Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Mata.
Iris , can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating college, I started my professional career in sales, where I worked my way through companies like: ADP and Johnson & Johnson. I did extremely well for myself throughout my 20’s, but something was missing. It only took 6 years to realize I was “selling my soul” by remaining in a career where I was miserable, doing the same ole dog & pony show selling prescription drugs and listening to Dr. Laura on days I didn’t bring lunch to a physician’s office. While this was lucrative, it was lonely and not me. Then the Universe, God and Divine intervention pulled the rug out from under me by laying me off. This is when I became an Esthetician. My friends and family weren’t thrilled about the decision, but none the less supportive. The first 3 years as an Esthetician, I absorbed and practiced as much as I could; sugaring, speed waxing, 15 minute Brazilians, facials, skincare lines, and anything skincare related. My personal record for female brazilians in one day is a 44!
In 2013, I started The Skin & Wellness Club (S&W). It originally started as an at home service for facials and waxing. I lugged by massage bed and supplies all over San Diego, this turned out to be completely inefficient and unsustainable. 2 years later, I leased my first treatment room in Hillcrest. At the same time, I started offering space for California Medical Marijuana Patients to practice a safe yoga flow for an enhanced state in mind, Herbally Enhanced Yoga (aka H.E.Y) was born. Feeling inspired by Dee Dussault of San Francisco’s Ganja Yoga, I combined the two hobbies I love, Yoga + Cannabis. In 2010, I learned how to manage my stress, anxiety, appetite, sleep and (most importantly) remove prescription drugs from the daily routine, with cannabis. In 2014, I got re-certified as a yoga instructor. My first certification was in college, but I have been practicing as a student since 2000. The combination of both impacted me personally and spiritually. Overtime (like only 15 years later) I felt super compelled to share what I have learned and loved with the community.
We recently transitioned out of our studio space and into offering pop-up flows. We offer monthly H.E.Y. pop-up events all over San Diego featuring different neighborhoods, mmj friendly companies, and each other! The community gives permission to be authentic, let go and surrender whatever brought you to practice in the first place. Cannabis helps some students let go of any inhibitions and this is exactly why we want to practice with you!
The Skin & Wellness Club remains in the same building it started in, in Hillcrest/University Heights Neighborhood. Today I mentor a team of 2 college interns and 3 Lash Artists. I am able to remain authentic to my soul, while creating these 2 companies where I am able to thrive. #blessed
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In the beginning, it was just me: managing, operating, admin., marketing, etc. I quickly realized I could not do it alone for long. Upon hiring and training my first few employees, I came to the realization that managing people is not my strength, mentoring is.
It was challenging (and humbling) identifying my own shortcomings through this experience. Finding solutions also tested my critical and creative thinking and I wanted to ensure I did not fall short of my commitment to the employees or the business. A team of mentors, who I respect and learn from often guide me through these challenges. Now, our team is strong, knowledgeable and excel in their craft. Each team member is like a musician playing their instrument, with me acting as the conductor. We all play really well together. Oh! And the attorneys and accountants are God sent ANGELS!!!
Please tell us about The Skin & Wellness Club, home of Herbally Enhanced Yoga.
The Skin & Wellness Club specializes in eyelash extensions and Herbally Enhanced Yoga, both using a unique approach you cannot find with similar businesses in San Diego.
Our lash extensions set us apart from the competition because we customize each look to enhance the client’s natural features. There is no standard “look” or full set that fits all eye shapes and sizes. Each client deserves a beauty expert who will bring out their natural beauty to the max!
For the past 2 years, we have been the only San Diego based studio offering cannabis yoga. Currently, we are offering monthly pop-up events, allowing us to expand our community with other businesses and patients who share similar passions for cannabis and yoga.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Every day, I practice verbalizing a highlight of the day to myself, a friend, or whomever cares to listen. I have yet to experience a moment of epic proudness…but I certainly do have little proud moments daily. For example, clients come in with no makeup. So, everytime a client wakes up from getting their first set of lashes, that first look at themselves in the mirror is so rewarding! They seriously cannot stop looking at how beautiful they look and FEEL. I am so blessed to be able to boost women’s confidence without them having to wear makeup.
Small proud moments happen similarly with H.E.Y. Students may be new or experienced, regardless of their past practice, they come out of Savasana (corpse pose) feeling connected with themselves, spiritually, mentally, physically. As the facilitator of the space and experience, proud is an understatement when impacted lives on a personal level.
Pricing:
- Herbally Enhanced Yoga Events: $25-$75
- Lash Extensions: Full Sets, $75-$200, Fills, $45-$65
- Facials: $75-$189
- Waxing: $12-$100
Contact Info:
- Address: 4080 Centre Street
Suite 207
San Diego 92103 - Website: www.TheSkinAndWellnessClub.com / www.HerballyEnhancedYoga.com
- Phone: 714-392-3889
- Email: info@herballyenhancedyoga.com
- Instagram: @SkinandWellnessSD @HerballyEnhancedYoga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herballyenhancedyoga/ https://www.facebook.com/skinandwellnessclub/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Irisinaction?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-skin-and-wellness-club-san-diego
Image Credit:
Wendy Chermack
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