Today we’d like to introduce you to Tashanna W.
Tashanna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I opened Tashanna’s Skin Care Boutique in 2017. My inspiration to become an esthetician and open my own skin care boutique started when I was very young. As a teenager, I struggled with oily acne prone skin and hyperpigmentation. After getting my first facial and learning how to take care of my skin, I decided to become an esthetician to share my passion with the Boston-area community. Now, I run Tashanna’s Skin Care Boutique out of Sola Salon Studio.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. For me, the hardest thing about owning my own business is money management. When I decided to open my studio, I had no money. I was working part-time as an esthetician for a local spa and I was barely making ends meet, however, I knew that in order for me to be financially comfortable and do what I love to do, I would have to own my own business one day. When I heard about the Sola Salon studios, I saw my only opportunity to open my own business. I planned to start small as a sole proprietor and expand later, however, I wanted my studio to be perfect on an opening day. Consequently, I spent $13,000 of my credit cards in six months. Now, I am struggling to pay my bills and pay off my debt.
The first three to five years of any new business is usually tough – financially. My advice is if you do not have money to make your business “perfect” – like me – really think about what you really need to start your business. Get the essentials first and work your way towards the other things. Have a plan B such as a part-time job. Look for grants and scholarships. Also, try to do as much as you can do by yourself. For instance, do your own marketing and do not pay a search engine company that claims that they can get you on the first page of Google. I wasted a lot of money hiring a marketing company to create posts and put them on social media. Later, I discovered that I could do this for free via the Ripl app. I also wasted a lot of money on hiring a search engine company to increase my appearance on Google. I later found out that keywords and internet activity – such as reviews and posting on social media – is how you get on the first page of Google. I realize now that it is more cost effective to spend money on target marketing through social media like Facebook and Instagram, Nift, Thumbtack, etc.
Please tell us about Tashanna’s Skin Care Boutique.
I am certified in microdermabrasion, ultrasonic, chemical peels, eyelash extensions, and laser technology. I offer everything from facials, back facials, advanced treatments, and eyelash extensions. I specialize in creating customized treatments for my clients, making sure everyone I see gets a personalized experience that’s best for their skin.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Try different careers no matter how much of a pay cut you face. Usually, when you start a new career, you risk starting at the bottom of the pay scale, but don’t let that discourage you. The whole point of trying new careers is to find what you are truly passionate about. Once you find a passionate career, do any and everything you can to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Address: 33 4th Avenue Studio7 Needham, MA 02494 (In the Sola Salon building)
- Website: tashannasskincareboutique.com
- Phone: 617-866-3706
- Email: tc.williams.1085@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tscb2017
- Facebook: @tashannasskincareboutique
- Twitter: @tashannaskin
Image Credit:
Cyrus Ndolo
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