Meet CJ Neal of Counter Culture Esthetics in Downtown Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Neal.

CJ, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve loved skincare for over 20 years. I’ve always been complete trash with makeup, so I figured clean, healthy skin was the next best thing. When I was 16, I met an Esthetician who taught me a lot about natural, organic ingredients and the effects they can have on your skin. I fell in love with the changes she helped me achieve, and I became obsessed with all the new technologies in skincare. As I ventured out into the bigger salons and spas, I felt dissatisfied with “spa culture”. I found that there were very few Estheticians who were familiar with best practices for black and brown skin. Often times I’d decide on a certain treatment I wanted, and be told: “that treatment wouldn’t be appropriate for your Fitzpatrick (skin tone)”. There would be no follow up suggestion. In addition to feeling left out because of my skin color, spa culture is just…wack. Its so whitewashed. White linens, white robes, bamboo, water sounds… it’s all so boring. It never felt like a cool way to spend an afternoon. I could never coax my friends into going with me. I knew I wanted to create a place that specialized in ethnic skin AND felt like a cool place to hang out. Counter Culture is brand new and is always in transition, but it’s definitely the exact type of space I wanted when I was a young lady first discovering skincare. The space is intimate and colorful. We’re in the center of a thriving art district so there is art on display everywhere. The mini-fridge is stocked and our Spotify playlist is always in demand. There’s no pretense when you’re in the studio. Everyone who walks through our door is family. I really care about my client’s skin. I sit up at night reading through dermatology textbooks (and handy medical dictionary) to try and formulate the best defense against skincare issues that are common in our community (pigmentation issues, excess oil, and scarring for example). I should mention that I HAVE to do this, in order to provide the best care, because ethnic skin is sorely ignored in esthetics programs across the country. It’s no wonder most spas don’t have someone on staff who can handle ethnic skin, most Estheticians aren’t taught. I, however, have dedicated myself to the cause. I’m working hard every day to provide a space where clients can trust that their skin is in good hands. I’ve met so many black and brown girls who tell me “I get my hair, nails and lashes done….but never knew where to start with my skin.” My hope is to be the person they trust to build that partnership with.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but it hasn’t been super rocky either. I feel like I planned my whole life for this business. There have been some major frustrations along the way, but nothing so big that it overshadows the end goal. Counter Culture Esthetics is still at the beginning of its journey. Right now, we’re just a small single station salon, with plans to expand at the end of the year. The biggest challenge has been handling the workload. I wasn’t quite prepared for how quickly the word would get out about a new, cool, skin studio that specializes in ethnic skin. Or how many people would be interested. Six months after opening, I had to hire an Administrative Assistant to help keep up with the bookkeeping, scheduling and filing side of things. That opens me up to just focus on what I love- skin. Also, I’ve learned to lean on my friends. I’ve partnered with a lot of people who’s skillset adds value to Counter Culture. For example, I showcase artwork by my friend Jason Marshall in the studio. I saw it as an opportunity to help make the space aesthetically pleasing, but also to display buyable pieces from a fantastic artist. I’ve also partnered with an incredible makeup artist, BeatByBritt Makeup Artistry, to bring additional services to the menu. I feel like now our little team is finally getting into a groove. I’m less overwhelmed now that I have help. But then also- social media. That will always be a bear for me to figure out.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Counter Culture Esthetics – what should we know?
Counter Culture Esthetics offers ethnic skin solutions. That is our main focus. We aim to bring quality, affordable, healthy skincare to populations previously underserved by the spa industry. And we deliver those services via a super chill, really artsy, downtown vibe. I think lately the thing I’ve been most known for is our “House Special”. It’s a 90-minute service that includes deep cleaning, dermaplane, enzyme peel, massage of the neck, shoulders, décolleté, hands and arms, a soothing jelly mask, a serum cocktail, hydration and protection of the skin. Dermaplane in itself is an increasingly popular service, involving removal of dead skin cell tissue by a sterile, surgical scalpel. Its completely non-invasive and is a fantastic option for skin experiencing texture or hyperpigmentation issues. Its really fine, detailed work and I’m so good at it! The House Special is definitely our most booked service. I think the energy in the studio is also really unique. People come in not knowing exactly what to expect. I mean here we are, nestled amongst 12 other tiny businesses, in this old, abandoned motel, in this neighborhood filled with weird art, toys hanging from trees, and unique shops. We’re pretty unassuming from the outside. Once you step in though, the palo santo is burning, vibe music playing…its a very unique, lovely experience.

In addition to my work in the shop, I am also President of a collection of small, black, female-owned businesses, called The F.E.M Collective. We operate primarily as a woman’s empowerment group, meeting every two weeks to uplift each other, exchange information, and assist each other with any challenges we are facing in our respective businesses. It’s such a nice feeling to know that there are other people who have my back, as my business grows and expands. I’m honored to be associated with such kick-ass, black, businesswomen, and I’m really proud of the work we do together.

What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
I LOVE our city. I am a native and no matter where I travel. I’m always happy to come home. The people are so varied. The weather is always aces. The mesh of cultures that happens here makes for some of the most unique art and music and food. This is my home, man. Downtown Phoenix is, in my opinion, one of the most special, fantastic places on earth. People are so free. Businesses are created around the strangest ideas and they work! I love it. There’s an opportunity here. A chance to make it.

My only gripes with the city are political so…I’ll save it.

Pricing:

• Skincare Services ($30 – $350)
• Waxing Services ($10 – $50)
• Makeup Services ($35 – $95)

Contact Info:

• Address: Counter Culture Esthetics
  1325 Grand Ave
  Suite 109
  Phx, AZ 85007Counter Culture Esthetics is proud to be part of the Historic Grand Ave district in Downtown Phoenix. We are located in Desert Sun Plaza, at the corner of 15th ave and Grand. Find us among the Antique Motel Shops on the back lot.
• Website: www.CounterCultureEsthetics.com
• Phone: 602-296-4622
• Email: countercultureesthetics@gmail.com or CCESkin.com
• Instagram: CounterCultureEsthetics
• Facebook: CounterCultureEsthetics

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.