Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Wells.
Hi Rebecca, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my Esthetics career at 23 years old, taking clients in a small treatment room in OB. I prepared my treatment room in the months leading up to graduation and hit the ground running once I had my license. I passed out flyers in the community for $20 services, setup pop up shops at sorority houses, and rounded up friends and family. I worked hard to master my skills and build my clientele from scratch. Six months later, I moved into a larger space on Newport Ave, and built out a spa that had 3 treatment rooms. I began hiring and training other Estheticians and grew my business. Ten years in I built my dream spa, still here in OB, with 5 spacious treatment rooms, a beautiful break room for my girls, and the best ever team of Estheticians and support staff. After 16 years in business, I’ve received loads of coaching to learn how to run my business more efficiently and effectively, I’ve helped to develop many successful Estheticians, expanded to a second location in San Marcos, and been through a multitude of humbling and very rewarding experiences. Swanky Sugar has provided myself and my family with a beautiful life and I still love coming to work!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. First of all, building out a spa is like building a home. Extremely expensive, totally unpredictable, and very stressful! But when it comes together, it’s pretty freaking great. Employing people is also one of the hardest things to do. Seeing the potential, working hard to get them where they need to be, sometimes getting it wrong and having to start all over. Heartbreaking and unexpected terminations. Finding the right coworkers for your current employees in order to ensure a healthy work environment… all very tricky stuff. When you care A LOT about your employees and their happiness the pressure is really on! It’s been a long road learning to have constructive communication and keep employees stoked on the work, while also prioritizing the health of the company so everything is working in harmony.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The service we provide is niche for the market, and takes time to master. Sugaring hair removal is considered an ancient art, and I take great pride in honoring this timeless traditional craft. It is a specialty service, and the training is not provided as part of a traditional Esthetics program. Those interested have to find a training course outside of their school program, or find a mentor to teach them. When I went to school, I was introduced to sugaring via a demo from an outside company who came to recruit students to the training course. I was instantly intrigued and signed up for the class. As soon as I learned what it was all about, I was obsessed. Less pain, less mess, less waste, with quick and thorough results. Yes! It took at least a year until I considered myself a pro, but it was worth all that practice. Each year I develop my skills further, and share my knowledge and experience with my staff. I believe we have one of the strongest sugaring teams out there.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
San Diego has something for everyone. You can go hard in the city, then escape to the mountains. Plenty for single adults, as well as families. I grew up here in Coastal San Diego, and it’s hard to imagine myself anywhere else. We could use a little help with the homeless population here, especially in OB where I live and work. But it’s still my favorite place in the world!
Pricing:
- Brazilian Sugaring Membership $60 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swankysugar.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/swankysugarista
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/swankysugar
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/vmeJWLoLABJzPc15xW0PRA
Image Credits
Leightbox Photo
SauceGirl Media
