Can you tell us your name and age?
My name is Frances M. Vera and I’m 30.
What dream are you living out?
I took it upon myself to stop working for someone else and start my own business called Pritty Kitty Designs which specializes in a Brazilian wax.
When did you decide that it was possible to pursue your dreams?
I was working in a Salon as an aesthetician where I managed the spa area. My first passion was make-up but I also gave clinical facials, and full body waxing. I had a nick for Brazilian waxing. That quickly became the most popular service. A lot of it had to do with the wax that I use. European hard wax is better for sensitive skin and it is less aggressive than the strips most aestheticians use. Strips are easier for the waxer and quicker than hard wax, but extremely painful for the client causing scared skin tissue and sometimes bleeding. Waxers tend to use strips because they don’t know how to use hard wax and claim it doesn’t work, and business owners try to save money, forgetting about what is best for the client. That is what happened in my case when the salon I worked for came under new ownership and they wanted to use strips.
Did you have an epiphany and/or a change in mindset? When/what happened?
I was working at an upscale salon in Chicago when a client came and told me, “You know, the only reason I come here is for you.” I then knew that the quality of my service and the skill I provided is what was needed most. The salon that I was working for wanted to try to change that for selfish reasons that would only benefit them and not my clients. By treating me badly when I did not follow through with their decisions, they let me down, and I wasn’t about to let my clients down.
When you committed yourself to walking that path did you see any shifts in your mental state or physical reality?
I consider myself a loyal person; therefore, when I am working for someone I am a loyal employee. So naturally I would feel guilty to walk out of a place of employment. That is why mentally I had to take into consideration the reason why I loved the work that I did. It was because I was happy my client’s were coming to someone who knew what she was doing, and was someone that they could trust when dealing with such delicate areas. They were able to walk away from me without a horror story, like most women have after getting a Brazilian wax.
When my employer tried to change that by making me use cheap strip wax, he was killing my passion. That’s why I left and started my own business the way almost everyone else does, with zero dollars! Because I am a single mother of two I was drained with the thought of the reality of survival: having to pay the mortgage and support my children, not knowing if I would have the money to do it. That same week a client called with over $175.00 in services that I was able to accomplish in less then two hours. When I was done with my service and she was happy, I knew I was on to something great.
What mental barriers and fears did you have to overcome, as well as physical barriers?
I had to eliminate anyone or anything negative in my life, the negative talk of people saying maybe I should wait until my clientele grows. It’s great to have a support system but it sucks when people you wish would believe in you the most are, “still waiting for you to get a real job.” So mentally you have to stay focused and stay responsible, especially if you have children. I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason and happiness is the most important thing, even when you’re poor, but it’s important to have goals and strive to prosper in the things that you are most passionate about.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? Which are you trying to improve?
My strength is if I say I am going to do something, I do it. I love to speak and explain things in a way that makes people feel comfortable. My weakness is writing things out and spelling. How can I try to improve? I’m still writing regardless of how many run on sentences I make (it’s true, this interview was full of themJ) and I try not to forget to spell check.
How has doing what you are doing changed how you see future possibilities and challenges?
For my future, I see my business growing. I see my children becoming better people in life who are productive in their community because mommy living out her passion allows her to have the flexibility to spend time and be there for her children.
How has your perspective on life changed?
I know that as long as you have a dream you could start from the bottom and end up on top. It just takes a lot of focus.
What is your next dream?
Well it’s kind of cute; my kids have been around my work all throughout their childhood, especially because I have friends coming over all hours of the night and day for emergency waxes. My kids can’t wait to get waxed and also they can’t wait to wax people. If they become as passionate about it as I am, it would be fun having them follow in mommy’s foot steps.
What kind of feedback or advice were you given and how did you perceive it?
A good friend of mine always used to tell me, “Frances, these people only come to the salon for you. You need to just do it on your own.” I was always so scared but once I realized that I didn’t need the salon, it was the salon that needed me, I left. My clients followed and that was the best “I told you so” that I ever had to listen to.
What is most important to you in life?
Making sure that my kids are happy and healthy and that I stay healthy for as long as I can for them, no matter how much insurance I don’t have right now.
What is the best advice you can share with other people?
Patience is key with anything that you do in life. I could have broken down under pressure and given up so many times, but I learned how to handle things calmly, taking them as they come and also if something bad happens. Calm your mind and figure out what the next step is. Start looking for all the positive and eliminate the negative.
What are you most proud of in your life?
Taking a chance and having no regrets whether I fail or succeed.
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