Conversations with the Inspiring April Somerville

Today we’d like to introduce you to April Somerville.

April, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since I was in middle school, I struggled with acne, even into my mid-twenties. I had used every avenue I could to treat it – failed product after failed product, even going as far as seeing a dermatologist and applying harsh topical creams.

At 24, I was fed up with my job. It wasn’t a career and I wasn’t passionate about it. I was just making a paycheck. There was no substance to it and it was affecting my personal life.

I was interested in skincare and the makeup community and wanted my makeup to look even better, but I knew my skin had to be healthy for that to happen. One night, I started researching esthetics schools in my area and signed up that night! I had a small voice telling me to stop being scared and JUMP!

It wasn’t long before I realized that esthetics was my true calling in life! My first job after graduating was at the time the largest salon and spa in the Southwest, Dolce Salon & Spa. Within my eight years there, I had become a lead esthetician, hiring and training other estheticians and creating & teaching workshops for career success.

In October of 2018, I opened Opulence Skin in North Scottsdale. I feel immensely grateful and excited beyond belief that I have my own dream job! The fact that I get to connect with people of all ages and ethnicities and help them look and feel amazing inside and out is my ultimate reward!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road to now has not been the scenic view! It’s been full of speed bumps and potholes! My struggles in the very beginning were coming out of my introverted shell! With time comes to practice, and with practice comes confidence, and that confidence created more client relationships, retention, and retail sales.

My latest struggles have been on the business end. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing opening up my business. I had only worked for a company that provided everything for me! All I had was my passion and tenacity of spirit behind my hustle! I wanted this life and career for myself SO badly!

If I could offer any advice to other young women who are starting their journey, it would be to not be afraid to ask for help! Make friendships and connections with people who are more successful than you and ask them how they got there! I found sometimes that my ego got in the way and I became intimidated by those women and it made me fear I would never be good enough. When women come together – we are unstoppable! I had so many coffee talks, FaceTimes and phone calls with other women who have opened up their business and took as many notes as I could. Creating solid bonds with other people in your industry will help immensely!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in Microneedling, Dermaplaning, and Brazilian Waxes. I also provide customized organic facials, chemical peels, face & body waxing, lash lifts, and brow & lash tinting.

What sets me apart is my thorough one-on-one education of the skin and customized home care regimens. I always discuss nutrition, diet and other lifestyle factors that could be affecting their skin. My passion goes beyond just giving a facial! I want my clients to know what they’re using and why it’s working, and most importantly be excited about the changes in their skin!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Most of my networks were made working at Dolce Salon and Spa, but joining Facebook groups for estheticians and following other successful estheticians on Instagram has opened doors for conversation and advice!

Contact Info:

• Address: 8889 E Bell Rd
  Suite 12
  Scottsdale, AZ 85260
  Inside Luxx Salon Suites
• Website: https://opulenceskin.salonsuitesolutions.com
• Phone: 5202370236
• Email: opulence.skin@gmail.com
• Instagram: April_Esthetician
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OpulenceSkin

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.