Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Jolie Waugh.
Gabrielle Jolie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love for esthetics began at age 15 when I received my first wax pot. It didn’t take long for me to become the waxing specialist for all my friends and family. Waxing came naturally to me, and so did all things beauty.
Once I finished high school, unfortunately, took me two years and two jobs to realize I needed to be in beauty school. I then began my journey as an Esthetician at Palomar Institute of Cosmetology where I became a licensed esthetician. I spent the next two years gaining experience honing my skills, and building a digital portfolio of my work on social media.
I was working full time as a makeup artist and skin therapist and as much as I loved what I was doing, I didn’t want to spend any more time working to build someone else’s dream.
It was time to start building my own dream! I decided to go solo. Before I could talk myself out of it, I turned in my two weeks notice. Fortunately, I have an amazing support system behind me, my generous parents and loving husband. Within just a few weeks, we had converted my parent’s garage into a spa!
“Le Joli Spa”, “Where you solve all your pretty girl problems.” I immediately began promoting myself. Instagram, a website, business cards, and doing all my friends’ services for free to use them as walking billboards. Before I knew it, my schedule was filling up. Lashes, facials, waxing… my dream was coming true.
It’s now been a year and I am so happy with how far I’ve come, but still have a long way to go. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds! Until then, “Let’s Get Pretty!”
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to success was far from smooth. There were some bumps and a few potholes. The biggest challenge for me has been TIME. Starting and building your own business is very time-consuming.
The thing is, life continues. So many things, important things, come up and may delay, distract, or fully get in the way of you taking that next step toward your goal. What I’ve learned is to stop, and deal with that matter. You can’t ignore it. It’s your life. But don’t let it take over. Work it out and move forward.
Another bump in the road for me was FINANCES. Quitting my job with no guaranteed income meant taking a big leap of faith. A scary one. I was newly married, funds were tight and I knew I needed to raise the bar to live comfortably. I had to BELIEVE in my brand and that building my business was not just worth the risk. I had to KNOW, my future depended on it.
Fortunately, I surrounded myself with those I trust and who support me. I knew the only way to reach my goals was to step in that direction.
But that was my step. The journey is different for everyone. I guess the key is to find your path, wisely manage your resources, surround yourself with good people, believe in your brand, then step toward success no matter how long it takes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gabrielle Jolie Beauty – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Le Joli Spa offers a variety of therapeutic facials, body waxing, eyelash extensions, and makeup services. I’ve been told my skills are exceptional in all the services I provide. Eyelash extensions are my specialty and focus.
I consider myself a Lash Artist and Lash Art is definitely what I’m known for. I love doing them and I love the way they make people feel. No two faces are the same. Using my creative eye to accentuate the unique beauty and personality of each person has definitely set me apart from all other lash technicians.
I’d have to say, seeing the growth of my business, how far I’ve come, how much I’ve learned, the clientele I’ve built, and the energy I’ve put into my career as an Esthetician brings me a great sense of accomplishment.
Who have you been inspired by?
My mother Jolie, is my biggest inspiration. She’s worked hard for everything she has. It’s never been easy, in fact, the odds have often been stacked against her. But regardless of her circumstances, she’s always pushed forward and set an amazing example in the process. From a young age, I was taught responsibility, honesty, integrity, self-love, and a relationship with God was the most important. My mother showed me all of those things by her example in being the best wife and mother she could be.
Her children are the most important thing in her life. So, she chose a career that allowed her to always be home with us. Almost 20 years ago, after much hard work, she began running her own business as an administrator of an Adult Residential Facility. Two young boys with intellectual disabilities moved in with my family and I. I watched as she treated them with love and patience. Somehow, she did this while raising four of her own children. To this day, she still treats those same boys, now men, like her own, giving them their best life possible.
My mother is my best friend and biggest supporter. She inspires me to be the best I can be.
Pricing:
- Eyelash Extension Full Sets: $110
- Eyelash Extension Fills: $50
- Keratin Eyelash Lift: $65
- 1 Hour Customized Facial: $65
- 20 Minute Express Microdermabrasion: $45
- Brow Shaping: $15
- Makeup Application: $80
Contact Info:
- Website: Gabriellejoliebeauty.com
- Phone: 909.225.3836
- Email: gabriellejoliebeauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gabriellejoliebeauty
Image Credit:
Ali Huber: Ali Art & Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
