Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Swinder.
Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Crystal Swinder I am the Owner and Esthetician of The Browtender Studio located in Essex, Baltimore Co, Maryland. I have been in the beauty industry for over 10 years and an Esthetician for almost eight. My journey started at ULTA Beauty; I was working as a Cashier turned Prestige consultant. One day we went to a training for Benefit Cosmetics where I instantly knew that I wanted to grow in this industry and do something more with my life. I wanted to wax and I wanted to wax eyebrows! I enrolled in Esthetics school two weeks later, all while juggling two part-time jobs. I continued to work at ULTA and I was bartending at a local bar in Dundalk.
Seven and a half months of all work and no play later, I graduated in 2014 with excellence at the top of my class. I passed my Boards and I instantly transferred from the Makeup side to esthetic side at Benefit Brow Bar. I worked for Three years as a Benefit Arch Expert. I won many awards and contests including Their famous Glambassador Award, where I was 1 in 7 North Americans to have won in 2016 However at this point in time, I felt like I peaked and I wanted to do even more, I wanted to apply my knowledge and help others, so I applied to be an Educator for Benefit Cosmetics but was unfortunately denied and after that, I started to question my next steps in my Esthetics career and not long after, I decided to branch out on my own and as scary at it was, it turned out better than I ever could have imagined and quickly became one of the best decision I have ever made.
I am a Wife, Mother, and Waxer. I work hard so I can family harder. Everything I do, I do for them. To my wonderful husband, I owe you the world, for not only for believing in me but supporting my ideas and making them come to life and to my two beautiful baby girls Martie (2) and Andie (1) Mommy loves you so unbelievable much. I want you girls to know you can do anything and nothing is impossible. I hope I am making you proud. WHO RUNS THE WORLD?!
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 wouldn’t say it was easy but it has been undeniable worth it! This is what I was meant to do. I been in this Esthetics game and put in work and paid my dues for years before this all of this became an Instagram fad. I’ve poured my blood, sweat, and tears into my business, in 2017, I opened Browtender LLC and trademarked the word ¨Browtender¨ I also applied to become a Satin Smooth waxing educator. I got the job and I got to learn new techniques and showcase my skills as a Brow Pro. I got to meet the most amazing people at the most amazing esthetics shows all over the states. Networking is by far my favorite experience of all time. I love talking shop with people that work as hard as I do. I love bouncing ideas around and am always open to new ideas. This was a pivotal moment in my career because I got to experience educating other estheticians all while doing what I love to do! It was the best of both worlds!
when I started on my own, I went from maybe one to two clients a day with multiple gaps and making deals and specials just to bring clients in and i even exchanged my services for promotion Model work (before and afters) I literally started from the bottom. I was working in my Kitchen after leaving ULTA for a few months, just trying to figuring out my next steps. I went from waxing in my kitchen to creating my own separate Home Studio to finally opening my dream, The Browtender Studio a Beauty collective in March 2020.
I opened up The Studio right before the Covid-19 pandemic, we were open for just one week, one. If you want to see how strong you can be, how strong your friendships, your marriage, and your business can be, I suggest just experiencing three months of no work and no income and all while trying to remain positive, keep your employees happy and pay your bills, take care of a baby at home while having another on the way. After every storm comes a beautiful rainbow, The Studio came back as strong as ever, I even won my first award in Baltimore Styles Best Waxing category that year!
Even though these past few years have been difficult with all the unknown and uncertainty of Covid19 and with constant product/ equipment and supplies Inflation costs occurring. It still has been the most rewarding and most humbling feeling knowing that even in a pandemic we can survive and come even back stronger than before. I will never forget where I started and embrace where I currently am, and to know that I am going upwards and in the right direction. I have a few more moves and ideas up my sleeve, I like to keep everyone on their toes.
I’m Almost 8 years in the Esthetics Industry. I have two Estheticians, one lash Artist, and my books are booked out for three months in advance. I have amazing relationships with my clients and created an environment that is stylish, inviting, beautiful and relaxing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am¨ A Babe with a passion for waxin¨ (trademarked) I am a Woman-Owned and Women-led business. The Browtender Studio is a Beauty Collective. A one-stop shop! We have three Licensed, professional Estheicians that specialize in skincare for every skin type. Maximizing your experiences with our Certified Dermaplaning techniques, Hydro Facial machine to clean out your clogged pores without the hassle of any downtime for an instant glow. We offer Eyelash lifting and tinting and Brow Laminations. Professional Grade Facial Peels for every single skin type and last but not least our famous 2-time Award-winning Baltimore Styles Readers’ Choice award for Best Waxing Category. We offer a verity of waxes, ranging from soft to hard waxes and impeccable pre and post aftercare. our waxing services are for everybody regardless of their hair and skin type. The best transformations from head to toe.
Along with our Estheics team, we have two Certified Spray Tan Technicians at our newest add on Bronzed By Browtender, an Eyelash Artist who offers Classic, Hybrid, and Volume lashes. I also hosts to two independent hair artist renters.
What sets our studio apart from others is that it’s truly unique and original. I make it a priory to treat my clients like I would like to be treated and I truly feel that sticking to that motto has made us successful. We have a sweet aroma and calming fountains of water; some have called us an ¨Oasis¨ a truly magical hidden gem located in the Heart of Essex. Our personal experiences helps us connect to our clients in a very personal way. You are not just another number; you are special to us and your feelings are valid. We even have a special option that is available called “Silent Appointment¨ this option is given for every services when scheduling. This option is for those who do not feel like talking or need a mental health moment. This is just one pure example of how we cater to out clients and their individual needs, Our Restroom is stocked with feminine products, body spray, deodorant, lotion, and much more. The Studio also is known for its Food and drink options. We love supporting local business and showcase their amazing and unique items.
We just recently had our first ever Brow Roast (Bull Roast) and all proceeds went to American Cancer Society. We raised $4,000.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Work hard and pay your dues, learn and never stop learning! Work in a spa, work in a studio, train under other estheticians/cosmetologists, soak in all the knowledge you possibly can. If your goal is to work for yourself and own your own business the biggest advice that I can give is, take your time and spend at least one to two years working under someone else. If you are ready to branch out on your own be prepared to work weekends, open early and stay late. Work so hard so that you can build your book so that you can eventually stop working those weekends and eventually have more control over your schedule.
My main word of advice would be, yes take their business but no business is worth your dignity and sanity. The Clients that you want will return and will respect your time and pay your prices because you are worth that. Do not ever settle for a client that always wanting a discount. You are in control and be very careful who you allow to play with your time and money.
Pricing:
- Custom Brow wax $25
- Custom Brow wax + tint $37
- Browtender Lamination $100
- Brazilian Wax $65
- Lash Lifting + tint $90
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.Browtender.com
- Instagram: @Browtender
- Facebook: facebook.com/browtender
Image Credits
Stacy Yeager
