Meet Shannan Kinsey of The Gray Lounge in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannan Kinsey.

Shannan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been an esthetician for over 15 years. Over the years, I have worked in many different aspects of the industry. Spas, salons, waxing, cosmetics, etc. My dream has always been to open my own type of spa, and I finally am achieving that dream. The road has not been easy, I am a full-time single mom to two amazing kids and I was working 3-4 jobs living in SoCal. It became even more difficult and we were homeless for eight months.

Finally, I was able to move back to Arizona (where I grew up) and slowly moved my back up to the land of the living. I worked in cosmetics for a few years, slowly moving my way back into esthetics. The last three years have been a wild ride professionally. Looking back, every single thing I did led me to be able to open up my own business. I worked several years in management, and with a company I had to grow, proving to myself I could actually run a successful business. Having stayed long term at one of my jobs, really taught me a lot about business as well. I finally said I AM GOING TO DO THIS and I did. I worked six days a week at both my studio and other jobs until I have finally been able to fully be at the studio and focus on continuing to grow a successful business. My next goal is to open a storefront.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road. I struggled with growing a business while working at another business. Working six days a week sometimes multiple 15 hour days while trying to raise two kids by myself. Now that I’ve left my job, I can really put all my focus into my business and promote and advertise. I also struggle with some health issues, I have arthritis, carpal tunnel and back problems and it makes a lot of days really hard. I feel I cannot give up no matter what.

Please tell us about The Gray Lounge.
I am an esthetician. I specialize in skin care and treatments, full body waxing and spray tanning. I absolutely love what I do. I have been passionate about this industry for so long. I am constantly learning new things and techniques and treatments. I am known for my sparkling personality, lol. I am your best friend. I always strive to give the best experience I can.

Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
Knowledge, experience, personality, drive, passion, integrity.

Contact Info:

• Website: thegraylounge.com
• Phone: 480-653-4980
• Email: grayloungebeauty@gmail.com
• Instagram: @thegraylounge
• Facebook: thegraylounge

 

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