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Conversations with the Inspiring Tia Marie

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Marie.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am one of two kids. We were raised by a single mom who worked her tail off. She sacrificed so much. We never had a lot growing up. In fact, some times it was touch and go to make ends meet. But there was never a lack of love. And the lessons both my brother and I learned from her, we would carry with us for the rest of our lives.

In my past life, I worked primarily in the advertising industry; while raising my son, Ryan. We had so many adventures together. He was my greatest joy in life. But I knew there was more I was supposed to do.

Some would say I’m a late bloomer. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.

About seven years ago, I was looking for a change. I had always had an interest in Esthetics but didn’t really think I could make it a career. After some research, I decided to just go for it. I packed up my son and moved to the valley to go back to school. I was in my mid-30s and so, it was quite scary. I didn’t know anyone in Phoenix… no family or friends. But I knew that I wasn’t getting any younger so I went full steam ahead!

In the middle of school, I was faced with some health challenges that eventually required surgery. The recovery was tough, but I got back to school as soon as I could. I was ready to finish and get to work!

I was hired immediately after passing my state board exams. I worked at a fast and furious pace doing back to back facials all day, often times six days a week. I hated it, to be honest. I didn’t like the fact that it felt like a cattle call. I was longing for the day when I could build solid relationships with my clients and take the time they needed and deserved. Eventually, she went out of business, but I was able to retain my client list.

From there, I worked as the head laser tech for a local doctor. It was a horribly toxic work environment, but I was building relationships and growing my contacts. I learned a lot about how to not run a business and how to not treat people. Every experience is a learning opportunity… good or bad.

Almost three years ago, I decided it was time to be totally on my own. I wanted to create a business that was mine. Something I could be proud of. A place where my clients felt welcome and comfortable. I wanted it to be laid back, not pretentious. I really wanted to curate a space that catered to “my people”: down to earth, hard working, women and men who needed to learn that self-care is not only a positive thing but essential to living a complete life. The name Take Five Esthetics came from the idea that in this insane and busy world, we need to slow down from time to time and “take five” for ourselves.

Last May, I welcomed a new addition to our family. My baby girl, Darcy. It’s been a fun yet challenging time finding a good work/life balance. But having my two kids and my business makes me happy. I get to earn a living, call the shots in my life, all while getting to enjoy family time, which is so so so important!

I really love what I do. I’m blessed every day to get to work with people I consider friends. My clients have become an extension of my family in a way. It really doesn’t get better than that. They give me as much as I give them. I am a very lucky lady.

Has it been a smooth road?
Life has never been smooth for me! I think it’s helped me to appreciate the good times and the victories even more though.

There will always be a lack of something, right? A lack of time, money, energy, focus, contacts, etc. You really have to find a way to overcome those obstacles because unless you live a charmed life, nothing worth having ever comes easy.

What I’ve told my son, and what I’ll tell my daughter as she gets older is to simply be happy. Find something that makes your soul sing and then go for it. We spend so much of our lives working, it makes no sense to be miserable while doing it. Pursue the things that fulfill your life. Find your place. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. March to the beat of your own drum, even if most other people don’t “get it.” It’s not for them to understand. It’s your life, your journey.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’ve been told that I am a therapist who makes people’s skin look awesome! I love that actually. Because for me, it goes way beyond just applying lotions and potions on someone’s face. It’s about making a real connection with my clients.

I know about them, their lives and families. They know about me and mine. They know this is a safe place for them to be themselves and unload without judgment. I’ve heard about the sad and happy times and I’m thankful they trust me with both.

In this crazy, busy world we are so dependent upon our technology. We are all plugged in almost all day, every day. So many of us are lacking the power of human touch. It’s really essential, in my opinion, that we tap into that basic need. Finding an hour or so out of your day, once a month, to do something for yourself can really change your perspective!

I’d say, most of my clients come to me for anti-aging treatments. Because I am a bit older, I can relate to that need. I’m finding that a good mix of hands-on combined with gadgets is a perfect blend. I’ve taken classes specifically designed for facial massage including gua sha, etc. Plus with my laser background, I like combining the best of both worlds.

My newest and most popular treatment is definitely skin tightening. Clients love it because it’s non-surgical, no downtime, and results in those last years. It’s definitely a game changer and I’m so thrilled to be able to offer this treatment. It really elevates my service menu and enhances my client’s results!

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I’m fortunate to be living in a time where I see a bright and prosperous future for women. While I do believe there’s still some red tape we need to knock down, it’s exciting to know that a woman can choose to fly to space or stay home with her kids and each of those choices are valid and important.

I love to see women embracing their power and carving their own paths… whatever that might look like for them.

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