Today we’d like to introduce you to Lativia Davis.
Hi Lativia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, I had a strong interest in esthetics since 2017 and I was planning to go to school for it that same year. However, life happened and I got pregnant with my beautiful daughter so I had to postpone my esthetician journey. Eventually, in Feb 2021 I saved up enough money to quit my full time job and solely go to school for esthetics. Unfortunately, I did get kicked out of my program 2 weeks before graduating for essentially standing up for another student, I still don’t think it was right til this day but karma is a thing and it didn’t deter me from my dreams. Eventually, I got my esthetics license in June of 2021 and started working for a wax chain shortly after. I loved my job! I loved waxing, it wasn’t easy when I first started but I definitely fell in love with it after I got the hang of things. Everything was going great, I was so happy life was finally falling into place. Then in August 2021 I got COVID and ended up passing it to my mom. My mom eventually passed away from it in Sept. I didn’t really cope with it properly and felt like I had to get back to work ASAP. So I did. My life was so out of wack because my mom helped me tremendously with every aspect of my life, especially with my daughter. I no longer had a reliable babysitter, child care was too expensive, and I didn’t know how I was going to handle things anymore. Soon enough I found someone to watch my daughter while I worked BUT my job still wasn’t really working with me how I needed them to so I quit in Feb 2022. It gave me the courage and strength to just go out on my own, which I wanted to do anyway. I opened up my own suite in April 2022, no clients no nothing!
It’s definitely a challenging time! I’m getting clients little by little and I appreciate each and every one of them. I love having my own small business, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I know it takes time for flowers to bloom and eventually my flower “Tivlani Aesthetics” will bloom in its own time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My Esthetics journey as a whole has been a little rough, but I persevered. I did have some struggles such as getting kicked out of my program, my mom passing away, and trying to keep myself from going insane. I think struggles are just a part of life and the way you handle them will affect the outcome of essentially the rest of your life. Failures are a part of success. I try to be positive and not let things get to me but it is definitely hard. I just focus on where I would like to see myself in the future and go with the flow. If it happens, it happens.
We’ve been impressed with Tivlani Aesthetics, 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?
Tivlani Aesthetics is a small black-owned waxing business, I specialize in Brazilian waxing. For every client I wax, I strive to make them feel as comfortable and confident as possible. They always have a great time when they come to me, we listen to music, have therapy sessions and some good laughs. I think what sets me apart from others is my comforting and welcoming personality. I want my clients to feel like I’m a friend they’ve known for years. It’s really awkward to me when I hear people tell me their wax tech doesn’t talk to them and is just trying to get the service over with. I’m not saying I’m going to talk your head off but I’ll definitely bring some personality to the table, you wouldn’t even realize I was done with your service until I say “knees to chest”. I will eventually be adding facials and lashes to my service menu. I can’t wait to start doing facials again!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was very introverted but also outspoken. If I didn’t like something I was definitely going to speak about it. My mom raised me to stand up for myself as well as others. I was also a goofball and I still am today. Honestly, I never thought I would have chosen the career path that I did. Younger Lativia would’ve been like “Eww, I’m not touching anyone’s vagina” lol.
Pricing:
- Brazilian wax $55
- Bikini wax $30
- Brazilian and underarms $70
- Summertime Fine Bundle $120 *includes underarms, full legs, full Brazilian and choice of upper lip or brows
- Manzilian $65
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Tivlani.aesthetics
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tivlaniaesthetics
- Other: Vagaro.com/Tivlaniaesthetics
