Inspire With Quality - Imbue Esthetics

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patricia Clifford, founder of Imbue Esthetics, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I specialize in making people feel good from head to toe! I am the owner of Imbue Esthetics. I offer a wide variety of esthetic services to people wanting to experience my full presents with them. My customers are more than just customers; they become family. I place my whole heart and knowledge into my services so that they can experience the best possible treatments. When my clients walk through my door, it's an atmosphere like no other, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Tell us about yourself

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been interested in the beauty world. At the young age of 16, I took a hair course at Marvel College, and this experience pushed me forward to get knowledge in the beauty industry. What inspired me to open my own business was an experience at a nail salon. Two best friends had run the salon, and I was intrigued by the connection these women had with their clients. It reminded me of myself and how I love to take care of people. In 2009 I opened a small home-based business, waxing a few clients and friends. Through word of mouth and expanding my knowledge in the esthetic world, my business kept growing. I started to offer new services and grow my clientele until I had to rent a retail space in 2016 and officially changed my business name to Imbue Esthetics. “Imbue” means to inspire with quality, which is the main focus of my business.

The biggest motivation every day is my clients; seeing them smile, cry, pour their hearts out in my chair is one of the best feelings. I want to be there for them in all their healing needs, skincare, or just listening to what they wanna express. I truly love what I do. It is my passion.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have many accomplishments as a business owner. Growth is really what comes to mind when I think of everything I have achieved in my business. To experience growth, you must not be afraid of being uncomfortable. The only way to grow your business is to experience constant change and have a goal in mind of where you want to be. Adapt and survive.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is trying to find balance in life. Work can become your life, and family can be set aside very easily, especially in the Esthetic world. Most estheticians are empaths that just give and give! This is where boundaries come in handy in finding a good balance between work and home life.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Experience, go into the industry first, and experience working with a well-established company. You will gain so much knowledge from this and make an income while you grow your technique.
2. Advertisement- we live in a social world where photos and social media are so important to bring in new clients and display all your amazing talent and skills. Invest in yourself by hiring a social media marketing agency.
3. Specialize- specialize in a few things. When you have the opportunity to explore and learn so many things in the beauty industry, being a one-stop-shop is good, but if you do all services, you will never be perfect in all services. Finding a few benefits that you can put your all into will help you grow by gaining so much experience in the services you love the most.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Through my years growing in the beauty industry, I started to teach at one of the best Esthetic schools in Alberta “The Esthetic Institute.” Here I teach inspiring estheticians classes in Threading, Sugaring, Brow Henna, and Derma Needling. As an educator, it helps me give new and upcoming business owners all the knowledge they need to start their new adventures in the beauty industry.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://imbueesthetics.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imbue.esthetics/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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