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Leading with Lee™
Paula Loney is founder of Steam Lounge & Spa LLC and a Master Licensed Esthetician. She is Certified in V-Steaming, Teeth whitening and Body Contouring. Paula also has her Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration. After a separation from her last job, Paula decided that she needed to go into business for herself. While she commuted back and forth every day to work and she saw firsthand the skin appearance of strangers, she felt that she needed to be part of something that can encourage people to take more care of themselves by pampering the mind, body and soul. Paula enrolled in Aveda Institute of NYC where she found and fell in love with her passion. Paula obtained her State Board Licensed and started her business right away in Corrective Skincare. She also went on to adding other certifications in her business. Paula wanted to give back by taking care of others. She believed that self-awareness should be more than an option, it should be a duty to oneself to love and take care of themselves first. With everything that is going on in the world today Paula wanted to open a business where people can take themselves away from the daily stressors.
Paula started doing facials and body treatments and furthered her skills by bringing more services to her spa. At Steam Lounge & Spa, Paula does what she loves by making her clients relaxed, comfortable and rejuvenated after each service. Its’ a hidden treasure away from it all.
Q. What was the inspiration behind starting Steam Lounge & Spa?
I started my own business because I did not want to work for anyone else. My path was directed through prayer and faith and I wanted to give back. I want to embark on a career that would allow me to take care of others and show them how to take care of themselves. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and teach them self-awareness which equals to self-care and self-love.
Q. How did you get started? What steps did you take to launch your business?
I decided to tour couple of schools. I chose Aveda institute and started my classes and completed my schooling in nine months. I graduated with my esthiology certification and then went on to get my state board license after completing my theory and practical.
Q. What products or services does your business provide and who benefits from it?
The services I provide are facials, waxing, massages, body treatments, body contouring, V-steaming, and teeth whitening.
Q. What are some of the marketing techniques that you’ve taken to bring awareness and visibility to your brand?
Some of the techniques I have used to make my business visible are Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, google, yelp, flyers, business cards, referrals word of mouth, family and friends support.
Q. We are currently living in a pandemic due COVID-19. What type of effect did/does it have on your business?
I was unable to work for two and a half months. When I re-opened, I had to change the previous way of greeting my clients which was welcoming them with a hug. However, I was able to transition smoothly and build my business which became more visible with constant posting on social media and creating lots of promotional specials.
Q. Have you come across any roadblocks in your path to success? If so, how did you overcome them?
The roadblocks that I encountered as a small business is how difficult it can be to get business credit. I am still working towards it. Secondly, learning how to get my business visible. I learned how to market my brand and I hired a marketing assistant.
Q. What are some of your favorite resources or tools that you like to use for your business?
Canva happens to be a very resourceful site. I create some of my promotional ads using their templates. I also work with my photographer to do promotional shoots.
Q. Is it safe to say that you are living in your purpose?
Yes. I found my purpose and I love what I do every day. It is truly a blessing to be part of something great.
Q. Any great reads (articles or books) that you would like to recommend to our audience?
Girls can move mountains by Dr. Solanges Vivens, Pray for rain by Taneige Chavers, Marketing guide for Spareneurs by Candace Holyfield, and My juicy rebirth by Latonia Taylor.
Q. What does success mean to you?
Being successful means more than being comfortable. I want to make sure my clients are happy, relaxed and rejuvenated once they leave my spa. Being successful is doing something I love while making an earning without stress.
Q. What is your superpower?
Corrective skincare, overall body wellness and maintaining a realistic positive energy.
Q. What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to turn their dreams into realities?
Believe in yourself first and foremost, be confident, understand that giving up is not an option and have faith that any and everything is possible.
Q. Where can our audience find you?
Instagram, facebook, whatsapp, linkedin, yelp,google, loneypaula@gmail.com steamloungeandspa.booksy.com
Interview by: Leading with Lee
Published on: 1/5/2021