“What the world needs now is love, sweet love.” -Jackie DeShannon
It’s that time of year that I like to celebrate all things love! Valentine’s Day isn’t just a romantic day but a time to celebrate friendships and if you’re extra lucky….job love!
This year I spoke to Elizabeth Shealy. She is the owner of Rock Beauty, a wife, and a mom to two beautiful kids. Her shop just moved to Mount Pleasant and I am so excited for you to meet her!
http://www.rockbeautycharleston.com/
Tell us a little about how Rock Beauty came about?
Rock Beauty was actually inspired by my clients. I was working at a spa right after graduation learning the ropes and as the relationships grew we became interested in the world of natural safe skin care. There was a line that was available for clients to purchase and clients would ask “what’s in that? Is it safe while pregnant?” So naturally I would research the ingredients and was surprised to find out No! Don’t put that on your skin! Don’t buy that! As the years went on and organic skin care started being trusted we delved into it together. Now, 15 years later organic is “cool” and even effective for most skin types. Skin care and I have come a long way!
What advice would you give to those who want to become entrepreneurs?
Go for it! Specialize in a couple of modalities to have time to nurture and reach a certain demographic. Also listen to your customers wants and needs and be flexible to change your vision.
Did you start with a business plan? If so, how has it changed since you’ve been working?
Most people that know me won’t be surprised to hear I didn’t have a business plan per say. I had lots of ideas on what I wanted my business to not turn into which was a large “turn and burn” spa. I wanted clients to have an escape to truly relax and get lost in relaxation without feeling like they were being hustled and rushed while offering advice and educated them on the newest products available.
What advice would you give to those who want to become entrepreneurs? Go for it! Specialize in a couple of modalities to have time to nurture and reach a certain demographic. Also listen to your customers wants and needs and be flexible to change your vision.
What do you offer that is unique?
In 2008 I took a continuing Education class taught by Terry Liew of Singapore. He owns a school that specializes in this unique modality using reflexology and lymphatic manual drainage of the face & neck. This was very eye opening and changed my entire massage aspects of my facials in the treatment room. This refined massage aids in releasing facial tension and helps detox lymphatic tissue that’s trapped in the cheeks jaw and neck muscles.
What were some lessons that impacted the way you work?
Over the years I have learned to limit treatments and only do a certain amount of hours to make sure I don’t get burned out and that I can give more to each client.
What is one thing you find to be true that other people may disagree with?
I am 100% fine with telling a client less Is more! I find now the industry in inundated with so many skin care lines with outrageous claims and it can be a never ending rabbit hole. I’m more into a simplistic approach to self care.
What is your favorite role as a business owner?
I love the fact that I can pick my kids up from school and have the hours to allow me to be a mom. I know there will be a day when they won’t need “mom” anymore and I can put more into the meat of the business but for now I relish in the flexibility.
In one word, describe your life as a business owner.
My life as a business owner is freeing. I have a notebook of ideas and coulda” woulda” shoulda”s. Some are really fun and inspiring and others not so much. But I love the way I can explore them without anything/anyone stopping me.
What is your spirit animal?
My spirit animal would have to be butterflies or lady bugs. They are beautiful and spread joy and good luck where ever they land!
