Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathleen Simons.
Hi Cathleen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I am a Licensed Esthetician located in The Woodlands, Texas. I opened my business, Esthetic Charm, in August of 2020. I was raised in Lake Dallas, Texas and then moved to College Station, Texas in 2013 to attend Texas A&M University.
I graduated from A&M in 2017 with a BBA in Management with dreams of starting a career in the Human Resources field. Unfortunately, I learned that the passion I once had for HR had dwindled. After three years I was mentally and emotionally exhausted and had become someone I could not even recognize.
During my last year in HR, I spent a lot of time brainstorming with my family about what it was that I was passionate about and what I could see myself doing in the future… I kept coming back to skincare. Every time I came back to that conclusion though, I would talk myself out of it due to doubt or fear of the unknown. Ultimately I took a leap of faith and resigned from my steady job in HR to pursue something that would hopefully be more fulfilling to me. I have been blessed that my husband, parents, in-laws, sisters and my friends have fully supported my journey and have continuously encouraged me to strive for all my goals and dreams.
For my education, I enrolled in the Esthetician program at MOGO Salon Academy in Montgomery, Texas and finished in February of 2020. By the time I was ready and eligible to start my licensing examinations, COVID-19 was in full force. I spent the next several months in quarantine trying not to panic too much about whether or not I had just made a major mistake. Ultimately TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) re-opened and I was able to take the required examinations.
Once licensed, I opened Esthetic Charm with a vision of creating a place where people could come as they are and together we can work towards their skincare needs and goals in order for them to feel more comfortable and confident in their everyday life. I have officially been operating for over one year now and my passion, drive and determination is stronger than ever. I have absolutely loved getting to know all my clients and have found so much joy in being a small part of each of their lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would definitely not recommend opening a brand new business during a pandemic! Obviously, that was not in the plan! Unfortunately, it added extra obstacles that needed to be faced that, if I had opened a year earlier, I would not have had to deal with. Being in an industry that is literally “hands on” and service-based was extremely daunting during a pandemic. Would people want to have skincare treatments and other services that would require me to be literally hovering over them? Would people be financially capable of spending on leisure activities? My goals and ideas of how I was going to start my business were constantly changing and I had to adapt my business plan as the pandemic progressed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My passion is definitely skincare! I love that no one has the same skin/skin concerns and our skin is always changing! There are constantly new areas to learn more about and education is never over. I am continually learning and growing as a person and as a professional. I pride myself in trying to get to know each of my clients and understanding how I can better help them with their concerns and to hopefully build their confidence! I structure each appointment to ensure I am able to take my time and never feel rushed so as to give each client my full attention. I built my salon suite with the goal of making an environment where people can come to relax and get away from the everyday stresses – but also a place where people can be open and vulnerable to help in their all around health. I am a firm believer that life is all about balance: you need to take time to promote your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out is to first, take your time. As the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. Take your time, develop the brand and the business you want to build.
Second, know your worth. Do not sell yourself short just because you are young or are new to an industry.
Third, stand your ground. Do not let people walk over you just because you are providing a service. Maintain your composure always, but remember it is okay to not “click” with every client.
These are all things I am still learning through trial and error, but having a plan for your business is essential to meeting your goals!
Contact Info:
- Email: estheticallycharmed@gmail.com
- Website: www.estheticallycharmed.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estheticallycharmed
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estheticallycharmed
Image Credits
Jenna Drane Boehm
Cactus Flower Photography
Gracie McRight
Beauty from Ashes Artistry
