Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Tourgee.
Hi Mallory, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Mallory Tourgee. I am the Founder & Owner of Always Bikini Season. I have been a Licensed Esthetician since 2016 and a business owner since 2019. During this time, I have found my passion for skincare through full body waxing and custom airbrush tans. When I was in high school I knew I wanted to have my own business. Approaching college, I was young and unsure of what path I wanted to take. With uncertainty on my mind, I was always sure to keep “self care” in my routine. This consisted of many trips to the gym, beauty supply stores, and testing a variety of cosmetic ingredients (aka lots of face masks.) I always say, if you look good, then you feel good, therefore you will do good. Taking the time to care for myself inside and out, I wanted to help others feel the same. With years of wasting money on universities, trade school, and community college; school was definitely not for me. I landed in Austin, TX at the age of 21 and began working as a receptionist for about 2 years. I enjoyed the environment I was in, and decided to give it the ol’ college try one last time. I applied for esthetician school. This was the first time I was a straight-A student. I showed up early, I stayed engaged, and I loved what my future looked like in the industry. Fast forward through years of working under other companies, I knew I wanted to build a brand I was proud of. At the age of 30, I am 3 years into running my own business with a few stories along the way. I can say I am happy and free, living out my passion and dreams.
Alright, 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?
Though I am in the business of making others silky smooth, my path was a bit hairy. Starting Always Bikini Season in October 2019 was perfect timing for the holidays. My books began to fill with ease. Four months later, I was unable to operate due to COVID-19. I had to temporarily close my business. By August 2020, we moved to Charlotte, NC. A year in more restrictions were lifted, yet at this time the unknown of the virus still lingered around the world. Through all of the changes, I contemplated whether it was a good idea to push forward and try to move Always Bikini Season to Charlotte.
My husband is my number one fan. Though he doesn’t like being my guinea pig, he has always been extremely supportive and continued to talk me up no matter what social setting we stumbled across. I gained many clients just from word of mouth. I was so grateful to have had a growing city in front of me, confidence in my business, and a cheerleader by my side.
I am proud to say I pushed through and learn a thing or two. I gained over 500+ clients within a year. I strived to spread the word and continued to find reasons to become a better business owner/esthetician each day. Move forward to August of this year, 2022, another big change happened. Though my business was booming, we had to head back to Texas. It was a hard pill to swallow to get up and move again, but this time around pretty much felt exciting! My husband and I found our permanent residence in the Houston area, and being around family has been a great advantage. I may be new to the city but not to the game. I’m here to help others feel confident in their own skin no matter what city I’m in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in Full Body Waxing and Custom Airbrush Tans. When it comes to skin care, it’s never One Size Fits All. My mission is to help others feel confident in their own skin. I cater to all types, whether you are looking for that monthly maintenance or something for that special occasion. I find that caring for our skin should be safe and simple. I use all vegan, hypoallergenic, paraben and sulfate free, products. I also offer many suggestions of different product lines that are great for any regimen. I understand some of the services I provide can be uncomfortable for some, so I find it extremely important to help guide others into a safe place that allows them to feel at ease. I am very detail-oriented. I want to provide not only a great experience but exceptional work.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Oh, this is a great question. I find happiness in small forms, from grabbing the right amounts of wax sticks for a service, to making it through a green light. These minor achievements can easily make my day brighter. I tend to have a mind that hops from place to place. This can bring a world full of excitement or a world of fear.
What really calms my mind and makes me feel whole is my family, music, and gardening. To avoid getting mushy, a hug from a loved one or a furry friend could cure almost anything. Music is the second cure. You can sing/dance anywhere and it’s guaranteed to make you feel good. There are at least 2-3 dance parties a day in my house. Lastly, gardening. There is nothing like feeling dirt between your fingers, watching things come to life, and the best part.. eating what you grow! With so much produce, I enjoy getting creative. I actually make an incredible Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce that I would love to eventually share with others. Carolina Sweet Cheeks is in the works!
Pricing:
- Brazilian Wax $65
- Airbrush Tan $50
- Rapid Airbrush Tan $55
- Lash Lift & Tint $80
- Manzilian $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alwaysbikiniseason.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/always.bikini.season_htx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alwaysbikiniseason
Image Credits
Sarablair Design Photography
Moving Mountains Studios
Paper Heart Photography
@mazzuccophotography
