Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Polfus.
Hi Alexis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started about six years ago when I moved to Charleston from Wisconsin. At the time, I was finishing up my Associates’ Degree online while trying to figure out what my next step in life would be. I struggled through college, not knowing what my true passion was. After moving, I realized that the world was my oyster. I had found myself.
I had always enjoyed taking care of my skin and working with makeup, so I began looking into esthetic schools around the area. I chose to go to Kenneth Shuler where I spent the next seven months working towards my license. It wasn’t until I started attending esthetics school when I realized that this is what passion was. I was actually excited to go to school every day. The beauty industry is where my heart was meant to be. It was truly the best feeling after struggling to find interest in school before then. After graduating, I began working at European Wax Center where I learned my knowledge on waxing, products, and how to grow a clientele.
I enjoyed working there, but I always knew that I had more to offer than just waxing. A year or so later, I was introduced to a woman who was looking to hire someone to do eyelash extensions, waxing, and skincare. A DREAM COME TRUE! I spent the next month and a half doing an apprenticeship where I became very skilled in lash extensions. Instead of only waxing. I was able to use all of the skills I had learned in school, as well as offer eyelash extensions. It was everything I wanted to do and more! I am so thankful for that opportunity. I always envisioned myself working for a company where I could continue to grow as an esthetician.
After a couple of years had passed, I was told by my boss that I was at the peak of where I could go within her company and was making top dollar as an esthetician. For me, I knew that my dreams could reach higher than what she was offering. In the words of Kris Jenner, “Never take no for an answer.” I decided to go out on my own and open SunRae Beauty. I wanted more for myself and my career. SunRae Beauty is everything that I could’ve asked for and more. It is a business, my business that provides top-quality services and long-lasting client relationships. I will forever be thankful for my past and where it has brought me today.
SunRae Beauty just celebrated two years this month! I’m so proud of myself and the business I have built here in Charleston. If I have any advice for anyone, it would be to put your fears aside and step out of your comfort zone. Never take no for an answer!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Initially, leaving the company that I was with was intimidating in itself. It can be so scary to step out into the unknown and risk everything that you know. Owning a business is never a smooth road. A struggle for me and so many others this last year was COVID-19.
In March of last year, I had to make the difficult decision to close my business for two and a half months for the safety of my clients and myself. This time brought so much uncertainty and fear about what SunRae Beauty would be when I was able to open my doors again. Thankfully, I was able to reopen and took additional steps to create a safe environment for both my clients and myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I own a beauty business where I specialize in lash extensions and offer skin care services including facials, chemical peels, and waxing services. I’m known for doing more natural-looking sets of lash extensions, the ones where you look at someone’s lashes and say “Are those your real lashes? Because they look amazing!”
I’m so proud of the beautiful and relaxing space that I have created where women and men feel comfortable to be themselves and look forward to their next appointment. Having the opportunity to make people feel beautiful from your services is such a blessing and I never take it for granted. I’m always looking to learn and grow in my area of expertise so that I can be the best for my clients.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my most favorite childhood memories was watching and being a part of my dad opening up his dream restaurant. He transformed an old appliance store into a restaurant that he had dreamed about for as long as I could remember. Watching someone’s dreams come to fruition, especially someone that you care about so much, is absolutely amazing. Being there for each step of the way will always be something that I’ll cherish.
He created a place where so many friendships, families, laughs, and memories started. Watching my dad’s drive and determination, not only with the opening of his restaurant but also in everyday life, will always be admirable to me. He is part of the reason for my passion to be an entrepreneur. After seeing all of the good that came from his business, it is my goal to carry it over into my own.
Contact Info:
- Email: sunraebeauty@gmail.com
- Website: sunraebeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunraebeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunraebeauty
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunrae-beauty-charleston
Image Credits
Nicole Mickle
