Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Cook.
Sabrina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Before I worked in the beauty industry, I had a career in corporate America as a claims examiner. The company I worked for had just gone through a massive lay off. I realized that my position was not secure and could possibly be outsourced to another country. I knew I would need to switch to a more stable career if I wanted financial stability.
On my way to work one morning, I heard a commercial on the radio for a local skin care clinic that specialized in facials treatments. At that time, I never had a facial before and was curious about what all it entailed. I immediately booked an appointment. The owner of the clinic was very knowledgeable about which products and ingredients were best for my skin and gave me a daily skin care regimen to follow. From that day forward, I was hooked on the esthetics industry! I loved the fact that with regular facial treatments and the correct skincare products I could improve the overall look of my skin without harsh chemicals and prescription drugs. I knew I wanted to make a career change and help other people do the same.
To keep a source of income coming in, I took a job working at a cosmetic counter and gave my current employer a two-week notice. A few weeks later, I enrolled in the Aveda Institute to obtain my Esthetician license. About a year later, I went back to school to obtain my Massage Therapy license.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, it was definitely a little bumpy in the beginning. Solo practitioners wear a lot of hats. Not only was I the face of my business, but also responsible for the marketing, bookkeeping, inventory, website creation, social media maintenance and upkeep of the skin care studio. I had to keep myself motivated and show up for my business, even if I didn’t have any clients for the day. You have to keep marketing and introducing your business to potential customers. You never know who can come walking through the door of your business.
The first year was about building clientele and investing profit back into the business. I definitely didn’t make much profit that first year, but I just kept working hard. The second year in business, I saw my numbers double and then triple. I knew at that point, I could let my part-time job go at the makeup counter and focus on my skincare business full time.
Please tell us about Facials & Beyond.
My specialty is treating Acne, Hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and Keloidalis Nuchae (ingrown hairs and razor bumps on the nape area from shaving.) Using the best clinical grade products, every treatment is customized to the specific needs of my clients. My goal is to provide my clients with excellent customer service and an effective treatment plan to produce great results!
With over ten years in the beauty industry, I am currently a Certified Acne Specialist, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Freelance Makeup Artist. My makeup career has taken me behind the counters of Estee Lauder, Laura Mercier, MAC, and CHANEL, assisting in promotional campaigns and product launches.
I’ve been told I’m a great massage therapist as well and nicknamed Magic Hands!:) I am certified in Swedish, Deep Tissue and Pre-natal Massage.
Our private skin care and massage studio is located in Humble, Texas but we have clients coming from all over Houston and the surrounding areas for our services which I am very proud of.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory is going shopping with my mother. It was my first dose of retail therapy. We lived in the Bay Area and I remember us going to The Emporium, a department store in San Francisco.
I still remember the glass domed roof, the smell of perfume from the fragrance department (which gave me the worst nausea-inducing headache)and the escalators I was afraid to get on-lol. After only the third store, we went in, I remember getting restless and asked if we could PLEASE go home. I just wanted to go play with my dog. I had enough “retail therapy” for one day. She told me we wouldn’t be there too much longer but we had to stop off at this last store. I thought to myself, oh no, not another shoe store but to my delight, it was a toy store. My sweet mother purchased an Easy Bake Oven for me. (I’m dating myself… anyone younger than 45 probably won’t know what I’m talking about.) This was one of the most coveted toys back in the day. My mood changed instantly. I could’ve stayed in that store all day!
Pricing:
- Hydro Facial $125
- Chemical Peel/Microdermabrasion $85-100
- Dermaplane Facial $95
- Acne Bootcamp Facial $75-$100
Contact Info:
- Address: 107 W. 1st St. Ste. 207
Humble, Tx 77338 - Website: www.facialsnbeyond.com
- Phone: 8322591474
- Email: info@facialsnbeyond.com
- Instagram: brinatheskindiva
- Facebook: sabrinatheskindiva
Image Credit:
SMI PHOTOGRAPHY
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