Conversations with the Inspiring Michele Felix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Felix.

Michele, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I honestly got started in this industry to get out of accounting. I had been in accounting for about 15 years. I had grown to hate it. I was looking for an administrative job, but they would always call me back with we have this accounting position. So, I thought I have to do a complete career change. I had a huge interest in nails. So, I thought that might be fun. I started looking into schools. I found one, Avalon School of Cosmetology, it looked like the nail course could be added on to the Esthetics or Cosmetology course. So, I went down & met at the school. That was not case, there was not a Nail course that could be added but I was really interested in skin. So, I signed up for the Esthetics course. It was pretty exciting! I seemed to be pretty good at it. I had regular clients at school & was busy with clients almost every night. I really loved it! Then, I found out from a fellow classmate that I could apply some of my Esthetics course hours towards nails. So, I went over to Nail Logic which was in the same parking lot just down away & signed up for nail school. I love the nail world but it is a lot harder than Esthetics. Once both courses were complete & licenses in hand, I started looking for work. I had worked at one salon for a day & quit. It was not what I was looking for, not what I had just worked so hard to accomplish. So, against everyone’s recommendation, I rented my own place in a salon studio. I’ve been there ever since, 3 years now. Built my business from nothing & I’m loving it!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a long tough road. I would say going out on your own from the get-go is not for everyone. It’s a ton of work & it’s expensive. If I didn’t have the financial support from my husband, I would not have been able to do it. I would have been looking for a salon environment that fit me. It is a ton of work owning your own business. A day off is never a day off. Clients still call or text you. You are constantly thinking about having to post on social media. Constantly thinking about marketing & how to keep your business fresh. Learning new things to keep up with this ever changing industry to make sure your clients are getting the best you can give them. My advice to anyone starting out in this industry continues to educate yourself. Whether you go out on your own or into a salon, don’t stop learning. There is a ton of ways to get free education in this industry. Anytime that opportunity comes up, take it! Know your brand(s) that you or your salon haven chosen to carry but still learn about what else is out there & what other companies are doing.

what should we know about Michele’s Esthetics & Nails? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a licensed Esthetician & Nail Artist. Being somewhat new still in this industry, I just recently decided to specialize. I’ve been slowly making the transition pulling items from my service menu that don’t support what I want to be known for in the industry or what I’m most passionate about. I decided to do this because I would rather focus & become the best at one or two things instead of being mediocre at a lot of things. I’m focusing on results-driven Esthetics treatments that include microneedling, microcurrent, dermaplaning, peels & facials. I want to provide my clients with the results they desire without them having to go under the knife. Microcurrent is my specialty. Even in school, I had a ton of microcurrent clients. Microcurrent is one of my favorite treatments to perform & clients seem to love the treatment as well as the results. I also enjoy doing classic eyelash extensions, makeup & brow design. On the nail side of things, I’m a gel nail artist. Meaning hard gel nails. I love working with gel, it doesn’t have an odor & it’s much easier for me to work with. Love playing around with different forms of nail art!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I’m very fortunate. I have a network of mentors. I think you just have to talk to people. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask people who have been in the business for years if you can shadow them. Join local Facebook groups for your industry. Most everyone in those groups will help with questions you may have. Plus a lot of those groups have brand educators in them. Attend events & training, then just practice, practice, practice what you learn. Have a bunch of mentors, not just one. I think you will learn so much more with a small group to pull from then you will just one person.

Pricing:

• Microneedling Package $600 (introductory special reg price $900)
• Microcurrent Treatment $120
• Dermaplaning $85
• Gel Full Set $70

Contact Info:

• Address: Inside Signature Salon Studios
  5114 E Southern Ave, Studio 165
  Mesa, AZ 85206
• Website: www.michelesestheticsnails.com
• Phone: (480) 500-0210
• Email: michele@michelesestheticsnails.com
• Instagram: michelesestheticsnails
• Facebook: michelesestheticsnails

Image Credit:
Michele’s Esthetics & Nails

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.