Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamee Mittell.
Hi Jamee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in south city but moved around Missouri when I was young. I think I wanted to be literally everything at least once “when I grew up”. Hair stylist, nurse, teacher, lawyer, veterinarian, fashion designer, special agent, etc. but nothing really “stuck”. When I was 21, in 2010, I enlisted in the US Army and served 6 years. During my first deployment to Afghanistan, I vowed that upon my arrival back to America I was going to treat myself to a spa day- something I had never done before. When I got back to Fort Bragg, NC I spent 8 hours at the spa and I’ll never forget how I felt- pampered, relaxed, beautiful and truly happy. Those feelings inspired me to become an esthetician.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think smooth roads don’t exist! It’s definitely been a journey to say the least and I’m really just getting started. I know this path is the one I’m meant to be on, but it did take a giant kick in my butt and a lot of support to get me working towards it- even though I’ve wanted it for so long.
When I got out of the military in late 2016, I took a job in StL as a background investigator. It was work which was related to my position in the military so it was an easy transition during a time where I had just begun to realize I was about to be unemployed and I was terrified. Esthetics school got put on the back burner, I’d do it eventually.
Shortly after moving to StL and starting my new job, my father passed away. He was only 59 and had a heart attack. This was a rude awakening that made me realize that tomorrow could just not exist. I needed to start chasing my dream!
My husband Matt, who was just my boyfriend at the time and also fresh out of the Army, moved to St. Louis with me. He was going to continue his pre-military college degree in St. Louis while I worked but he decided to switch places and help me progress first instead. He halted his school search and took an awful night shift job so he could cover our bills. He didn’t even think twice about it, never complained and only encouraged me through his sleep deprivation.
In 2017, I signed up for school at The Skin Institute and reached out to a local salon about a future there as an esthetician. The owner generously offered me a receptionist position while I was in school and an esthetician position once I graduated. In January 2020, before the pandemic, I was a full time esthetician and making enough money to cover the bills. Matt quit his job and started school, it was finally his turn!
After being home bound during the pandemic lockdown, I started to feel like my path needed to be adjusted. I wanted to leave the salon and go out on my own. I was going to wait until Matt was finished with his degree and gainfully employed. I’d be responsible and make the move when the risk was lower. I talked to my older brother Chris, about what I wanted and the timing we were planning. I thought Chris, who I always turned to for sound financial advice, would think we had a solid game-plan. Instead of telling me to play it smart and wait until Matt was working, he encouraged me to do it as soon as possible. He asked me, “Why would you want to wait to succeed?”
I started building my business plan that day.
In February 2021, I quit my job and opened the doors to my very own studio and in June, Matt graduated from college with his Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety.
I really wouldn’t be where I am now without my dad who taught me to live this life to the fullest, Matt’s limitless support and belief in me, and the encouragement and confidence from my brother Chris.
The studio build out was a whole different roller coaster, but I am so thankful to Matt and Chris for the weeks they spent there with me making it perfect!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Missouri Licensed Esthetician. I provide beauty services including skin treatments, eyelash and eyebrow enhancements. I am most known for luxurious eyelash extensions and microblading but I offer an array of services and products.
My services include brow tinting, brow shaping, brow lamination, brow henna, brow makeup tutorials, lash lifts, lash tinting, lash and brow rescue for over processed lash lifts or brow laminations done elsewhere, saline tattoo removal, rejuvenating facials, chemical peels, microneedling, dermaplaning, high frequency treatments, facial waxing, and of course eyelash extensions and customized microblading. I retail Epionce skincare, Grande Lash MD Lash Growth Serum, and my own line of Jamee Mittell Esthetics Studio eyebrow cosmetics. I also offer free virtual or in-studio consultations!
What sets me apart? I think it’s my dedication to treating my guests like family. I really love to get to know them and talk with them about their lives, families, careers, etc. I want everyone to feel what I’d want to feel in their shoes- welcome, excited yet relaxed, and confident!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am beyond excited for the future of Jamee Mittell Esthetics Studio! I am currently in an apprenticeship to receive my Missouri Tattoo License and will soon be able to offer even more permanent makeup options. I’m also looking for an esthetician to join me in this journey!
Contact Info:
- Email: JameeMittellEsthetics@gmail.com
- Website: www.JameeMittell.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jameemittellestheticsstudio?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Spa/Jamee-Mittell-Esthetics-Studio-101813065279626/
Image Credits
Adam Huber
