Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicki Pham.
Vicki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi there, Houstonians!
I am Vicki Pham, licensed Esthetician, and owner of VP Skin Studio located in Webster, Texas. My journey began right after high school, like many other college students, trying to find my purpose in life but lacking any sense of direction. I switched my major a couple of times in frustration, thinking I was wasting my time, but I knew that the right thing was for me to continue. As fate would have it, I casually became intrigued by a job opening as a beauty advisor for the cosmetic department at Dillard’s. I was offered the job and became a beauty advisor for Lancôme cosmetics at the age of 18. This came as a surprise not only to my family and friends, but to myself, as I had considered myself a “tomboy” up to that point. I was low maintenance and preferred hanging with “the guys”, but when it came time to train on skin care and makeup application I was hooked! It was as if my hidden natural abilities kicked in and I was a natural. There was so much to learn and an endless amount of information to grasp, but somewhere, in the middle of hands on training and making women feel good about themselves, I found my purpose!
I will never forget a very persuasive co-worker who insisted I needed to be an esthetician. At the time estheticians were not in high demand so I was not familiar with the career and simply shrugged it off, but she was persistent until I finally did. she saw something in me that I did not yet see in myself and she was right. I changed my major one last time to esthetics and became licensed in 2009. She truly changed my life!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not always been smooth but I believe the best outcomes come from the greatest struggles. I have had many of them and have shed many tears before finally becoming my own boss and opening VP Skin Studio. It took almost 10 years to find my dream job and get to the place where I am today. I worked in different fields of skin expertise such as medical spas, dermatology and plastic surgery, which gave me the foundation and experience that I have today, but it was a tough journey. Many of my patients in these fields along the years, often asked me why I was not pursuing this on my own. Once again, other people saw something in me that I was too blind to see. I always strived to be the best that I could be at every company that I worked for, and make them proud, yet I continued to search all those years for a work environment that felt like a “second home”. I finally realized that I had to create this second home myself, not only for me, but for my clients as well. Making them feel at home while educating them on their skin needs is my number one priority. I took a huge risk by starting a small business in a city I’m fairly new to. I am responsible for everything and it is a lot to take in, but I’m so happy I did it. Sometimes, I have to take a minute, stop, look around and say “I did this!”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about VP Skin Studio – what should we know?
At VP skin studio I offer individualized skin treatments and special event makeup application tailored to everyone’s unique needs. I offer a vast range of treatments that focus on everything from acne prone skin to anti aging, and everything in between. It is very important to me that everyone who visits VP Skin Studio leaves feeling refreshed and very well educated on their skin needs as well as regime to follow. I truly love what I do and I am very passionate about not only skin care, but the individual entrusting me with his/her skin. What you should know is that skin care is not only for women, as many of us picture. It very important that men take interest and care in their skin without feeling out of place or embarrassed in any way. I see more and more men coming around to the idea and I think it’s not only wonderful, but very necessary. At VP Skin Studio, I strive to provide a very inclusive atmosphere for everyone.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
We are often the last ones to see our own potential, as it happened to me. Others saw my potential before I could see it in myself. Do not wait for others to see it, believe in yourself so much that you leave no room to doubt your skills and abilities. You have much more talent than you give yourself credit for!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1030 NASA Road 1 Suite 134
Webster, TX 77598 - Phone: 281-317-7513
- Email: vpskinstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/vpskinstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vpskinstudio/
Image Credit:
Steven Hoang
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
