We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Mattei a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kim , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Nothing has ever come easily to me in life. At a very young age I realized that I would have to work hard at everything I do in order to be successful. School was not easy for me. I struggled in the classroom but I worked hard in order to complete my school assignments and get good grades. I was a competitive swimmer with not a great deal of natural talent. I worked hard day in and out of the water to become a good swimmer. As a former teacher and coach, I worked hard to make sure my students and athletes got the best of me every single day. As a business owner, even after 13 years, I continuously work hard . I know that hard work pays off. I have seen it happen my entire life. I believe my work ethic comes from within. I have never been one to sit around and wait for things to happen. I am a “go getter” and an activator.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Licensed Aesthetican and owner of Believe In Yourself Spa, located in Arvada, Colorado. I love everything skin, but my primary focus is acne. As a former teacher and coach, I absolutely love teenagers. They are my favorite people! It is very difficult being a teenager in today’s world, so I do everything I can to help them feel good about themselves from the outside in. I do a lot of therapy with my guests as well, so my background in education comes in handy!
I believe that my philosophy in my spa is a little different from a traditional spa. My spa is not a fancy spa, but in a room in my home. Everyone who comes in starts as a stranger but leaves as a friend or even family! I get to know my guests and I truly care about them. I socialize with them and have been to birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, bridal and baby showers, weddings and funerals. My guests become part of my community and I feel so blessed. I also believe that skin care should be something that everyone can afford. It is very important for me to make my services and my products that I use affordable so I can help everyone no matter their financial situation. If I can make one person feel good about themselves, that is worth all the money in the world to me!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Work hard. This is non stop. Skin care is always changing and evolving and one must stay on top of the latest product ingredients and trends. Stay in tune to the latest news and hot topics so you can relate to everyone coming in. Owning a business is not a 9-5 job. It is 24-7. Pounding the pavement all the time is what will get you ahead.
2. Compassion. Everyone is going through something. The past few years have been very difficult for everyone and they come in wanting to be in a safe space where they can be heard and understood. Listening is key. A great attitude and open-mind is a huge bonus!
3. Honesty. Don’t sell just to sell. Be honest with your guests and they will trust you and be with you forever.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents are amazing! They have always supported me and believed in me. They taught me to never quit and to keep trying. They instilled great morals and values in me which I believe has made me into the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.believeinyourselfspa.com
- Instagram: believe.in.yourself.spa
- Facebook: Believe In Yourself Spa
