Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Drewes.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I floundered a bit in my 20’s and didn’t go into esthetics until after working for a day spa as a front desk coordinator and management. I got to a point….well I turned 30…. and felt I needed to do something more with life so I went to esthetics school. I already enjoyed the industry as a whole but I fell in love with esthetics.
After graduation in 2008, I worked at a few spas in the St. Louis area before going solo in 2011 as an independent contractor for a salon off Washington Ave near SLU. I did primarily hair removal services (waxing) and really built a clientele. I was presented an opportunity to rent a room at a massage studio in 2015. Moving to Richmond Heights gave me the chance to advance my career and offer more skin services like facials; chemical rejuvenation and dermaplaning. I became SkincareSTL LLC.
Fast forward four years to fall 2019; I was informed that the massage studio was leaving the space. I had two choices: find a room to rent elsewhere or take over the four-room studio and grow my business. I had thought about expanding before but I wasn’t necessarily ready. I had several conversations with family, friends and even clients. We all thought it was a great opportunity…if not now….when? January 2020, I took the leap and transitioned into STL skin+body. My goal was/is to create an environment where service providers could perform their craft but also build a home like I had.
Two phenomenal massage therapists have joined me and we are continuing educate ourselves to offer the best skin and body therapies. I…WE…are excited for the future of STL skin+body.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been the easiest. My career hasn’t gone the way I envisioned it in esti school. I went solo a lot sooner than I wanted and frankly would advise. It meant a lot of self-education; marketing and drive to build. I didn’t have anyone (i.e., an established spa/salon) marketing new clients; providing classes and benefits. It was 100% on me.
Of course, Covid-19 was rough as it has been for so many in my industry. I had just started hiring efforts for massage therapists when Covid-19 became a threat and quarantine was enforced. Although being closed for nine weeks was certainly scary but it gave me a chance to regroup and redefine what STL skin+body is and what it is meant to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the beginning of my career my I was known for Brazilian bikini waxing. A Yelp review once called me “the Jesus of waxing”. I’m so mad I never printed that out! I still love waxing but over the last few years, I have been diving into the skincare side of esthetics. My focus is to not only correct the issues clients have with their skin but do it healthily. Every treatment, home regimen or skin bootcamp is customized to accommodate the individual needs of each guest. It’s important for me to provide quality services that fit into anyone’s lifestyle in a comfortable relaxed environment.
I build relationships with my clients. I look forward to their appointments to catch up. We laugh, we’ve cried and we’ve vented. I’ve been called their monthly therapy session. I have several who have been with me for close to a decade. Some may say it’s unprofessional but they are trusting me with their skin, I understand how personal that is.
What does success mean to you?
Success can be as simple as happiness. Being happy in both your personal and business lives and knowing how to balance them. Believing in yourself and having the confidence and strength to pick yourself up when knocked down.
Contact Info:
- Email: stlskinandbody@gmail.com
- Website: STLskinandbody.com
- Instagram: stlskin_body
- Facebook: STL skin+body
- Yelp: STL skin+body
