Today we’d like to introduce you to Reese Purcell
Hi Reese, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to work in the beauty/ wellness industry but was skeptical of going to a program for a license instead of getting a degree. I originally enrolled at FSCJ for business administration. I didn’t enjoy it and was basically just going through the motions. Eventually covid came around and I knew that was my opportunity to start over with something new. As soon as everything opened back up I enrolled at Aveda Institute here in Jacksonville. I started in March of 2022. During the program I was working at Crunch Fitness in Orange Park. I worked full time while going to school 3 days a week. For 6 months straight I was either at work or school or both, with the exception of 2 days I took to rest while my mom was in town. Going to school Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I worked at Crunch, full shifts, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and most of the time would come in after school on Tuesday and Thursday to close. Those 6 months were so tough but so rewarding! I landed a job at a lash lounge after graduation in september of 22. In March of 2024 I decided it was time to get serious about my goals and what I want for my life. I was tired of making minimum pay and pouring so much effort and time into something that wasn’t mine. Again, I found myself just going through the motions. By March 29th I had leased my own suite and began Raw Beauty! I offer Lash Extensions, Brows and Advanced Facial Treatments. I was so excited to finally be on my own. The first couple months were rough trying to rebuild a clientele and learn all the ins and outs of running a business. There were days I felt like I should give up and start working for someone else. There were days I thought “am I too young?” “did I jump into this too soon?” but when I have a goal I intend to reach it. I was determined to build my business. Eventually my clientele took off and everything fell into place. I see clients at my salon suite but I also started offering house calls throughout St. John’s. I travel to neighborhoods including Rivertown and Shearwater. Between my in salon clients and my travel clients I am now booked and busy!! I am beyond blessed to service each and every one of them! I love where Raw Beauty is right now but this is not the finish line! There is so much more to come!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey has been anything but smooth. Just to start, school was hard enough. I worked full time to pay my way through school. The entire 6 month period I was enrolled at Aveda I only had 2 days off. I requested 2 days off when my mom decided to come in town and help me reset/organize my apartment. I was working so much on top of schooling I had no time to take care of myself or my home. I am so thankful for those two days, my mom let me rest the entire time and got my apartment back in order for me. Transitioning from being someone’s employee to running my own business wasn’t easy either. I doubted myself so much. I thought I was too young and inexperienced to start my own business. I thought I wouldn’t be able to build a good clientele. There were months rent was late and there were months I thought I wouldn’t be able to pay rent at all. If i’ve learned anything from going out on my own it would be that if it’s Gods plan for your life, He will make it happen. Even when I doubted, He pulled through. His timing was perfect even if I didn’t see that in the moment. There will be struggles.. A life with no pain or setback isn’t promised but He is with you through it all. I have been through so much at a young age but I am so thankful for all of the hard times that have shaped me into who I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Raw Beauty . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a Licensed Esthetician and Lash Artist. I am known for creating unique and personalized lash extensions perfectly tailored to your natural eye shape and personality! I am also known for giving amazing facials! Whether you’re looking to combat a skin concern or just come in an relax, there is a perfect service for you! When you come into Raw Beauty you are not only receiving a service but an experience. It’s more than just getting a new set of lashes or a basic facial. I love building relationships with my clients and making them feel comfortable enough to let go of all of their worries and stress when they enter my space and leave feeling like a brand new person!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have absolutely had an amazing support system from the very beginning. My Mom: Beth Purcell, Dad: George Purcell, Grandma: Mary Edwards and Grandpa: Phil Edwards have been my biggest cheerleaders helping me navigate through this journey. I don’t have any family here in Florida but when I need them they are here! I could call and they’d be on the way the same day! Sometimes I just need the company and they pack up the kids and dogs and come to visit! They have always supported my dreams and work so hard themselves to help me whenever they can! I am beyond thankful for the amazing family I have and I dont tell them enough how much I love each and every one of them. I’d also like to shoutout my mentor Gina Battle: Licensed Esthetician/ MUA. She was my educator at Aveda and played a big role in my journey through school. She told me she saw my dedication and how hard I was working to support myself and create a life I wanted. We kept in touch when I graduated and she’s given me so much advice and support when it comes to running my own business. She has became one of my closest friends. I am so thankful for the relationship we have built! We even partner for fun events like Facial parties and Glam events now! Another person who really helped me take off is my current client, Victoria ABolafia. Victoria originally didn’t follow me when I went out on my own as I had moved much further away from Rivertown. After a couple weeks she decided to make the 45 minute drive to my salon. We did a couple of in salon appointments before she mentioned she thought there was a great opportunity for me over in Rivertown! I decided to dedicate one or two Fridays a month to housecalls in Rivertown if she found me a couple people that would book on the same day. She exceeded my expectations by far. I know dedicate all of my Fridays as well as some Mondays and Wednesday to house calls throughout Rivertown and Shearwater! I am so thankful for the connections she has given me!
Pricing:
- • Classic Lashes: $160
- •Hybrid Lashes: $190
- •Volume Lashes: $220
- •Signature Facial: $100
- •Advanced Treatment Facial: Starting at $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rawbeautybyreese.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawbeauty.br?igsh=MTQ3MGVtYjRreGFlMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Raw-Beauty-by-Reese-61557724382930/
