We caught up with the brilliant and insightful STACY BEST-NERVIS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
STACY, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For some people, they find their purpose early in life and for others it can be a longer process. I found that my purpose was not tied to one type of profession, but learned there was commonality in tasks and jobs I completed that provided me a sense of joy and fulfillment. I have worked hard to create opportunities for myself that fulfill me and provide joy for myself and others. It all came full circle for me while enjoying a facial as self-care myself. This was a monthly routine I had been doing for some time and during the session I found myself allowing my mind to wander until I was having a flashback of myself in an entrepreneurship class. I remembered the assignment revolved on creating a business and quickly remembered I had decided I’d own a spa. After this moment I started researching spas, franchises and for months I kept coming back to finding a way to be involved in the skincare industry. I remembered how I felt after each of my appointments mentally and how my skin felt physically. I just knew this would be a way to give back. After some time I finally moved to the next step of wanting to gain professional knowledge on Aestheticians and enrolled in a night program. I found my purpose in uplifting others, creating environments where individuals could rest and focus on themselves through skincare and educating people on ways they can make small changes with lasting positive impacts for their lives.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the owner of Brownstone Spa and Licensed Esthetician. I created Brownstone Spa to be a place where skin of color can be treated confidently and where the estheticians are knowledgeable! Brownstone Spa is a special place where people all over the valley and travelers to Arizona, take time to relax and pour into their selfcare while getting results driven skincare treatments. Brownstone Spa expanded in 2023 into a larger location and expanded its esthetician staff. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur I had a career at an investment firm for 14 years where I educated clients, trained new hires and led several teams. I have a BS in Human Resource Management and an MBA in Finance. I also serve as Board Treasurer for ACRES, a non-profit that focuses on opportunities and business development for black-owned businesses. In addition to seeing clients daily in the treatment room, I also am an Education Ambassador that presents at aesthetic schools around the valley. I am also a Mother to two daughters and married to the love of my life for 13 years.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I think about my journey this far, I believe being open has positively impacted my journey. There were times when circumstances did not look like I envisioned but because I was open to possibilities and giving it a try, the situation turned into more than I could of imagined. Another quality is curiosity of knowledge. Throughout my journey I have been intentional in researching and investing into my education and expanding my knowledge by participating in conferences, training or courses that would enhance my aesthetic skills. This has created other avenues for me to continue sharing my passion through education. Lastly, communication has been a strong skill of mine over various positions I have held. Clear communication is an integral part of business and developing relationships.
If you are early in your journey, I recommend journaling your vision and to get very specific on what you want to accomplish and how you plan to get there. This will help keep your focus the center of your decisions and determine if the opportunities presented to you align with what you set as your vision.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love collaborating with like-minded individuals. I am looking to partner with massage therapists, nail technicians and yoga instructors to create events and expand services for my growing clientele; providing a holistic approach to self-care. If this interests you, I’d love to connect and can be reached via email at [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brownstone-spa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownstonespa_az
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-best-nervis-1b5a36210
Image Credits
Dorrell Edwards-Always Timeless Productions Anneke-Annekesonbrand
