Today we’d like to introduce you to Michea “Kea” Turner.
Hi Michea, “Kea,” thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, thank you so much for having me .
I am the owner of The Gleaux (Glow) House Beauty Bar and Aesthetics located in Florence South Carolina.
I’ve been a licensed esthetician for about 2 years now and the salon has been open for 2 years as well. I also have been a licensed braider since 2014.
I started out braiding and doing locs in my home as somewhat of a side hustle while I maintained other full-time jobs. During that time, I would also “experiment” with other hairstyles and makeup on myself and close friends but never really took it as seriously as enrolling in school to take it to the next level. I honestly didn’t feel like I had the time to do so with having so much on my plate already. You know juggling 2 jobs, being a mom, wife etc.; it never really felt like the “right time” In 2020 I decided to make the investment in myself and took the steps in the direction I wanted for myself and career . I purchased 2 notebooks 1 for planning and the other to keep me focused on checking off those goals.
I started with a lash extensions course . But realized I needed to have a higher credential behind it to provide the service legally.
So I kept the jobs for a few more months after .
Honestly. I was sorta over the idea of working for someone else and putting my goals second. I also quickly found myself burning out trying to do so much at once and still being unsatisfied. You know like making the money but just felt like something was missing. I would literally work a job ( I didn’t completely love for money and benefits) and then leave that job to go do hair . so I quit a job and I enrolled in Kenneth Shuler’s esthetics program, and the journey began. I knew what I wanted out of the experience and went for it. I was terrified at the thought of failing . With the support of my family and friends. I was able to achieve my goals rather quickly though .
I have an amazing support system ( laughs) they definitely kept me motivated. I graduated in 2021 with honors and awards never earned before in the school’s history. There were many offers from other amazing salon owners to join their team, but I knew in my heart I was supposed to open my very own salon and lead my own team .
After graduation, things went so fast.
I didn’t want to waste any time. I quickly completed the state board and began looking for a place. A month after graduation, I secured the first location for The Gleaux (pronounced Glow) House, and my team and I quickly began renovating to align my vision from the notebooks with the brand. It truly was so beautiful. I then added my first two beauty professionals one of which who also turned into my business partner and we were on our way to creating a “one-stop shop” in an environment suitable for everyone’s needs and comfort. Our first year in business was beyond amazing, and we quickly saw the need for expansion. Fast forward to today, we are now in a much larger location offering a wider variety of beauty services with five beauty professionals at the top of their expertise and growing daily , servicing the South Carolina area and beyond. We’ve truly been blessed.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
Fairly smooth, hmmm yeah I guess you could say that , but obstacle free? Oh goodness no. There were and still are so many obstacles that I face as a first time business owner I’m literally learning, growing , making mistakes and learning again almost on a daily.
But I’m truly thankful for it because I truly believe without any obstacles the rewards wouldnt hit the same. It definitely makes you humble and allows space to appreciate the journey for real.
One of my biggest obstacles thus far has definitely been balancing work and home. You know setting those hours for work and sticking to them. As an entrepreneur, I’m still working on that because the ideas of continuously improving myself, my brand and the ladies that are in my salon never really stops.
Plus. I’m a Libra so I’m literally always thinking . (Laughs)
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Of course, so with me being the owner and also the lead esthetician at The Gleaux House Beauty Bar and Aesthetics i do just about everything and I’m always looking to perfect and expand my horizons. Currently, I specialize in body waxing and sugaring, facials, advanced body treatments, and therapy such as hot stone back massages, body detox services, and I also offer loc extensions both permanent and temporary. The salon as a whole offers nail services, pedicures, eyebrow enhancement, eyelash extensions, and more. I would have to say I’m most proud of my journey to be where I am, the lives I’ve impacted and the space we created. The fact that I can provide a space for other beauty professionals like myself to showcase our talents and grow a little more daily makes me very proud. In response to what sets me apart from others is simply that I’m me. My drive, my determination is one thing but my personality and spirit I feel like is one most should experience in their lifetime . I never really focused on the competition side of the beauty industry and I do not try to adjust or conform to what the next is doing; I just do me & that’s what works for me. I’m never afraid to help or educate the next person especially if I feel they’re genuine in their approach. I don’t gatekeep; I want us all to do and be everything our heart desires, even if we do the same thing.
And that’s what will always set me apart.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Yes, Oh my goodness I’m really a nerd at heart so I’m always looking to learn more. I lean heavily on Milady Ingredients Dictionary as I make and sell soaps, oils, and other skincare products. Books like “The Brown Mama Mindset,” “ Moms Mean Business,” “Empire State of Mind,” “Decoded,” “A Jar of Oil” & course, The Bible, to name a few, have helped me realize there is no such thing as the right time. You truly have to sit yourself down, make a plan and make it plain and act on it . You know really decide what you really want and go for it and trust that God didn’t put the vision in front of you to fail you . I also love my bible quote and motivation apps. They’ll send random, uplifting, and motivating messages throughout the day. It’s just that extra little something to keep me on the path .
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegleauxhouse.
com - Facebook: The Gleaux House Beauty Bar and Aesthetics
- Email : thegleauxhousellc@gmail.com
