Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Flanagan MCcoggle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was working at a law firm for over three years when I felt like I needed more out of life. I wasn’t sure if it was a better position or a new job. I didn’t want to get back into the job-finding pool simply because it was hard finding the current one I had at that time. I scrambled up the courage to ask my manager if I could apply for a higher position within the firm. I was bored in the position that I had and I felt like I needed a change. To my surprise, she agreed with me and approved my transfer. She needed to confirm the position with her boss first before I could officially start. The following day she informed me that the boss’s daughter is coming home for summer vacation with a few friends and they need positions, He gave his daughter’s friend the position I was promised. My manager at the time called me in the office and sat me down informing me of the news that she too was taken back by. I was told that I could still switch positions in the firm but my pay had to stay the same. Needless to say, I was very disappointed and I knew I couldn’t continue working at a job that didn’t see my worth.
AliciaDion Beauty was created working at that law firm. I started to ask myself what I could do every single day. At that time, I had a beauty blog where I posted about natural hair tutorials, skincare and beauty buys, Makeup was something else I was starting to fall in love with but there was still so much to learn. I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go into with my beauty blog but I knew that was something that I enjoyed doing after work. It also wasn’t lucrative enough for me to quit my job. Makeup however, was something that I saw myself doing long term and I loved it enough to explore my options.
While surfing the internet, I came across Esthetic Schools. I saw that by getting my Esthetician License I’ll be licensed to do facials but most importantly makeup professionally. Facials and makeup went hand and hand so I felt like that was perfect. When I decided on the school, I saw that it was located 5-7 mins away from my job. The school having a night program and being less than 10 mins away was everything I needed to start a new chapter. I can admit I was still hesitant so I scheduled a tour of the campus and the financial advisor said something to me that I will never forget. When I walk in with the financial advisor’s office and we get the financial part out of the way. He asked if I would like to start in the mid-February program. The next Quater started in less than two weeks and I wasn’t planning on making a decision at that time. I needed to go home discuss it with my husband, and figure out scheduling for our son. He looks at me and says ” If you don’t start today, you won’t start”. That spoke to me because I talked myself out of doing things all the time and I was doing the same thing. I sat down and I signed up at that moment. It’s a decision I’m so glad I made. After being enrolled for over a month or so I fell in love with facials. Makeup was no longer something that I desired to do professionally. I focused on expanding my skills and knowledge on skincare treatments and products.
I graduated Esthetic school in April 2018, I continued my job at the law firm during the day and I worked my business when I got off. During that time, I worked my full-time five days a week and my business was seven days a week. I continued that schedule for over a year. By Sept. 3 2019, I was able to quit my job and work for myself full-time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had a few bumps in the road. None I’m sure other small businesses haven’t experienced as well. I guess my biggest struggle would be the financial side of the business. The things you were not told in school or ever. I had my business for over a year before I knew I needed business credit. I’ve learned from a few mistakes and I’ll never stop learning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
AliciaDion Beauty has been voted Georgia’s Best Esthetician in year 2021 & 2022.
We will provide you with the finest treatments available in a beautiful, Zen environment and to help you develop a healthy lifestyle through a wide range of personalized beauty services. Including, customized facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Hydrabrsion and Radiofrequency, Dermaplaning, lash extensions and more.
Our Vision:
We are not about spa trends but offer spa treatments that provide the utmost in relaxation and rejuvenation, along with the latest developments in skincare, anti-aging, acne treatment and other spa services.
Embark on your journey.
Our Motto:
Beauty to me ranges in so many different areas. I believe that beauty is what you believe it to be. Just be authentic!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Once you envision your dream. Write it down so you can now see your dream. Then every day you make that dream come to life little by little. The best advice that I can give anyone is don’t be afraid to ask questions. I started out doing everything by myself which of course I’m proud of. I realized that I couldn’t do it all and there were things that I was educated on. Asking a trusted mentor or advisor will be so beneficial in your journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for the each one, teach one.
Pricing:
- Consultation Facial – $50
- Signature Facial – $115
- Hydrobrasion and Radion Frequency Facial – $160
- Dermaplaning Facial – $130
- Microdermabrasion – $130
Contact Info:
- Website: AliciaDion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciadion_beauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliciadionbeauty
