Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Timmons.
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?
Life after college has been the beginning of my “what now” chapter in life and where I fell short. I always knew I was going to be a “serial entrepreneur” because I desire to own multiple businesses, but what those businesses would be I did not know.
I have always been a detailed dreamer and come up with business ideas as quickly as I can write my full name on a piece of paper. In pursuit of my bachelor’s degree, I went straight into the Business field majoring in Management and Marketing.
I took Entrepreneur course electives because I wanted to know the ends and outs of owning my own businesses and being self-sufficient in the business world. However, my talents and skills alone did not help me get a job within my field. I was fresh out of college in an expensive city (Miami) and needed income to avoid moving back home, so I got a regular job at a customer service call center. At the time, my fiancé and I got our first apartment and things were moving smoothly, but I was not happy with my job and felt I was getting comfortable.
Even with going through the motions, the only thing I was certain of was starting my business, however, I had no idea what that was. Let’s fast forward to October 2018 when I found out I was pregnant. I wish I can say I was oh so shocked, but it was no surprise. I resented my job, even more, when I was pregnant and anyone who worked at a call center knows my pain. During my pregnancy, I debated if I would just go on maternity leave or resign after childbirth. I ended up having my son 2 1/2 months early and at that moment I decided to resign.
I became a stay-at-home mom and was satisfied at first, but I needed more out of my life. Even though my fiancé was doing a great job at being the breadwinner, that was not our plan and what we dreamed of. My definition of a stay-at-home mom was being able to have my own income with the support of my fiancé, but I wasn’t doing that. I would think of the things I liked and enjoyed doing. My rule for coming up with a business idea was to find something that I enjoyed naturally and didn’t mind doing consistently. I started my chocolate-dipped treats business, Sugar Coated Obsession that is still up and running but still not enough for me.
Skincare sparked another interest of mine, which I owe to my son. I always considered myself to have pretty clear skin, however, my son had a mild case of Eczema and one day had a bad breakout. I started paying more attention to what I put on his body from body wash, moisturizers, SPF topicals, etc. For Eczema, doctors like to prescribe steroid creams and I did not want that. My next step was to get educated on the subject by looking up Esthetician schools. One of my biggest concerns was finding the time to go to school when I had to physically care for a child 24/7 with no assistance because his dad worked, and I didn’t have consistent help.
My other concern was paying for school because I couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket nor was educated on financial aid assistance for beauty schools. In 2020, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, hoping to pursue my goals but beauty schools were so expensive there and I started wishing I was back in Florida. Just my luck in February 2021, I moved back to Jacksonville, Florida, and knew I couldn’t postpone enrolling in beauty school any longer. Once I started classes I took the opportunity to build my name and brand. As part of our path to graduation, we were allowed to bring in people to receive services.
I already had my business name and logo in place, so then I created my social media platforms and flyers to promote my business and create content. After receiving positive feedback from my teachers, peers, and clients I knew this was going to be my niche. I fell in love with the industry! I did secondary research while in school to keep myself up to date on current trends. Golden Bliss Beauty Spa may still be new, but surely growing!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A smooth road is not ideal and honestly I would not want it to be. Struggle builds character and strength. Through struggle there is always a greater good that comes from it, you must be willing to put in the work.
Capital is my biggest challenge currently, but financial troubles are common when starting a business. Skincare is an expensive industry. There are so many different product lines, techniques, and trends occurring daily. You must be quick on your toes in this industry, which is why I’m a planner and researcher, heavy in the books – your ideal scholar! I research different products and create customized facial services but with customization comes additional costs. There are also post-graduation advanced certification courses that will continue my knowledge and develop my brand but that costs as well.
I struggle with having all these plans and great marketing ideas but not being able to execute them as quickly as I want then I become discouraged. However, at my own pace, I am getting to purchasing new product lines and enrolling in courses. Yes, I wish the process was moving quicker so that I can execute all my ideas, but I am starting to learn to be comfortable with waiting for things I deserve.
Building clientele is a process but nothing for me to worry about. It’s not where I want it to be, but I have a welcoming spirit and attract positive people. I know that I am knowledgeable in my field and provide desired results to my clients. Once I can execute my ideal marketing techniques, I know the clientele will flow to me.
Struggles are temporary. There is always going to be something or someone that may add that bump on the road, but you must put in the work and overcome it. I like to live by the phrase: control what you can and whatever you can’t, make do with it. Why worry and put energy into something that is out of your control when you can focus on what does work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Golden Bliss Beauty Spa aims to create a rejuvenating experience through beauty, comfort, knowledge, and personalization for men and women. I specialize in all skin types and full body waxing with a focus specifically on men’s skincare and Brazilian waxes. I develop individualized plans based on each of my client’s needs. I also provide vajacials and body treatments.
In 2022 I plan to start focusing on corrective skincare adding dermaplaning, micro-needling, and more invasive chemical peels to my services. I take pride in being knowledgeable and updated on any new trends in the skin industry. I love when my clients leave feeling more knowledgeable and ready to put in the work to start their at-home regimen. I am known for my care for male skin and non-invasive micro-peels.
Most of my clients received their first-ever facial from me and I take pride in creating an experience for them to become loyal clients. I do not like to compare myself to others in the industry, but I like to focus more on the experience I’m providing. By focusing not only on my talents and results, when you create a great experience, you build everlasting relationships.
What matters most to you? Why?
My main goal in the beauty industry and as a Licensed Esthetician are educating people on the luxury of taking care of their skin and body. The first time I received a facial was my first week at beauty school and that also was for most of my classmates as well. I never really heard anyone around me even talk about facials or waxing. The only waxing that was discussed was to groom my eyebrows.
I want everyone to normalize self-care, both men and women. Self-care plays a big part in what you look like from the outside. Everything affects your skin from the lifestyle you live, stress level, food intake, physical activity, etc. It’s important to me to provide that knowledge to my clients and potential clients. When you look good, you feel good, and everyone should feel good about themselves.
Contact Info:
- Email: goldenblissbeautyspa@gm
ail.com - Instagram: @
Goldenblissbeautyspa
