Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ahji Prioleau.
Ahji, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Ahji Prioleau, a multifaceted creative who has finally found one thing aside from music that I plan to do for the rest of my life. I graduated from high school in 2012 and got accepted into Oglethorpe University on scholarship, but I dropped out. I genuinely wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and allowed the doubts of my mind to derail me.
In the summer of 2013, I re-enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College, where I went until 2015 or 16, but dropped out again after failing Organic Chemistry II and Calculus. Thinking back, I should have gone to nursing school but did not have proper counsel and was unsure how to utilize my credits to make the change. Between 2015 and 2019, I networked and traveled, which allowed me to meet every walk of life that assisted me in acting in films and shows, becoming a published model, starting my music career, and experiencing life in my 20s.
At 27, I became a mother to a beautiful baby girl, got Certified in User Design, and did some open-source work, but I was unsatisfied. After my daughter turned nine months, I decided to utilize the new wisdom obtained by enrolling in Esthetics school. God has a unique way of making things come full circle because I had talked myself out of it for ten years by listening to others who said it wasn’t an authentic field. Boy, were they wrong!
I began my traveling/mobile business, Serenity Paradise Spa L.L.C, while in school, and now that I am a Licensed Esthetician, I can offer more services than just facials. The start-up has been a blessing by allowing me to create income, have hours prioritizing motherhood, and do what I love every time I service.
My message to anyone that has a vision.. Go for it! The people you look up to get where they are because they failed and failed again until they got it right, and you will also. Although I’m still in the process of getting everything together… Take the risk. It’s always worth the rewards.
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?
Has it been smooth, not in the slightest, but has it been worth it? EVERY TIME! Choosing to be a single mother and not return to the familiar was difficult. Starting a business has its ups and downs, but it’s a process I’d do all over again.
Finding a schedule that allowed me to keep my daughter out of daycare was the most strenuous part because I somehow made time to be a mother, teacher, student, entrepreneur, and creative all at the same time, and let me tell you firsthand, prayer works, and it is ok to cry. Remember that you are further than where you started, and God put you on this path for a reason. Trust him and adjust.
We’ve been impressed with Serenity Paradise Spa L.L.C, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Serenity Paradise Spa L.L.C came to life while attending Hogan I.C.E. I realized I had not seen many people offering traveling services instead of utilizing a suite or W2s. Thankfully, I know enough business minds who appreciate convenience because that helps keep business steady.
Currently, I specialize in Corrective Treatments specific to acne and hyperpigmentation and Waxing from the neck down, and constantly learning new techniques and treatments to add more services to my menu. My approach to keeping clientele engaged is by remaining receptive, personal gestures, and making sure pricing is affordable for everyone as best as possible.
For example, I had a wonderful group of six women book me recently, so my custom gesture for them was a charcuterie board. Whereas my solo clients have gotten things like a back scratcher or a paradise package (loofah, back scratcher, and products), it depends on the preferred service and their concerns or likes.
Serenity Paradise Spa L.L.C provides a luxury experience to an everyday skincare routine by curating paradise for you. You may book any service via my website, Vagaro.com/SerenityParadiseSpa, by sending a Direct Message on Instagram to @SerenityParadiseSpa, via phone at 678-310-4105, or by email at SerenityParadiseSpaWellness@gmail.com.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, so resources that help me do my best in life, both work and personal life, include the Bible app, which keeps me connected to God because He has helped me when nobody else has. @Dreamskynwaxandwellness, @SlayybyLayy, @7skin._, and others on Instagram have helped my technique, business knowledge, product knowledge, and more.
I would recommend them to anyone. @AuthorCWilson books have allowed me to leave work at work and enjoy my time because, honey, those books come with substance, and I may not do drama, but I love to read it. @KittieJRose is a virtual therapist who holds me accountable whether I like it or not. She tells it like it is, and that unbiased viewpoint has changed my perspective and made me adjust, which has only made me better as an entrepreneur and individual.
Finally, @85SouthShow & @PourMinds, these podcasts have helped me get through everything. The pandemic, heartbreak, pregnancy, school, following my passion, and it’s because they are genuine and speak to all parts of me. The creative, the businesswoman, the mother, the friend, the musician, the outgoing friend, you name it. I appreciate these individuals more than they know.
Pricing:
- MicroMini Experience 1) Ages 13 & Younger $30 2) Allow the youth to experience luxury through sensitive skin and express facial. 3) Cucumber eyes, facial cleanse and massage, and jelly mask
- Paradise Facial 1) Ages 14 – 17 $50 2) Hormones and acne make everyone self-conscious but you don’t have to be 3) Focuses on acne, hyperpigmentation, and any other skin concerns 4) 45 minutes curated with you in mind
- Man Crush Monday 1) $45 Sir, let me cater two u with a double cleanse 2) Beard exfoliation and any necessary extractions 3) Facial massage and custom mask to ensure you look and feel as amazing as you are
- Full Body Paradise 1) $125 Indulge in your peace of mind with this combination treatment 2) Includes Hot stones and Jade rollers to assist with relaxation 3) All the perks on the Serenity Facial and Bliss Back Facial
- Group Rates start at $300
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenityparadisespa/
- SoundCloud: https://music.apple.com/us/album/love-jones-single/1538366515
- Other: https://tidal.com/browse/album/160693229
Image Credits
James Hogan
