Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kirstie Reese. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kirstie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I’ve learned that you can never stop learning, growing and taking classes to better yourself/business. Even if the information is something you already know or have learned, having a refresher motivates me and keeps me going. It really gets em excited about making new content or providing services to my clients. I recently attended a women’s retreat where I was the only entrepreneur that has employees and a store front location but I learned so much from the speakers that attended the retreat and I felt so enthusiastic about my work, my clients, my business and life in general. I think investing in myself and my education is what sets me apart from the other people in the room and that is what makes me so successful.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Kirstie Reese. I am the owner and founder of Sugarface Skincare in Sherman Oaks & Beverly Hills, California. Our speciality is making people feel good! We do more than just facials. We help clients with their self esteem, their confidence as well as help improve their skin through suggesting life style changes, diet tweaks, a customized/curated skincare routine and professional facials. I love getting to know my clients and developing a relationship with them where they feel comfortable to have mini “therapy” facial sessions. Clients love to update me with their life and certain things such as, break ups, stress of planning a wedding or pregnancy can have a huge impact on the skin so it’s important to develop this relationship with clients.
We recently expanded to our second location in Sherman Oaks, California. This has always been a dream of mine! I never thought I would see the day that I’d have a store front on a major street in California! We’ve also expanded our team in 2023. We hired a full time receptionist and now have 3 estheticians and brought on a new luxury skincare line.
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. I think starting at the bottom and working my way up has had a huge impact on my journey as an esthetician. For example, before I was an esthetician, I worked for a fast-pace hair salon as a receptionist. I learned customer service, how to manage multiple peoples schedules, how to multitask and check clients in/out. I also worked for Starbucks when I was 16. The number one rule is the customer is always right, even if they’re wrong and you need to do anything/everything to resolve the situation to have a happy outcome of the customer. Those two roles definitely shaped how I interact with clients now because without happy customers, I wouldn’t have a business!
2. Listening and hearing your client my number 2. I start off my facials by asking, “Is there anything you’d like to change or improve about your skin?” Depending on the clients answer, I will customize their facial and product regimen to the points of concern. It is so easy to sell a product or service because I educate clients on why this X would benefit their concern. It doesn’t feel forced or pushy and that makes clients feel comfortable and keeps them coming back. People always say that I feels like I genuinely care about them and their skin, because I do! I am a people pleaser, I can’t sleep at night if a client is unhappy.
3. EDUCATION. No matter how successful you are, never stop learning. The world is always evolving and the moment you become complacent is when you will get left behind. I’m constantly taking a new and refresher courses to educate myself in the newest technology and skincare. I also love doing retreats and social media/management and branding classes. I listen to audiobooks on my way to work or when I’m taking a bath. It’s really fun to invest in yourself.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Great question! My ideal client is someone who is always on time, respects my time by being courteous about appointments/rescheduling/canceling etc., takes all of my recommendations and applies them such as diet changes, supplements, icing their skin, using the product regimen that I customized for them. Someone who is not into trendy TikTok skincare. Someone who lives a healthy life style, eats well and likes to spend sometime daily working out or putting selfcare practices in place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sugarfaceskincare.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarfaceskincare/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugarface-skincare-san-fernando-valley
