We recently connected with Ebony Burns and have shared our conversation below.
Ebony, 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?
I inherited my strong work ethic from my grandmother, Patricia Means, and my father, Kym Corneulis. My grandmother raised me during a challenging time in her life after my grandfather decided to leave the home. She provided me with the comfort and love I needed, despite her own struggles. I witnessed her resilience firsthand and learned the importance of never giving up, regardless of your circumstances. Despite not being able to drive, she worked at a dry cleaning warehouse for Professional Uniforms. Every morning, she would wake up at 5 am to catch the bus to work and return home by 3 pm. I have vivid memories of running down the street to meet her daily and collect the candy she brought back from the corner store near her job. She made sacrifices daily to provide me with shelter and a loving home. We dealt with evictions, utilities being disconnected, and lived in a community where we faced many obstacles, but through it all, I never saw my grandmother give up. She showed up to work, everyday, for us.
My father was in prison until I was in 5th grade. After his release, he became an entrepreneur and started his own trucking company, which is still thriving to this day. His resilience and success have inspired me to work hard and make the most of life. When I explored my options in corporate America and became frustrated with the lack of advancement opportunities, I turned to my father for advice. I asked him what type of business would be a good one to start, and his response was anything related to transportation, women, or children. Following his advice, I started a car hauler company, Big Wheels, in 2016 and opened Serving Faces spa in 2018.
From a corporate job to an entrepreneur, my work ethic has consistently pushed me to take chances and learn from my mistakes. It astonishes me how far I’ve come and how much my past has shaped my work ethic.
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 Ebony Burns, and I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am extremely passionate about achieving my goals, one of which, was to become a successful esthetician. It’s safe to say not only have I achieved that goal, but I am the proud owner of Serving Face Spa, a premier skin boutique where I have been serving the city, and surrounding, for 6 six years now. At Serving Faces, we focus on corrective skin care, with specialities such as treating and healing acne, evening skin tone, treating dpn, and skin tags. We offer facials, hair removal (waxing), chemical peels, and treat various skin conditions. I also host monthly masterminds for beauty professionals, giving us a place to network and offer support amongst like-minded individuals. We are dedicated to treating multicultural skin and catering to all genders and ages. Education is critical for us, as we take pride in educating our clients during each visit and providing results-driven treatments. I love skincare, especially facial extractions for pimples and ingrown hairs. Our latest addition is the viral Japanese head spa, providing the ultimate scalp detox to address conditions such as scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, and alopecia areata.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As the proud owner of Serving Faces Spa, I’ve discovered three essential qualities that have been crucial in my successful journey:
1. Empathy and Client Understanding: Building solid relationships with clients by truly understanding their needs and concerns is absolutely vital. This not only helps in providing personalized treatments but also in gaining their trust and loyalty. My strong advice is to practice active listening and show genuine interest in your clients’ stories and skin concerns. This will help you tailor your services to meet their needs and build long-lasting relationships.
2. Continuous Education and Skill Development: The skincare industry constantly evolves with new treatments, products, and technologies. Staying updated and continuously improving my skills have allowed me to offer the best services to my clients. I’d recommend those interested, to invest in ongoing education through workshops, courses, and industry conferences. Stay curious and open to learning about the latest trends and advancements in skincare.
3. Business Acumen and Marketing Skills: Running a successful spa requires more than just technical skills. Understanding business operations, marketing strategies, and client management has been essential in growing Serving Faces Spa. I encourage others to develop a solid business plan and learn the basics of marketing and client management. Utilize social media and other marketing tools to reach a wider audience and build your brand.
For those early in their journey, I advise you to focus on these areas and be patient with your progress. Growth takes time, but with dedication and a passion for helping others, you can absolutely succeed in the skincare industry.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
At Serving Faces Spa, we cater to clients who prioritize self-care and are committed to achieving their skincare goals. We seek clients with the following attributes:
1. Commitment to Regular Treatments: Clients who understand the crucial nature of consistent skincare and are eager to invest in bi-weekly treatments for optimal results.
2. Open to Professional Advice: Those who trust our expertise and are enthusiastic about following personalized skincare routines and recommendations.
3. Patience and Realistic Expectations: Clients who acknowledge that achieving skin improvements takes time and are steadfast in their dedication, comprehending that results are attained gradually.
4. Interest in Education: Individuals who are keen to delve into knowledge about their skin and the treatments they receive, valuing the educational aspect of our services.
5. Positive and Collaborative Attitude: Clients who exude positivity, communicate effectively, and are ready to collaborate with us to realize their skincare goals.
By valuing these characteristics, we can ensure a mutually rewarding and collaborative experience for our clients and the team at Serving Faces Spa.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.servingfacescharlotte.com
- Instagram: serving_faces_spa
- Youtube: ebony burns
- Yelp: serving faces
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