Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandcha Ilteus.
Sandcha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Having grown up in a traditional Haitian household, I knew that the expectation was for me to go to college, get my degree, and get a good job. Yet after working in a couple of 9-to-5 corporate jobs following college, I found myself rising up ladders only to discover that was not where I wanted to be. Just at the time I was reflecting most deeply and questioning the path I was on, my older and only sister died unexpectedly. This, more than anything, drove home to me that tomorrow is not guaranteed, which gave me the push I needed to go all-in on myself.
For many years I’d kept a notebook of ideas and when I decided that the way forward was to start a business, I looked back at those and saw a significant interest in esthetics and the beauty industry. So back to school, I went to become an esthetician. With my business degree, an esthetician certification, and various specialty licenses in hand, I opened Brains & Beauty Skincare & Sugaring on a shoestring budget, but with a wealth of optimism and confidence.
Fast forward a year of enjoying, as opposed to dreading, each day of “work”; not only do I have a growing list of satisfied clients, but I’ve turned a profit, and this year I’m already looking at expanding into related lines of business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No matter how much training one gets or research one does, one is never completely prepared for all of the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. If you watch enough YouTube videos you might think that all you need is an LLC and a desire to succeed. In the real world, I had to quickly learn about the multiple levels of governmental involvement from taxing to licensing, the importance of multiple types of insurance, effective use of social media, the building of client and supplier relationships, inventory management, time management… the list never ends.
Was it a struggle? It sure seemed like it on the front end. Now? I feel like it wasn’t so bad, and it was worth every tear and muffled scream.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Brains & Beauty Skincare & Sugaring is all about taking care of your skin as well as removing unwanted hair in a more natural and gentle way using sugaring. Sugaring is an ancient technique that dates back to Egyptian times and uses only sugar, water, and lemon at a low temperature to remove hair without burning or sticking to skin.
All hair removal inherently involves some pain and everyone has a different tolerance, but the thing that sets me apart, and which clients mention consistently, is my level of personal service. They especially appreciate the care I take to make them comfortable and to educate them (the Brains part of Brains & Beauty) on how to prevent and resolve skin issues related to hair removal. That, above all, is what makes me the most proud.
What were you like growing up?
I have to admit that I had a reputation for being somewhat bossy at a very young age, but I like to think those were just my leadership qualities blossoming. I’ve always been a goal-oriented person. I’ve sometimes found myself in leadership positions via consensus of my peers due to, I’ve been told, my relatability and focus. Interest-wise, I’ve always felt drawn to activities that rely on and promote a sense of community. I’ve also been told I’m pretty funny, but if you ask me to tell a joke, I’ll probably freeze.
Pricing:
- New Client Special Brazilian $39
Contact Info:
- Address: 4600 N. University Drive, Suite 303, Lauderhill, FL 33319
- Website: www.brainsbeautyskincare.com
- Phone: 954-832-3400
- Email: brainsbeautyskincare@gmail.com
- Instagram: brainsbeautyskincare
- Facebook: brainsbeautyskincare
Image Credit:
HaywoodFotoGrafix
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