TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT SERVICES/PRODUCTS YOU OFFER? 

Starting Point Massage & Esthetics is an individually run Studio in the downtown Oshawa area offering medical esthetic services, as well as relaxation/hot stone massage services at affordable prices. Being a certified Medical Esthetician and Oncology Esthetics trained, I offer the following treatments in my Studio:

• Oncology esthetics (skin care & massage for the cancer patient/survivor)
• Custom skin care treatments (facials)
• Advanced skin care treatments (dermaplaning; diamond microdermabrasion; chemical peels; LED light therapy; ultrasonic facials)
• Body waxing services
• Back detox treatments
• Natural nail treatments for the hands and feet (manicures/pedicures) including an organic treatment for both hands and feet
• Relaxation & hot stone massage (not RMT)
• More services added annually

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR BUSINESS? 

With the love and support from my family & friends (and a little nudge or two), I had the amazing opportunity to go back to college to complete a specialized 2 year course at Humber College. This gave me the additional self confidence & needed knowledge to enter entrepreneurship. From there, I have taken many courses to further expand my knowledge base and hone my skills to better serve my clients & my business.

HOW DID THE HELP YOU GOT FROM BACD IMPACT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

BACD helped me to hone my current skills and expand my knowledge through the many programs that they offer the community. They have also encouraged me to step into network meetings, and I am so happy that I took that step. Their continued & ongoing support is priceless and has helped me grow personally and professionally.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? 

First and foremost, my family was my primary inspiration to start my own business. With the love and continued support of my son, my husband and my father I have been able to step out of my comfort zone and into proud business ownership.

WHAT WAS MORE DIFFICULT THAN YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE? 

I guess when you are starting to explore the possibility of owning and operating your own business, your dreams surpass reality. The most difficult and time consuming part of entrepreneurship has to be marketing to potential new clients out in the world. One aspect of my business (Oncology Esthetics) is really fairly new to the industry and not many people know of it. So getting the word out about that has been very challenging.

WHAT UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES DID YOU HAVE? 

The biggest unexpected challenge I have faced so far is debunking the public’s beliefs on what an Esthetician does and can do. It is more than just “painting nails”, etc. It’s about educating your client’s (and the public), following universal safety precautions with every service given, and embracing every misconception as that is just another way of educating people in the public about what we can and cannot do.

HOW DO YOU MARKET YOUR BUSINESS? 

Social media and word of mouth are two of my biggest marketing tools out there in today’s marketplace.

HOW ARE PEOPLE AWARE OF YOUR BUSINESS? 

More and more people are learning about Starting Point Massage & Esthetics through several different avenues.

1-Word of mouth is HUGE in the beauty industry.
2-Social media (Facebook) is my biggest ally in the online world
3-Being out there in the public’s face through my storefront, as well as attending public event’s to, again, educate people on the importance of using an educated, trained and certified esthetician for their various needs.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE CHANGES IN YOUR BUSINESS AND IN YOUR INDUSTRY? 

I do research on an almost daily basis on the trend changes in the beauty industry including ingredients, treatments, equipment and devices. I also work closely with all my clients to try to integrate what they would like to see in my Studio.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS? 

Follow your dreams and just go for it. Have a great business plan behind you and have a great support system beside you. It will be tough, and you will want to quit. But realize your potential, know what you’re best at and help your business to explode.

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU DO THAT’S MADE YOU A SUCCESS? 

I believe that keeping up on education and trends in the market have made me a success. I always strive to be a bit different than those around me, and I always have an open door regardless of your social or financial status. I welcome everyone into my Studio with open arms and an open heart.