Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Bonner.
Candice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Years ago for my birthday, I was taken to have a facial for the first time. I didn’t even know what a facial was before that. I had never even heard of an Esthetician. We have all heard of cosmetologists, what the heck was an Esthetician! I needed to learn more about what an Esthetician did. An Esthetician helps with skin beautification. They perform facials, chemical peels, waxing, lashes, they help you with your skin concerns. I called my local Community College and learned there was a program there. I signed up! The education and hands-on learning was great! Except I hated learning to wax. I dreaded even practicing. I finished school started looking for a job performing facials and during that time someone offered me some advice which I followed, she said since I didn’t like waxing and I found it to be my weakness, that’s what I should push myself to be better at. That’s what I did. I got a job at a waxing chain. That’s when I found out I actually loved waxing! It’s amazing how we change and grow when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone. Eventually, I left the waxing chain and opened Tenko Beauty. That’s where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting my own business was scary and exciting. There is so much to learn about running A business and about yourself, being a business owner. How to run your business, finances, building boundaries and work ethics, everything you have to do to do to get your business up and running. Such as inspections, licenses, insurance, the list goes on and on. It definitely can be overwhelming. I was very fortunate to have a great community of other Esthetician’s and Cosmetologists that would guide me when needed. One thing I have learned about having my own business is that things are unpredictable. Who saw Covid 19 coming? Not me! With the Covid-19 Pandemic came business shutdowns. Three shutdowns to be exact. It was like starting over once I reopened. Having to rebuild my clientele again. Building a regular clientele was definitely the hardest struggle. There were times where I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to make my rent. I think for most new solo professionals in the beauty industry, building up your clientele is one of the hardest parts of growing your business. I’m very thankful and humbled that my clients have chosen me as their Esthetician. Having your own business is a bumpy ride not a smooth one… Every bump, every struggle has taught me a new lesson. It helped me grow as a person and as a business owner.
We’ve been impressed with Tenko Beauty, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m an Esthetician that specializes in Brazilian and Manzilian waxing. It’s intimate waxing for men and women. And yes all the hair will be removed. For everyone out there already being waxed or thinking about being waxed, there are a lot of factors that determine how smooth your first wax will be or your next wax for that matter. First stop shaving! Let your hair grow out. For best results, you want it longer than a grain of rice. Start moisturizing the area daily that will be waxed. Jojoba oil is a great oil to use as a moisturizer. Exfoliate the area three times a week to remove dead skin cells. You can use a dry brush or an exfoliating glove. You will continue this regimen even after waxing. Let’s talk about pain. How much is it going to hurt? That’s everyone’s main first question when they talk with me about waxing. Your first wax is not comfortable. You’re in a new setting and not sure what to expect. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Do your skincare up your water intake, the more hydrated you are the less painful your wax session will be. Follow all of those steps and that will help you have a smoother wax session. After your first wax, you will be hooked! After your first wax, your hair will grow back a little thinner and softer. With every wax, your tolerance builds and it becomes more comfortable. Although I specialize in Intimate waxing, I also offer full body scrubs, Facials, Peels and body peels. As an Esthetician skincare is my specialty. Rather it be waxing or facials. I want to help you, teach you and we will work together to get your skin where you want it to be. I don’t have a magic wand. It takes teamwork, patients and dedication to get results.
What’s next?
I have really connected with the community through running my business and I want to continue to build connections through my craft. Whether I stay a small business or expand, my goal is to support my local community. I will always continue my education as it makes me a better Esthetician. At the moment, I am working to be an Oncology trained Esthetician so I can give back to the community through volunteer work.
Contact Info:
- Email: tenkobeauty@yahoo.com
- Website: www.tenkobeauty.skincaretherapy.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenkobeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenkobeauty
- Other: www.Vagaro.com/Tenkobeauty
Image Credits:
Reaghan May
