Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Baum.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Hello, my name is Melissa Baum. I am a 20-year retired Army veteran. Originally from Trenton, NJ, currently residing in Orange Park, FL. I moved here a little over two years ago with my 5-year-old twin daughters and my mother. I have always been a worker; after retiring, not having a job weighed heavily on me. I decided to look for some work. But after getting turned down for numerous positions that I applied for, I fell into a slump. One day I was giving my significant other a facial. Nothing special, but he said I needed to do that for a living. Because it wasn’t in my skill set, he said, you can start a mobile spa. I thought it sounded a little funny. It was being that I’ve never shown any true interest in being an esthetician. I have always liked taking care of my skin. But that was as far as it went. After brainstorming with him for a couple of hours, I decided to find a school that offered the program. Two weeks later, I was accepted into Aveda Institute. Soon after, I found out how much I really appreciated skincare and how much I enjoyed helping others love the skin they are in. As soon as I graduated, I applied for my LLC. I got a job working at a waxing center to perfect my craft. I had a goal in place, and I needed to get there.
I saved all I could, and finally, after a lot of tears, I came across the perfect enclosed vehicle to get me started. As of March 2022, Baum Beauty Spa was finally completed. I am so excited and ready to share my passion with everyone. I started from having no skills to acquiring my certification in small business management and entrepreneurship, turning a nearly empty vessel into a spa on wheels, and constantly learning as much as possible about the beauty industry. This is no longer a hobby for me. This is a dream come true. This is an opportunity to show my daughters that they can do anything they put their minds to.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
As far as obstacles go, there have been many. Starting from the beginning, just trying to find the right mobile vehicle was a challenge. I have looked at so many and been undersold so many times. Because of the pandemic, productivity, and price increase, these things made it a little harder to move forward as soon as I want to. And because of it, there were times when I was ready to give up. Finally, an opportunity presented itself, and I found my vehicle. Some other challenges I face is being retired. Financial sacrifices had to be made while still providing for my home. Lastly, being a single mother can have its challenges as well when trying to start a business. Taking care of my daughters and my mom, does not always allow time to be
on my side, which makes consistent marketing a little harder for me. Regardless of the situations, these are all obstacles that I will not let deter me from getting to where I want to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed full specialist esthetician. I specialize in acne reducing, anti-aging, basic, and signature facials. I use LED light therapy treatments and microdermabrasion. I also provide full body waxing services. I am most proud of just being able to turn an idea into reality. Having this idea evolve during the height of the pandemic, I could still provide self-care options when none other were available. Being that my business is set up for a more intimate setting, I can give clients the assurance of them coming into a clean and sanitized environment. What sets me apart from others is that I provide a more convenient way of allowing people to still fit self-care into their lifestyles by coming to a location near them or even their home. I bring everything a brick and motor provides to their doorstep (figuratively speaking).
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have found it very important never to let anyone tell you that you can’t! There can be people in your life who will not support you the way you need. Not meaning financially, but by uplifting and standing behind you when you are ready to quit. Never let those people or anyone deter you from your goals. Never let fears keep you from overcoming your obstacles. There will be many. But with faith, dedication, and hard work, you can achieve anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.baumbeautyspa.com
- Instagram: Baum Beauty Spa
- Facebook: Baum Beauty Spa
