Happy New Year!
I realize we are in February now. January flew by, as have the last FIVE years! I looked up and realized I have been in business here at Complexions On Carter Skincare Boutique for FIVE years, and going strong!
In all of Life’s busyness, it’s milestones like this one that remind me to slow down, look around and take stock of and give thanks for the amazing opportunities that have come my way.
It was five years last October that my then-boyfriend, now husband Dan & I were on our way to have dinner at Muffuletta in the Park. On the way from the car I really noticed how beautiful and unique the neighborhood is, and when I got to the courtyard, I stopped in my tracks, captivated by the adorable little village of shops here. Then I saw the sign. RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE. I became so curious to see the space that I whipped out my phone and saved the phone number on the phone. Dan asked “what are you doing?” I replied “I’m going to call that number.” “Why?” He asked. “I just think it would be really cool to have a business right there, don’t you?” He took a deep breath and got ready to WORK!
Before that moment, I was not looking for a space or planning to open my own business of any kind. I was working more than full-time ~ seeing skincare clients, teaching and training both student and licensed estheticians on products, equipment and techniques and teaching Yoga classes. Life was full! Opening a business wasn’t even on my radar, until I saw the space in that courtyard.
The next day I called to schedule an appointment to see the space.
When I came in and saw it, the vision started to form. I saw that it was perfect for a small skincare spa & gathering space for trainings.
I began to believe I could make it happen.
Dan & I spent 2 months working on the space to get it ready for clients. We came in every night after working all day and spent every weekend and day off here. Dan added trim around the floors, doors & windows, replaced all the lighting. We shopped at antique shops for furniture. Dan refinished my desk and made mirrors for the walls. He made me a cart for supplies. My uncle came in and added cabinets and a tile backsplash.
I worked on getting licensed through the state, ordering products & supplies, hiring a designer for my website, setting up working with a business coach and creating my plans.
A few times, in the middle of the night, Dan would turn to me and ask “So this is really going to work?” and I would say “I have no idea!” Honestly, I couldn’t guarantee that even one client would walk through my doors. I set Intentions. I said Prayers. I made Wishes on stars.I Networked like crazy. I contacted media and beauty bloggers and invited them in. I repeated the mantra “If you build it, they will come!”
I am honored and proud to look back on the last five years and looking forward to many more!