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Meet Trailblazer Erica Mineburg

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Mineburg.

Erica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my aesthetics career by starting as an intern at Miraval Resort and Spa in Tucson. The internship was required to finish my Bachelor’s Degree from ASU. I interned under the Spa Director and learned a great deal about resorts and spas, but what grabbed my attention was the general attitude of the aestheticians there. They were always laughing and talking with each other, appeared to enjoy their work every day, and seemed stress-free. I decided to ask several of them if they would become an aesthetician again if given a chance. They all responded the same way, noting that the only thing they would do differently, is start their aesthetic career earlier in life.

I knew this was the career for me, so after some research, I enrolled in Pure Aesthetics School in Tucson. I was also serving in the Arizona Army National Guard at the time. Once I graduated from aesthetician school, I worked for European Wax Center for almost a year and decided it was time to go out on my own. I have been self-employed ever since and decided that I couldn’t give my business the attention it needed while also working in the military, so I left the National Guard after six years and gave my business 100%. I have never regretted this industry or my decision to become self-employed. It has been the most challenging and fulfilling thing I could have done, career-wise. I am also a stepmom of three and live on a small 7-acre ranch in Black Canyon City with chickens and a dog and my fiancé and I are getting married in October. This has been a fantastic year and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

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?
It has been anything BUT a smooth road. While I was working at European Wax Center, I saved every cent I could because I knew eventually I would be venturing out on my own.

Once I decided to open my own business, I realized that getting clients in my door was going to be hard work. I advertised myself everywhere I could: Facebook, Groupon, Instagram, I walked around with business cards, I introduced myself to all the businesses nearby and offered them discounts to come in. Most days, my books were empty, and sometimes, I drove an hour to work just to do a 15-minute eyebrow wax. It took time to build my books and market myself, but once it caught on, it spread like wildfire.

A lot of people think that their books will fill up right away if they put up one ad, or tell a few friends about their business. My advice on marketing is to make it known to the WORLD that you are here and in business and let everyone know what you offer, and give quality service every single time.

But my biggest piece of advice is not to quit. Do not quit. Do not stop just because you are tired or frustrated and haven’t made it yet. Success comes from the continuous effort on a daily basis, and from perseverance (not quitting)! Planning ahead, and in my case that came in the form of saving money because I knew I wouldn’t be busy right at the start, was another huge reason I was able to be successful. Having a plan A, B, C and D is ALWAYS a good idea.

We also had many personal struggles in the last few years, and the way I see life is that time is going to keep moving no matter how you are feeling or what you are going through, so you might as well build something or accomplish your goals, even when you’re in the middle of a bad season in life. If you wait for the perfect time to start or accomplish your goals, it will never come. Time is moving by anyway, so make it count!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Pretty Parlor LLC – what should we know?
I offer eyelash extensions, facials, and waxing, but I specialize in eyelash extensions. I am known for lash extensions as that has been my main focus since I’ve been open. I am the proudest of my consistency and quality of work in lashes. I make sure to give a quality experience each and every time and I never blow through an appointment no matter how challenging it may be. What sets me apart is the knowledge I have on my trade because I am always taking classes online or in person to understand more about my industry. I really do a wonderful job on eyelash extensions and I aim to make sure the clients natural lash health stays strong and healthy as a number 1 priority. I will never do a service on someone that will damage their natural lash, even if they are asking for something super extreme. I also give an incredibly relaxing experience. When a guest comes into my business, they can expect to cozy up in a soft cushy bed, listen to calming spa music, and close their eyes and fall asleep for their lash service. I always offer complimentary bottles of water and snacks in case they are hungry or thirsty after their appointment. I also have a charging station available in case they want to shut off their phones for the service to recharge the phone, and themselves. My service offerings are truly about the guest and this time for self-care.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor is different today because so much of what we do is online. What has worked well for me is taking classes, and building relationships with the educator or trainer so that you can continue to ask questions and get advice in the future. I also hired a business coach at one point which did help me at the time. As far as networking goes, make friends with the people in your trade school because you will likely be friends for a long time to come, and you can cheer each other on as you all continue to grow and succeed.

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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.

 

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