 1 training classes for waxing that starts at $650

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/SkinOver.Co. , www.instagram.com/the.suite.lounge