Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Haley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been passionate about using beauty as a tool of empowerment. I deeply believe in the power of vulnerability and connection – through connecting with others and coming to know the beauty of each other’s stories, we come to a common ground which allows for true freedom and wholeheartedness. I did not start off in the beauty industry. I originally went to school at Penn State to be a speech therapist. From a young age, it was my dream to attend the school my family and I grew up visiting. When I graduated in 2015, I moved down to Atlanta to be a speech assistant for a school; however, I quickly realized it was not something I was passionate about or saw myself doing for the rest of my life. I decided to quit after a year and a half. I never thought I could make a living off of being a makeup artist let alone doing something I actually enjoyed.
Growing up, my Dad always taught me that whatever I do, make sure I’m passionate about it. Although it took some time to get my family on board with the idea of quitting my steady income full-time job with retirement to work at a hair salon, they eventually came around. To get my foot in the door, I used my organization and communication skills to work the front desk at a salon in Buckhead. I quickly fell in love with the fast-paced environment and sense of creativity that would be unraveled from within me. I began to educate myself on ingredients, makeup techniques, products and reaching out to makeup artists in the area to mentor me. I did free assistant work on commercial and film sets. Anything I could do to get my name out there.
As I started taking more and more clients, I realized the importance of having a healthy complexion for makeup application. As a young girl, I had always struggled with cystic acne and could never get a hold of how to properly treat it. After researching and trying hundreds of skincare lines and treatments, I realized I had a passion for achieving healthy skin along with makeup application. So I attended Esthetician school to complete 1,000 service hours and become a licensed skin care therapist. It was then that I found Skincare by Gabriela and immediately knew that was where I would begin this amazing journey as an Esthetician learning from some of the best Estheticians in the area for nearly 20 years. Through all of this, I have come to not only grow more passionate about skincare but also grow passionate about the process of loving one’s own self. I believe in the power of great skincare and makeup – as a tool that enables us to not only feel and look our best but even more as a tool to connect with one another – in a real, powerful way.
Has it been a smooth road?
It most definitely has been anything but smooth. I am going on my fifth year in Atlanta and am just now finding my community and roots in this city. It is hard moving to a place without knowing a single soul all while being miserable at a job you are not passionate about. I pondered the idea of moving back home to figure out what I wanted to do with my life but I knew that for me, doing that would mean I failed. Every day is a constant battle of self-worth and self-care versus giving into the depression I was diagnosed with as a teenager. Although this was only just a bump in the road, I learned how to navigate the chemical imbalance and use it as a way to empower others to not just look their best but more importantly feel good about themselves. To finally come out on the other side as happy, healthy, passionate, and eager to learn has been one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences that has shaped me into the woman I am today. With the support of my family, my community, and God, I mustered up the courage to follow a far off dream to do something I never knew could be possible for a small town girl from Harrisburg, PA. I love sharing my story with the women who sit in my chair every day and use my story as a platform to inspire.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Skincare by Gabriela has been around for nearly 20 years. When I came across this company, I immediately knew that it was a place I wanted to learn and flourish as an Esthetician. As a more result-oriented spa, we offer treatments from deep pore cleanses, dermaplaning, chemical peels, nano facials to waxing and electrolysis. At Gabriela’s we are known for our deep pore cleanses in which we empty out the pores on the face as well as our nano facial that uses cutting-edge nanotechnology to penetrate highly concentrated ingredients into the skin without any pain or downtime.
At Skincare by Gabriela we take most pride in our ethical practices by not pressing our clients to purchase products or unnecessarily upselling treatments all while still implementing results. One of Gabriela’s biggest values is honesty. We use honesty to build relationships with our clients, some we have been treating since 1998 when Gabriela’s first opened. In doing this, we create a safe place to achieve skincare results in a realistic way. I admire my incredible mentors, owner Natasha Grigorian and Rachel Russell who have trained me in some of the best advanced skincare the industry has to offer. I am honored and blessed to learn from them in such a positive and passionate work environment. Proud to be a part of Skincare by Gabriela’s team is an understatement.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Atlanta has been an amazing place to begin my career in the beauty industry. From film to weddings to spas all around the city, there are always opportunities to network and grow as a service provider. It can be intimidating to start off in a big city, but I encourage anyone who has a dream to not be afraid to put yourself out there if it’s something you are passionate about and makes you happy.
Pricing:
- Deep Pore Cleanse – $85- $95
- Dermaplaning $100-$175
- Nano Facial $130
Contact Info:
- Address: 3162 Johnson Ferry Rd.
Marietta, GA 30362 - Website: www.skincarebygabriela.com AND haleypiie.com
- Phone: 770-641-1888
- Email: haleypiie@gmail.com
- Instagram: haleypiie
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