Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Allen.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started in the beauty industry as a hairstylist. I was fresh out of high school and struggling in an abusive relationship with an older guy. Hair school saved my life and gave me purpose and confidence. By graduation, I had broken up with him and was a confident, well-rounded stylist. I wasn’t passionate about hair but loved helping women feel beautiful. I became obsessed with how my clients would walk, talk, sit, and stand differently with new, refreshed hair. There’s nothing like pouring hours of work into someone and, afterward, seeing their faces lighting up as they look in the mirror.
After a few jobs at various hair salons, I felt burnt out and uninspired. I took a few years away from the beauty industry, but I never stopped going to spas and trying various treatments (some would call it frivolous spending, but with hindsight, I was really “gathering data”). I fell in love with skincare and esthetics through my experiences receiving luxurious facials. I tried different places with different approaches, styles, and products and found myself comparing, contrasting, and researching everything I could about esthetics. Like many others, the COVID pandemic brought on a period of depression and loss of purpose in life for me. I experienced a quarter-life crisis like no other. The struggles were dark and challenging, but I’m thankful. That long dark period they have inspired me to change my life and career path and to pursue my passion for skin by becoming an esthetician. I’ve never been happier working in my spa with my clients, helping them glow from the inside out.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
Not a smooth road, but my darkest moments inspired my growth every time. Wanting to escape my abuser and free myself financially were huge motivators to go to hair school. Working at the upscale salon and spas were challenging, between demanding clients and gossiping co-workers. Still, I learned how to stay calm, cool, and collected in adversity (and now my conflict-resolution skills are unreal!). The burnout from doing hair was rough, but I learned when to walk away and regroup in business. A dark depression inspired me to change my life and career by putting my focus and attention into my passion for skin. The struggles inspired the courage to start again with something new. Going out on my right out of esthetician school with zero clientele was a considerable struggle, and I would recommend it to only some people. It will test you financially, mentally, and spiritually. Going to work for someone else would have been easier, but I knew I wanted to create my own business on my terms. The struggle has always been worth the payoff in my life.
We’ve been impressed with Lush Rich Skin, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
I am a licensed esthetician, and my spa is a luxurious facial sanctuary. I specialize in tailor-fitted and results-driven esthetic treatments. I am a certified acne specialist with many healing modalities designed to cleanse, purify, and tighten the skin. Everyone can glow and shine at any age and skin type with time, consistency, patience, and compliance! I aim for every soul that walks through our door to be touched by the essence of lush richness: unapologetically embodying your birthright of innate worth, value, and luxury. I want clients to love their natural skin so much that they go makeup-free daily. My empathetic nature and deep care for my clients sets me apart from everywhere else, me, and my clients I have gone for treatments. I care about my clients like family and am deeply invested in their results! Many spas are transactional, tacking on upsells, trying to move product and get each ticket price as high as possible, without care or concern for the long-term results and care of the client. I’m not about selling clients a particular treatment package or product for my gain. Each treatment and outcome is intentional, with my clients’ long-term health and healing in mind. What is best for my client’s lifestyle, goals, and health is always number one.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband: He has never been intimidated by my ambitious nature and has only motivated me to go harder. He is like my roadie; he is always helping me break things down, clean up, do laundry, and help keep my business running. He is the most thoughtful supporter. My mom, aunt, and brother: My first business investors who helped me believe in myself and my ability to succeed. They are indeed what made my business possible in the beginning! Without them, Lush Rich Skin wouldn’t exist! My best friend, Chef Bri of Culinary Experiences. She always gives out my business cards, tells everyone about me, and always has some wisdom, motivation, or business ideas for me. She is the dream friend to have as a business owner!
Pricing:
- New Client Intro: $135 for Hydrodermabrasion/Dermaplane Facial ($147 off)
- 60 Minute Custom Facial: $165
- 90 Minute Custom Facial $195
Contact Info:
- Website: lushrichskin.com
- Instagram: lush.rich.skin
