Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Johnson.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for skincare began when I was about 12 years old. I was struggling with acne, and I began formulating my own natural skincare products. I tried almost every product in the drugstore, and it seemed like nothing would work. I’ve always been passionate about healing any ailments of the body holistically because that’s what I saw my mom practice growing up. Fast forward 6 years, my passion for skincare only deepened, and so upon graduating high school, I decided to enroll in esthetician school! While in esthetician school, we had to take a short break from the classroom due to the pandemic. During this time, I decided to launch my skincare line, “Botanical Heaven,” to the public after years of perfecting my formulations. Once I became a licensed esthetician, I officially opened my spa for business, offering facials and waxing services. 2 years later, I was ready for a change in environment and was looking to expand my business, so I decided to move to Houston from Chicago. In the last year that I’ve been in Houston, my business has flourished.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, and we all know being an entrepreneur is not easy. The biggest struggle I faced in my business was actually when I moved to Texas. I started my business when I was about 19, and for two years straight, that’s what my whole life revolved around. Ultimately, when I reopened my business in Houston, the stress and pressure to do things bigger and better than before is what led to my breaking point. I became immensely burnt out and mentally could not run my Spa anymore. My mental health has been something I’ve struggled with for years. Therefore, when something that once brought me so much peace was only causing stress, I knew it was time to consider closing. About 5 months after the grand opening of my Texas location, I decided to close the doors of Botanical Heaven Spa. This was a very difficult and heavy decision for me, but after lifting that weight off my shoulders, it’s almost as if I started experiencing even more success than before. Facing this challenge helped to reappraise how I viewed success and that there was more than one way to accomplish the vision I saw for myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently the facialist at the luxurious Life Spa in Sienna, Missouri city. I am a Master Holistic Facialist, specializing in multicultural skin and healing acne holistically. I am most known for my intuitive and therapeutic facial massages. I feel what sets me apart is that I pride myself on integrating results and relaxation into all of my treatments. I believe that a client should never have to choose between the two. A lot of people completely disregard the stress relief factor that facials can provide. My goal, however, is to not only heal the skin but also to heal the mind, body, and soul. Relaxation is a result.
In addition to being a Facialist, I am now diving into becoming an esthetic instructor and will be launching my first course on Nov. 1st. Over the years, I have developed my own techniques that are now sought out by other estheticians. I am super excited to embark on this new journey.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
The “Becoming Elite” podcast by Nina Hayes has been my favorite podcast since the beginning of my esthetics journey. My favorite books to learn more about holistic health is anything by the medical medium (Anthony Williams).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauren-the-facialist.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenthefacialist/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Laurenthefacialist?si=6uJCSQlY4EmmhyLj
