Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Martin.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I moved to SC in June 1999, I transferred with a national company’s cleanroom division. I arrived on a Saturday, unloaded on Sunday, worked on Monday, and came home that night with my forehead all broken out. My skin had issues with the Southern heat and humidity. That summer, I was also introduced to Aveda while staying with a family friend. This small event changed the direction of my life. A few months later, I was perusing the newspaper and, lo and behold, there was an ad for Aveda. They were hiring for the new store that was to open at Haywood Mall (what is now Pandora, for you newcomers). I worked part time for almost two years. This was my gateway to the world of beauty and wellness. In 2000, I went to work for a new construction company. That fall, I decided to attend a spa trade show in Florida. I met such nice people, and it was suggested that I get a license to work in the field before opening my own place. So, ten months later, I did just that; I was in esthetics school the morning of 9/11. I graduated from Esthetics International in December 2001. I drove from Fountain Inn to Columbia Mon – Fri and worked on the weekends. I was blessed to have the best instructor. Donn Kerr is a fabulous teacher. I still contact him for questions. His knowledge and love of the industry can not be matched. I finished my boards in January 2002, and started work the next day. I worked at that location for 1.5 years before moving out on my own to the Laurens Rd location, where I have been since August 2003. Twenty-two years later, I am still at the same address and have a handful of clients who have been with me since the very beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is life ever smooth? LOL!
Building a business is challenging, and it’s certainly not for everyone. Some people prefer the security of a corporate job, but I’ve always loved the freedom to travel and do things my own way. I don’t work less, I just work differently. The beauty industry has its ebbs and flows—shaped by the seasons, the economy, and even whether school is in session or not. After so many years, I know what to expect, but in the beginning, it was stressful.
When I first started out, I worked Tuesday through Saturday at my first salon—even without clients of my own. I showed up every day, met the salon’s clients, and became everyone’s go-to helper. I did laundry, swept hair (trust me, four hairdressers keep you busy!), answered phones, and handled whatever else needed doing. On top of that, I worked weekends for a catering company, did Sunday brunch, helped in a friend’s office on Mondays, and picked up temp jobs when I could. It took four years of juggling all of that before I could finally focus only on my skincare business.
I’m grateful to Donn at Esthetics International in Columbia, SC, for giving me the foundation to make that possible. I had originally started at a different school, but after 9/11 I transferred, and it turned out to be the best decision. The training I received there shaped my skills and gave me the confidence to provide high-quality services—something I credit for the loyal, fabulous clientele I have today.
Over the years, many clients have become dear friends. I know there’s a theory that you should keep business and personal lives separate, but for me, the lines naturally blur. Some days you’re laughing with clients, other days you’re crying with them. I’ve watched their children grow up, get married, and even move away. I’ve been alongside them through weddings, divorces, birthdays, births, and losses. I genuinely care—I want to hear about the plays, concerts, and soccer games their kids are in. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of this work: the conversations. We share stories about travel, food, books, movies, and life. Clients often text me asking, “Hey, do you know someone who does XYZ?” And most of the time, I do!
From the very beginning, I created a website and a newsletter—long before it was easy to do so. I never wanted just an oversized brochure; I wanted my site to be a resource, something fun and engaging rather than the typical “serene spa” look. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with amazing people who helped shape the Raspberry Moon brand. One client, fresh out of Clemson, asked if she could design a brochure for me. I said yes—and her vision completely transformed Raspberry Moon’s look and feel, setting the tone for the brand that exists today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I actually started out as Nicole Martin Skin & Body Therapy—so long and boring. The name Raspberry Moon came about in the most unexpected way. Around 2005, my now 21-year-old nephew was still in diapers and eating blueberries by the handful. He ate so many that, let’s just say, the results were very colorful! His mom and I were laughing about it, which led to a conversation about the cycles of the moon and the idea of “seasons of the moon.” She started naming them—Goldenrod Moon, Blueberry Moon, Strawberry Moon (which I thought sounded like that boxed wine from the 90s?—and suddenly it clicked: Raspberry Moon! She instantly knew I meant it for my business, and that’s how Raspberry Moon Skin Therapy was born.
I was also one of the first estheticians in Greenville, specializing in Brazilian waxing. Over 20 years ago, there were only a handful of us in town who did waxing, and I loved it right away. I also learned how to use hard wax early on, just as it was becoming popular, and it’s still my preferred method. To this day, I love the variety my work offers: a mix of waxing and skincare keeps my days interesting.
My facials are a little different than most. I was trained to incorporate as much massage as possible into a treatment, and I’ve kept that philosophy. Any service that’s an hour or longer includes massage of the hands, arms, legs, feet, upper back, and décolleté—because if a mask or enzyme needs time to work, I should be doing something to care for you. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a hand and foot massage? I also emphasize facial massage, creating rhythm and flow so the treatment feels seamless. To me, services are never just about skincare or waxing—they’re about care and comfort. Even waxing can be done with that approach.
Of course, I offer more advanced services like chemical peels and Celluma LED Light Therapy, but my heart is in the hands-on treatments. Facials should nourish the skin, yes, but they should also soothe the soul.
I also believe healthy skin starts with daily habits. The basics—no smoking, using SPF every single day, and staying hydrated—make the biggest difference. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive; consistency is the key. I work with Skin Script RX and Viktoria De’Ann because they offer high-quality, effective products that deliver results without being harsh. A few key products at home, paired with regular professional treatments, can completely transform your skin. I practice what I preach too—I see my own esthetician every 4–6 weeks because I can feel the difference when I’m off schedule.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Amazing clients are truly the foundation of my success. They’ve weathered the storms of life alongside me, and without their loyalty and support, I wouldn’t have the thriving business I have today.
I also credit my parents and grandparents for instilling in me the values of hard work, loyalty, and determination. Those qualities have carried me through every challenge.
Another key influence was Brad, my boss in Pennsylvania, who first hired me for office work and eventually trusted me to help run his companies. He was the opposite of a micromanager, and through his example I learned that it was possible to create the life I wanted by working for myself—just as he had. One of the reasons he hired me was because I always said, “Sure, I can do that,” even if I had no idea how at first. I’d figure it out. That mindset has stayed with me in business.
My brother Jeremy has also been a constant source of encouragement, always reminding me that things will work out and that opportunities appear when you need them. His support was especially important in 2001, when I left a very good job to take a leap of faith. He and I are the only two in our family who work for ourselves—most of our relatives are in government—so it felt like uncharted territory.
And then there was Colleen, my life coach at the time. When I told her I was quitting my secure job to become an esthetician, she thought I had lost my mind a little—but she never told me that until 20 years later! Instead, she simply guided me, encouraged me, and had faith in me when I needed it most. She figured if things fell apart, we would pick up the pieces together. That belief gave me the courage to keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RaspberryMoonST.com
- Instagram: @RaspberryMoonST
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaspberryMoon/
- Youtube: @RaspberryMoonST
