Meet Danita Q. Berry of Skinchology in West University Place

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danita Q. Berry.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since age eight, I was raised by my grandmother who was sixty years my senior. Although we loved one another deeply, we expressed love and “teaching moments” in different ways. Whereas, I identified better with emotional expression and open communication, my grandmother often opted to stay quiet and sign me up for every academic camp, mentorship program or sports activity that would teach me essentials life-skills. As a result, I gained various skills across a wide variety of spectrums and established mentorship with a few very important people. There were two ladies in particular that wished to groom me to become doctors like them. Every summer, they semi-forced me to shadow them at the hospital. For years, I’d whisk in and out of the treatment rooms of pregnant women saying, “I’ll never use any of this information.” But to my surprise, the information would come full circle.

In college, I attempted a few paths including business, but I gravitated towards developing a specialized degree that included a little fashion, home economics, counseling and marketing management. I also learned that I had a love for cosmetics care by practicing techniques on my sorority sisters. This broad scope of study to others was a bit confusing and unnecessary, however this too would come full circle.

Fast forward to my professional career. I worked part time as a makeup artist (for fun) and as a counselor full-time. As a counselor, I worked for a residential treatment facility for teenage girls that had issues with aggression, depression, addiction, self-harm and suicide. The dynamic of the environment was high risk and there was never a dull moment. I quickly learned that many of the ladies were never taught sanitary practices and because of my love of beauty I developed spa days as an incentive for good behavior. We’d convert the courtyard into a mini spa of natural ingredients and learn about different skin types and ingredients to use on the skin. Mind you, I had no formal experience. One day one of the young ladies pulled me aside and said, Ms. Berry, I don’t know why you’re playing yourself, but you’re definitely not fooling me! Why aren’t you doing this kind of stuff full-time? It’s clearly your passion! You light up when you teach us about it and you’re good at it. Plus, anyone that doesn’t mind spending their own money on ungrateful teenage girls on lockdown in order for them to feel better about themselves, deserves a shot at making a living out of what they love to do. You’re a hypocrite if you don’t try! And there I stood, mouth wide open eating my own words as a six-foot teenage girl with multiple personality disorder, aggression issues and multiple suicide attempts, handed me my entire life on a silver platter. In that very moment, I realized I wasn’t fooling anyone but myself.

The very next week, I enrolled in esthetics school and moved to Nashville to attend one of the top skincare schools in the country. After graduating at the top of my program, I started piecing together all the components that would display what my life and the life of Skinchology now looks like. As a result, I am now able to utilize every nugget of information that I’ve learned since before the age of eight. I use the entire scope of my degree on a daily basis from management and marketing to continuing education and fashion. I stay abreast of different segments of the medical industry, paying special attention to developments involving psychology and dermatology. I cater to all men and women and I am very comfortable with assisting my pregnant clientele (wink wink). And most importantly, I’ve remained a counselor within my treatment room and offer clients more than small talk.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! I am a bit rough around the edges, therefore the course of my life will seemingly imitate the same structure. Moving to Houston was a faith move for me, but I had no idea that I would develop a business within the skincare industry. I worked for two companies and fell in love with client interaction and providing services that made people feel good about themselves. I was comfortable even though both work environments were toxic and unfulfilling. Little did I realize; those company’s deficiencies would be my biggest teacher and what eventually jolted me into business ownership. After being let go from both companies for insane reasons, I realized that I was brought to Houston to work for myself and not for companies that neglected my vision.

Prior to opening, I literally had no clientele (except for my roommate), no supplies, not contacts, no building, no business license or name, no accounting experience, no vendors, no money saved…nothing. But within a matter of three weeks, every single detail was formulated into what we know as Skinchology. It was supernatural! And the benefits from Skinchology and its clients outweighs every obstacle that I experience.

On May 20th Skinchology will be celebrating its 2nd anniversary as a debt-free company with over 500 clients that have graced our small boutique. I am grateful that I stuck with the harsh pruning process.

Skinchology – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Skinchology (skin·chol·o·gy) is a waxing and skincare studio that serves as a refuge for the skin as well as the mind. No matter your background, we are committed to providing clients with a pleasant experience as our foundation resides in our mantra “Where Beauty Meets Science & Therapy.” At Skinchology, our esthetician values exchanging information and ideas. She seeks to relate to each client through constant open communication and counseling during the hair removal process, making it easier for clients to relax. In addition, our esthetician is responsible for educating clients about proper aftercare that will aid in the restoration of their skin. Although waxing is our specialty, our esthetician has over 10 years of experience in counseling, 10 years of experience in makeup artistry, and 7 years of experience in skincare treatments, research and development, including medical aesthetics. Needless to say, Skinchology represents a commitment to the science of skin and building self-esteem simultaneously. We understand that each client’s level of comfort and convenience is different and it’s our duty to meet each client where they are. Plus, we offer clients a “care corner” that is always stocked with wine, water, candy, toiletries and music for your choosing.

At Skinchology, we utilize a soft cream based wax instead of hard wax, which is more commonly used for the Brazilian and other body waxing. Our wax is specifically designed for sensitive skin and is suitable for all ethnicities and hair types. Our esthetician utilizes a special technique that involves prepping of the skin (and mind) to properly remove hair while minimizing pain. By using a soft wax, Brazilians and other small areas are generally completed within 15-20 minutes making the use of soft wax more efficient and tolerable than other types of wax. In addition, our Brazilian wax includes the “happy trail” and the “back-strip,” unless otherwise noted by the client. Sanitation is key, so rest assure that we never double dip our wax sticks and we follow strict regulations for disinfecting our tools and implements.

Skinchology offers more than just a wax. Our mission is to make the skin look and feel it’s absolute best! Skinchology specializes in ingrown hair removal, vulva detoxing and skin restoration. Treatments such as the “vulvacial” are offered for clients that may experience issues with reactive skin, ingrown hairs, discoloration or those that merely desire a vulva detox. Mimicking that of a signature facial, the esthetician customizes a treatment that will clear dead skin cells and help restore the skin on the vulva area to a healthier state. Ingrown hair removal is a specialized procedure that involves removing trapped hair from the follicle. After removal, the skin is able to breathe easier and ultimately repair itself. Customized facials and makeup applications are also offered within Skinchology.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I do not define success tangibly. I choose to live limitless; creating absolutely no boundaries or limitations during this process we call life. My purpose is Kingdom building and the vehicle to educating men and women about health & beauty of their skin as well as their soul is via Skinchology. If success were measured, however, it would have to be the assurance that’s received when clients leave in a better state than they arrived.

Pricing:

• Waxing Services range $9 – $65
• Facial Services range $55 – $105
• Makeup Servies $75 – $150

Contact Info:

• Address: 2617 W Holcombe Blvd.
  Suite F Room 12, Houston, TX 77025
  (located inside Salons by JC)
• Website: skinchology.com
• Phone: 832-267-SKIN (7546)
• Email: info@skinchology.com
• Instagram: @skinchology_houston
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/skinchology
• Twitter: @skinchology
• Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/skinchology-houston-4

Image Credit:
Edward Sweet Photography
A Girl In Love Photography
PA The System