Meet Samantha Garlow

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Garlow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

🌟 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 🌟
I wanted to share with you one of the biggest struggles I faced when opening my own small business – imposter syndrome. Despite my years of experience in the esthetician field and my numerous specializations and certifications, there was a nagging inner voice telling me that I was not good enough. It was a challenge that I had to overcome in order to pursue my dream.
I realized that the only way I was going to succeed was to change my negative self-talk. I sought help from women empowerment programs and therapy to help validate what I knew deep down inside. Whether you are struggling with old views of yourself from past trauma or experiencing anxiety in a new change, it’s important to remember that how we speak to ourselves translates into the way we live our lives.
After aesthetician school, I made a promise to myself to gain as much experience as I could in the next five years in order to open my own business. When I finally started seeing clients in my new business, I began to believe in my work and my knowledge. I realized that I had everything I needed within me all along.
My biggest piece of advice for anyone struggling with self-doubt is to change the way you speak about yourself in your mind and socially. The more you root for yourself, the less those little voices of doubt stick around. Be kind to yourself and give yourself credit for all your hard work and knowledge, and you will see the light and find success in anything you want to do.
Remember, you are capable of achieving great things and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and the rest will fall into place.

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?
Hi there!

I am Samantha, the proud owner of Bare Sugar Studio in beautiful downtown Palm Springs. With five years of experience as an esthetician in high-end spas in Seattle and New York City, I finally made my dream a reality by opening Bare Sugar Studio in 2020. It was definitely a challenging time to start a business, but with determination and passion, I persevered.

My goal has always been to create an affordable, luxurious, and safe space for all genders to feel comfortable and confident in their skin. As someone who struggled with hair growth as a young girl, I understand the impact it can have on one’s self-esteem. That’s why I am dedicated to providing top-quality sugaring, facials, and body treatments to help my clients look and feel their best.

Bare Sugar Studio has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small location. With a team of talented estheticians trained in the art of sugaring and wellness facials, we have expanded into a larger space and continue to grow. We take pride in using all-natural skincare products in all our services, as well as promoting environmentally friendly practices.

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our membership program, which offers our clients the opportunity to achieve their desired results at an affordable price. In addition, I am excited to share that I am working on creating my own skincare line, designed to be clean and simple, to further enhance our clients’ skincare routines.

At Bare Sugar Studio, we are committed to providing exceptional service and making a positive impact on our community. Our passion for what we do shines through in every treatment we offer, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing our clients leave with a smile on their face.

Warm regards,

Samantha
Owner, Bare Sugar Studio

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?
As I reflect on my journey in the spa industry, there are three key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have had a significant impact on where I am today. Through years of experience and education, staying true to myself, and learning patience, I have been able to build a successful business and achieve my goals.

Continued education and experience have been crucial in shaping my career. I have always believed in investing in myself and seeking out opportunities for growth. By working in different spas and taking additional trainings, I was able to learn different modalities and gain a deep understanding of the industry. This foundation of knowledge and experience has been instrumental in establishing my own business and providing quality services to my clients.

Staying true to myself has also been a key factor in my success. While it can be tempting to mimic the styles and approaches of others, I have found that authenticity is the most valuable asset. By embracing my own creative thinking and unique perspective, I have been able to stand out in a competitive industry and attract a loyal clientele who appreciate my individuality.

Learning patience has been a challenging but important lesson for me. I have come to understand that success does not happen overnight and that it takes time and perseverance to reach your goals. By staying focused on my vision and remaining patient in the face of setbacks, I have been able to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward towards my dreams.

As I look back on my journey, I am grateful for the qualities, skills, and knowledge that have shaped my career. I encourage you to follow your heart, be patient with yourself, and always stay true to who you are. Remember that success is a journey, and it is okay to make mistakes along the way. Be your own biggest cheerleader and believe in your ability to achieve great things.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I wanted to take a moment to share with you one of the biggest obstacles I am currently facing – following my intuition. As I continue to grow, work on myself, and navigate the ups and downs of life, I have realized the importance of listening to that inner voice that guides me.

For most of my life, I have been easy-going, trusting, and have always had faith in others. However, this has also led me to encounter challenges and setbacks along the way. I have often ignored that little voice in my head or that feeling in the pit of my stomach, hoping for the best and pushing aside my own instincts.

But as I reflect on my experiences, I have come to understand that I am the one who knows what is best for me. I have started to listen to my own body and intuition, rather than relying solely on the advice and opinions of others. While I still keep my heart open to those around me, I have learned to take their advice with a grain of salt and trust my own judgment.

I have also incorporated positive affirmations into my daily routine, which has helped me stay aligned and present in my choices. By being less influenced by external factors and more in tune with my own thoughts and feelings, I have found a sense of empowerment and control over my decisions.

It is a journey that I am still navigating, but I am committed to embracing my intuition and taking ownership of my choices. I believe that we have the power to shape our own paths and create the life that resonates with our true selves.

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