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Meet Rian Strain of Naked Skincare & Waxing Spa in Galleria Area

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Rian Strain.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
A 30-something Houston transplant with a big smile and an even bigger personality. I began my career as a broadcast and theater student before realizing that I wasn’t interested in traditional college education and enrolled at the Houston Academy for Dramatic Arts. During this time, I performed in a series of plays, commercials, hosted the local show “Alternative Scream Live TV”, and then began modeling. Little did I know, that modeling would lead directly to my passion for skincare and beauty.

I began doing makeup on set for the other models, and some of my friends. Then, people wanted to pay me to do their make-up, and I’m like My God, No! I didn’t think I was that good to do bridal work, so being a perfectionist, I enrolled in esthetician classes, with the assumption that I will get extensive training on make-up. WRONG! On the first day of class, I quickly realized during a skincare lesson that esthetics has very little to do with applying a full face of makeup; but nonetheless I was intrigued how skincare products can change the skin, and interested in the bones in the face, and facial massaging techniques, so I stuck it out and completed the program.

After graduating and working in various spas, getting fired from one because as I was told, “I’m a great Esthetician, great customer service, but I was not good at selling and retaining clients.” Basically, I wasn’t hitting the spas sales quota and had to go! Well, after finding another job, and working there for almost two years, I received a life-changing opportunity to become an entrepreneur alongside my long-time beautician and associate. As before mentioned, I was at the spa for two years, but also at the same starting position and pay, I started at. Not blaming the spa, because I did learn some great customer service tips and other values, but it was no growth within the company and no push from management to offer and do more as an Esthetician so I became complacent. I was driving an hour to a job that I did love, but I was stagnant. The day my associate called me with that opportunity, I was sitting in my bed thinking what was I going to do with my life. I decided to step out on faith, quit my job (giving my two weeks notice of course), moved back home with my mother, sold some valuables, and invested my savings in building a brand. Out of a small room in an office building I created and established my techniques, service offerings, and built a dedicated client list for my spa. I jokingly tell others about how I built that client list the first year, by prostituting my business on every coupon outlet that was available 9 years ago. From Groupon, Living Social, Get Grouby, Buy with Me, you name it, I was on it! Lol! This was the birth of Naked Skincare & Waxing Spa, a business that has since grown into a locally recognized brand with a custom-built storefront in Houston’s much sought after Galleria area.

I remember when I first started, my goal and prayer at times was to always have my booth rent to pay the associate that thought of me and called and offered that life-changing opportunity to me. I wanted to make sure even if I made no money that week, it was a MUST to pay my booth rent and pay it on time.

When the business started to grow of course my goals and prayers changed, and it has been, to be in a position to employ others, give job opportunities and teach young women, whether they are employees of mines or clients, about the importance of skincare, self-care, consistency, and a great work ethic. As a team leader, I tell my employees, even if Naked Skincare & Waxing Spa isn’t your last stop, make sure you soak up as much information as possible while you’re here, stay consistent, don’t get comfortable, continue to grow, and do and be better for your next employer and yourself!

Currently, I have a staff of two employees Esthetician’s, countless previous employees, booth renters, and interns, some who left gracefully, and some who were fired, but ALL taught a lesson and even inspired some of the rules and regulations around the spa and employee handbook guidelines. Each good and bad experience of being in business for 9 years now, each day it pushes me and encourage me to continue to take a chance on people and give the opportunity of employment and to pass on my knowledge and experience in beauty in my Go Naked Training Course that I now offer. I’ve continuously grown over the years, from a one women show operating out of a single room, to employees/team players operating out of a 5 room storefront offering multiple services and being able to accept walk-ins and service multiple guest at the same time, to also teaching a class to esthetician’s like myself!

My words of wisdom:

“More is caught, than taught.”

“Your past shouldn’t be reflected in who you are in your present.”

Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road. The struggles along the way have been trying to put together a team. That has been a growing pain/obstacle along the way. Hiring and firing people.

Also, one early on an obstacle I had to face was suing a former employee/contract worker. We won, however it was challenging and very unexpected.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Naked Skincare & Waxing Spa – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
At Naked Skincare & Waxing, we firmly believe in honesty, which we like to refer to as The Naked Truth approach to skincare and waxing-that includes lifestyle, prevention, and maintenance. Naked is a boutique-sized skin rejuvenation spa specializing in all types of facials for men, women, and teens, Va-Jacial(a Facial for the Vagina), body treatments, body scrubs, face and waxing, brow Microblading, & reflexology. We are dedicated to bringing beauty to every individual by being resourceful and innovative. Motivated to utilize the skills and training acquired, were determined to provide our clients with adequate and appropriate information to help meet their individual needs. While not only providing clients with excellent customer service, aromatherapy treatments, & relaxation, each and every individual is special and will always receive V.I.P. treatment because no two people look the same NAKED!

What we are known for, what we are most proud of, AND what sets us apart from others is Consistency. We are consistent with customer service, our policies, and treatment protocols. There is a playbook that is enforced with my employees, down to how we greet guest, service them in the treatment room, and check them out, so that no matter which Esthetician you book with, although the services are customized to fit each individual personal needs, the foundation is the same. Although we are a small business we operate as if we are a corporation with several franchises.

We were also one of the first if not the only spa in Houston offering the Va-Jacial service. We are not afraid to step outside the box, talk about and or offer services that may seem taboo to some, hint our name NAKED skincare and Waxing Spa. I knew that would be a conversation starter.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
What I like best about the city, the music. Lol! I love our Houston rappers and that slowed up Screwston Texas vibe. I also like the cost of living is pretty reasonable.

What I like least about our city. The heat, and the slowness with the times, as far as the fashion, technology, and how other major cities such as New York and LA always seems to be a few steps ahead of us. You would think to be the fourth-largest city, that we would be ahead a bit

Pricing:

  • The Go Naked Training Course $475

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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