Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Pitney
Hi Sophie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I struggled with acne through my whole teenage years. I felt ashamed and struggled with my confidence in one of the most vulnerable points of your life. I tried everything from infomercial products to monthly visits to the dermatologist. After feeling like giving up, and nothing working, I was put on an aggressive drug, Accutane. It did in fact heal my acne, but at what cost? From the extreme mood swings, daily nose bleeds and joint pain I felt there had to be another way. Fast forward to my freshman year of community college, I was struggling with the idea of being in the classroom and what I wanted to pursue as a career for my future. My mom gave me the idea to apply to Esthetician school, as it was a hands-on program and a way to help others with their skin and confidence, something I could’ve used. From the first day of class, I immediately fell in love with skin health and the beauty world. When I graduated I knew I wanted to specialize in acne, to help others who were like me. But this time I would give clients a safe space to perform ethical and results driven treatments to have a different approach of skin health through lifestyle choices, skincare products, and self-care. Opal Esthetics is now a year into business and thriving.
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?
Of course, with starting any small business from the ground up, there are obstacles that I faced along the way. From funding everything myself, to building clientele it has been a long journey that I’m still working on today! Being able to learn how to be the best esthetician I can be while also learning how to be a business woman, I am learning something new everyday to better myself, my clients, and Opal Esthetics. My advice to all new start-ups is cash-flow and marketing. Profitability will come later. Being a great esthetician is a start but you need to be able to have your name out there in order to succeed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d like to refer to myself as a skin therapist. I strive to give my clients the healthiest skin possible, while enhancing their natural beauty to give them the confidence they deserve. When building my business, I wanted to have a specialty but also rounding out my menu to cater to everyone. Acne was something I personally dealt with and felt it could set me apart in the marketplace. My proudest moment was being able to look at my finished spa with clients in the door, knowing I was open for business.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My goal in the next 5-10 years is not in fact to have a franchise or chain. I would be satisfied continuing being a solo esthetician with a fully booked schedule.
Pricing:
- Custom Facial (First-Time Clients) – $100
- Acne Facial – $125
- Teen Facial – $75
- Back Facial – $125
- Oxygen RX Treatment – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/opalesthetics
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opalestheticsgreenville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557917167435
