Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Thompson
Hi Alexandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a low country girl through and through. I was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant and had an amazing childhood. I remember always loving to dress up and do all of my friends and family’s hair and makeup! From a young age I had a wild spirit and I rebelled quite a bit as a teenager. At the age of 16 I found out I was pregnant and was sent to live in Florence Crittenton, a home for expecting girls and women in Charleston. As I reflect back on that time today I realize how much the experiences of that chapter in my life taught me. I was immersed into a world where the odds seem to be stacked against me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but witnessing the struggles of young mothers navigating change and hearing the stories of their life deeply impacted me. I struggled for many years to find my way in the world as a young mother. I worked job after job but never truly felt like there was a place for me. I found myself in an extremely abusive relationship and for years I wasn’t the mother I should have been. For years I lived a life I wasn’t proud of and I truly believed there was no way out. I started picking up the pieces and worked hard to rebuild my life. As my daughter got older I wanted to provide stability. I was desperate to make up for lost time. It was important to me to show my daughter that change is possible, and good people make bad choices. I wanted her to see that no matter where you’ve been you can always push forward. I was blessed to find an amazing job at a Unified Communications company where I worked my way up the ladder. I remember the CEO of the company calling me after my interview; he said “we have a candidate that is far more qualified and has a ton of experience, however, I feel like you haven’t been given a chance and I want to give you that chance”. I’ll never forget that phone call. That career gave me confidence and showed me that I’m far more capable than I knew I was. I became a Client Success Manager and managed the relationship with 200 business across the United States. I built relationships with amazing people. I grew into a professional who had confidence and knowledge of the business world. I stayed at the company for 8 years. and during my last year with the company I started feeling a shift in myself. I wanted change and had no idea where to start. I decided to go back and obtain my GED. This was monumental for me. Something happened inside of me when I got my GED. It made me realize that even though I may not have the highest level of education, or ever fed my potential, it wasn’t too late. Giving back to that teenage girl who was so lost and had discounted her worth for so long was my goal. I enrolled in Esthetician school and attended night courses while working during the day. Leaving my career to pursue my passion was the scariest thing I have ever done, but I had to jump! I gave my notice and started working at a local spa, but my ultimate goal was to be a business owner. Roughly 6 months into my job I decided to step out on faith and start Wild Bliss Skin & Beauty. It’s hasn’t been easy but my heart and soul have gone into this. The icing on the cake is that my daughter Riley, who is now 19, just started school to be an Esthetician as well! It really is full circle. To share my passion and love for people through my business is something I couldn’t be more grateful for. My prayer is that I can inspire girls and women to go for the things that feel out of reach. To stop listening to the fear and feelings of failure. To be okay with not being perfect, and to know that their toughest battles are preparing them for something great!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
All of us have shame, pain, and regret that we carry inside of us. For me, those are the feelings that kept me from seeing my potential. Moving past the mistakes I made as a young mother and walking with confidence didn’t come easy for me. As an adult with little to no high school education it can be intimidating walking into rooms that you don’t feel you’re qualified to be in. I’ve realized that bookmarks are extremely valuable, but life experiences cannot be taught. My path in life has given me a passion for people, a spirit of determination, and the drive to be better and do better.
We’ve been impressed with Wild Bliss Skin & 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?
Wild Bliss fuses skin science, relaxation, and beauty innovation. Our skin treatments include customized facials for all skin types. I am a Certified Acne expert and provide in office treatments as well as home care programs for acne sufferers. Helping my clients learn their skin and become more familiar with the ingredients that work best with their skin is what I love. I also offer lash and brow services as well as facial waxing. Our treatments are curated with care and personalized for every client and their specific goals. The Wild Bliss experience is based on kindness, trust, and feeling safe and comfortable. I have the best clients and I absolutely adore them.
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?
I’m so excited to see a shift from covering our skin with makeup to focusing on the health of our skin. I absolutely love makeup! I love doing it and I love wearing it, but I have to say, seeing the movement of natural beauty makes me so happy. There is such a focus on clean ingredients and consumers are more vigilant about looking into the products they’re using. I think more people are focusing on self care and it’s so important. The Esthetics industry is not about vanity. It’s about taking care of our bodies and nourishing ourselves whether that be internally or externally. Treatment rooms are shifting and the focus on what we put into and onto our bodies is growing. I think the awareness of caring for ourselves and the positive impact that has on mental health will continue to increase.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildblissskinandbeauty.com/
- Instagram: wildbliss_charleston
