Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Muchmore.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Winslow, Arizona, where my father owned a small custom car shop and my mom was a community health nurse. I learned a lot about integrity and customer service from watching my dad run his business. Being from a small blue-collar town also helped me develop a solid foundation based on a strong sense of family and work ethic… But if you’ve ever been to Winslow you know what I mean when I say I couldn’t wait to step off that corner and experience new and exciting things.
I struggled with major skin issues throughout my teens and into my 20’s, so after high school and a brief time working in politics, I found an amazing school in Seattle that specialized in Holistic Aesthetics. A light bulb went off and I knew that was what I wanted to do.
I graduated from the Euro Institute of Holistic Aesthetics in 2004 and returned to Arizona, but was unable to find a job in the Aesthetics field. My best friend in Phoenix was working for a political consulting firm at the time and a position opened up at her company, so I took the job. I stayed with the firm for 5 years, but always kept up my love of aesthetics as a hobby, staying up on current trends, and taking classes when I could.
In 2009 I was offered a campaign job I couldn’t refuse in San Diego. The candidate I was working for did not win, the economy was spiraling downward and I was running out of options. This was my chance to do what I loved so I took a big risk, started small, from the ground up, and all on my own. I started Peel Simply Skin in the summer of 2010, taking clients one day a week out of a little room in the back of a friend’s hair salon in Hillcrest. DJ Cahoon at Double D Salon, I will be forever grateful for your help and support during the beginning.
That first year I worked harder than ever for less money than I thought possible – but I just kept building and growing. The following year I relocated to The Suite Spot Salon in the heart of North Park. I was their first tenant and over the next seven years, I continued to build and refine Peel Simply Skin. During this time I had a beautiful little girl with the love of my life.
Just last month I finally expanded my business and moved into my dream location, a storefront on 30th st. and Adams Ave. Our inspiring new space has two treatment rooms, ultra-high ceilings, and lots of natural light. It’s a dream come true!
Has it been a smooth road?
For me, a challenge was going back and forth between what I loved and wanted to do, and what was necessary to earn a living. Even though I was officially out of the aesthetics field for so long I still kept my finger on the pulse of the industry and when the time was right I just went for it. I guess my advice would be to stick with your passion, even if it can’t be front and center in your life at the moment. You’ll know when the time is right. Also, don’t be afraid to accept a little help to start your business. 🙂
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Peel Simply Skin story. Tell us more about the business.
My interest in Aesthetics started trying to fix my own skin issues. I received my first facial at the Euro Institute in Seattle because my acne was uncontrollable with traditional methods. Much of my education was centered around whole health and nutrition, and the use of raw natural ingredients in skin care. It was an amazing experience. However, once my acne was under control I started to develop hormonal melasma. I tried everything I could to correct my melasma naturally but was unsuccessful. This sparked my interest in the peeling process and the chemistry behind it.
Peel Simply Skin was born out of the need to correct my own skin issues and not being able to easily find the right treatments. I had many facials prior to opening my business and always felt unsatisfied with the results, it was so hit and miss finding a business that could give me the treatments I needed without all the extra fluff. Most of the treatments I wanted were bundled into spa services or hidden away in a spa menu. I was looking for a deep facial with lots of extractions and corrective peels to help address my pigment issues from melasma, but using products that are safe and natural.
With Peel Simply Skin I’ve essentially rolled all the services I needed but could not find into a simple business – truly corrective skin care with no gimmicks. I have combined med-spa like services with the holistic day spa experience. We build each service for exactly what the client needs at that moment. We focus on correcting naturally first and provide clients with extensive, thorough extractions. I use natural fruit enzymes, and also have over 40 variations of chemical peels ranging from very light to deep, for all skin types and colors.
I know struggling with skin issues all of my life has made me a better Aesthetician because I can personally empathize with what my clients are going through.
This year Peel Simply Skin is expanding even further. I’ve moved to a beautiful new location in the Adams Avenue Business District in addition to bringing on an amazing Aesthetician from Nashville, Nicole Williams. She has over 14 years of experience in aesthetics and also brings tons of knowledge in lash extensions to Peel Simply Skin. I’m so pleased to share we’re now offering lash extensions in addition to skin care. I’m looking forward to building new opportunities and making new waves this year!
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Anyone who has struggled with skin issues from an early age will tell you that it really affects your self-esteem. You carry those feelings with you into adulthood. When I see a client suffering I am suffering with them and want to do whatever I can to help them feel confident again. I’m not changing the world, but I love the work I do and I love the people I meet.
Pricing:
- Corrective and Organic Facials, and Enzyme and Chemical Peels range from $99 to $225
Contact Info:
- Address: 4642 30th st. San Diego, CA 92116
- Website: www.peelsimplyskin.com
- Phone: 619-564-0669
- Email: info@peelsimplyskin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peelsimplyskin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peelsimplyskin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeelSimplySkin
- Other: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peel-simply-skin-san-diego
Image Credit:
Pola Allen
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