Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakieta K.
Hi Shakieta, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since my early twenties, I’ve always been attracted to intimate feminine care. From makeup to fashion to hair. I loved everything about how unique and lovely women truly are.
I would hold beauty conferences at the University of Florida, celebrating feminine beauty every other year. Vendors, stylists and models would participate and teach others on how to care for themselves on all levels.
So when I moved to Atlanta in 2015 and discovered that there was an actual profession for what I always did, I was startled!
Aesthetician, a beauty professional and someone that specializes in beauty, was new to me! I had never heard of such a title!
Here I was all this time, operating in my true calling, just without the proper credentials.
So I enrolled in The prestigious Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics in 2015 and began my journey to become a licensed esthetician.
But two months before class, my mother’s cancer returned and sadly she succumbed.
I was devastated and wanted to quit, but I was too invested to stop. So each day, I showed up to class with a brokenness that was hard to overlook.
I struggled throughout my tenure at AIA because I was severely depressed. I was also involved in an emotionally abusive relationship that I couldn’t shake.
I ended up on academic probation for all the missed days and lack of participation. My professors understood my pain, but it was no excuse and they demanded excellence from me at all costs.
I ended up getting it together and was able to graduate on time and just shy of honors.
After graduation, I rented out a small booth in a hair salon and worked myself crazy. I undercharged and overworked myself because I couldn’t see my value. I also took it upon myself to clean up after the staff.
They would never clean the bathroom and I just couldn’t allow my clients to experience that type of environment. So I cleaned up everyday to keep up appearances.
After a few months, I left that establishment and moved to Dunwoody. I got a regular job and did facials on the side for all my regular clients.
But in 2018, I became pregnant at the age of 35. This changed everything for me.
The father of my child did not want to help me in raising my daughter. And I couldn’t afford rent and the $400 a week childcare.
I had asked family that resided in Georgia for help and they did not or could not help me. I was truly on my own with my baby.
So my dad rode the bus to Atlanta and helped me pack my uhaul. And 4am the following morning, we drove back to Florida.
When I returned to Florida, I didn’t have a home. I had asked a relative if I could stay with her until I got an apartment, but she never returned my text.
So my long-time friend, Alexis, graciously allowed me to live with her and her son until I got on my feet.
For 13 days, we slept on her floor until my apartment was approved. This was a humbling experience but necessary in my journey…
Once my apartment was approved, we moved into a two bedroom. My daughter slept with me from birth, so I decided to transform the extra bedroom into a spa.
I completely transformed that room and made into a luxury suite. I began to advertise on social media and slowly, people started coming.
My business grew so big till I decided to rent a 450 sq foot suite in Dec 2020. And six months into the lease, I was able to expand again into a 1500 sq foot, six-room office building.
The new location has a daycare, full sauna, body contour room, facial room and we are adding a skin polishing room next week.
One of my instructors told us at the end of our program that one day, we would look back on our decision to become estheticians and be happy that we did.
She was right. This profession has changed my life. I’ve had a lot of struggles over the past six years but who hasn’t?
Life is about overcoming personal problems just so that you can help others overcome too.
We all need each other. We are in this together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. It’s been very hard.
Not having a support system.
Losing friends, family rejecting me…
Money running low.
No help raising my child.
But it’s made me resilient and unstoppable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SK Beauty and Aesthetics?
My business focuses on Beauty and Health for the feminine woman. Transforming lives by way of helping women lose weight, reverse skin conditions are my specialties.
What sets me apart is that I really care. I care about my clients and reach out to them after their appointment is over. I’m hands on because passion is contagious.
If my clients see and feel my passion then hopefully that same energy will help motivate them to keep going.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Bible, Think and grow rich. Rich Dad Poor Dad.
Earn your leisure podcast are my favorites.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.skbeauty.as.me
- Facebook: Skbeautyandbody
