Safe, Natural Treatments - The Holistic Skin

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Garza, Owner of The Holistic Skin LLC., located in McDonough, GA, USA.

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

The Holistic Skin provides services and products that support the holistic principles of mind, body, and spirit wellness. As the body's largest organ, your skin is affected by your diet, hydration, hormones, stress, hygiene, and environment. We are proud to have a very diverse and loyal customer base ranging in all ages and backgrounds. Our clients are looking for clean and safe products and treatments for their skincare needs. All are welcome. If you have skin, you're in!

Tell us about yourself

I was always interested in skincare. In 2010, I left my position with the Georgia Department of Human Services and went back to school to pursue my Esthetics certification. After becoming licensed, I went on to study at the International Dermal Institute. I have been very fortunate to have been hired by some amazing companies that all contributed to continuing my training and skill set. Once I discovered natural skincare, I was hooked. In an industry of harsh quick fixes and toxic chemicals, I was introduced to a way of treating the skin with natural methods and ingredients that are actually good for your skin. I absolutely love what I do. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing someone look into the mirror after you've worked on them and seeing them happy in their own skin. In a world of filters, toxicity, and fake... well, everything, it's so rewarding to be able to make people feel good about themselves and their appearance.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Three years ago, in October 2019, I embarked on a huge leap of faith and opened my own business. Little did I know how much that faith would be tested just six short months later, in March 2020. For six long weeks, we were closed for services. The Holistic Skin LLC managed to keep going because of my amazing clients. It was the gift certificate purchases, product sales, and prayers from my clients, family, friends, and the community that kept the bills paid, and the business was able to survive.

The challenges did not end there. Once we were able to reopen, I was in a constant state of panic. There is no way to socially distance doing what I do. I was so fearful for my clients, myself, and my family. All I could do was pray for the guidance and wisdom to do what I knew to keep us all safe, and fortunately, we came through that as well. I'm so incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love, from performing services to educating followers on the blog to helping teenagers learn how to manage their acne. I get to help people every day. My company enables me to do that.

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

The vulnerability involved with running your own show. Having no one above you to tell you what to do. Over the past three years, this business has survived a global pandemic, a deranged stalker, supply chain issues, and the rising costs associated with running a business. There were times I was so crippled by anxiety I could barely get out of bed; times, I was so stressed and exhausted that I would break down in tears on the way home. God always provided for each and every need that arose.

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

1. Build a strong support system. My tribe is composed of my family, friends, and mentors. My faith is a big, if not the biggest, contributor to the success of my business.
2. Start small. I started out in a one-room suite. I kept my overhead small to grow my business and clientele. I had spent years managing other people's businesses, but there are still so many things to learn when it’s your business.
3. Own your strengths and weaknesses. "Know thyself ." I'm a great Esthetician, but I'm not an accountant. I spend money on accounting software, and I have an incredible tax professional that I use to perform tasks that I am not skilled in to allow me to do the things I can do well. I also take the advice of those who have gone before me. Never take advice from anyone who has not been where you want to go.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://theholisticskin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholisticskin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_holistic_skin/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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