Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Sharpe.
Hi Linda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
About 10 years ago, I obtained my massage license. While working for various small massage centers, I decided to return to school for esthetics. I like to keep things interesting and hate monotony, so skincare felt like the perfect way to expand my skill set and keep my day-to-day work life interesting. So about 2 years after getting my massage license, I returned to school to earn my esthetics license. After that, I knew I didn’t want to do anything with my professional life but massage and esthetics. Over the years, I toyed with the idea of going solo and even took my private clients outside my normal job(s). I quit my job at the beginning of 2020, and the pandemic hit right after. It felt like the right time to lay the groundwork to pivot into working for myself. Between mobile services, seeing clients out of my friend’s workspace, and a part-time job I got a little later in 2020, I was able to start saving money to put towards start-up costs for my business. While standing in the checkout line in Walmart with my husband one day in 2021, I received a phone call from my employer dissolving our working relationship. So instead of going to work that next Saturday, I ended up signing the lease for my suite. I gave myself 3 months to sink or swim. It’s been a year, and I have almost 200 clients when I went solo with 0. This year I’m hosting my Grand Opening/1 Year Anniversary celebration because I finally feel ready enough to sit back and celebrate my journey so far.
Alright, 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?
I think the hardest part of the journey was the unknown. What if I don’t get any clients? What if I can’t make rent? How am I going to afford supplies, products, etc.? And all of the little things that you didn’t realize you needed to run a business until you were already knee-deep in the business.
Another difficult thing is balancing home and work. I have 3 children (7,3 and 2 years of age). It’s tough when daycare is closed, one of the kids gets sick, or no one is available on weekends to babysit. It’s hard being a mommy and a business owner, but my husband is there for me however he can.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most of my sessions are massage and waxing at the moment, but facials have been picking up. I would say I specialize in making people feel relaxed. It’s crazy how fast many of my clients fall asleep during their massage. I hear the most from my clients about how much they like the space I’ve cultivated. It matters to me that when my clients step into my space, they immediately start to relax. My clients tell me how pe
aceful and cute my space is. I think that is the thing I am most proud of.
What was you like growing up?
I always find these questions hard to answer, lol. I was painfully shy and introverted as a kid. I still am in a lot of ways. But as you got to know me and I got more comfortable around you, my more goofy side started to show. If we got cool, then we could lovingly tease each other. I was a straight A student who played trumpet in elementary school and danced throughout middle and high school. I enjoyed, and for the most part still enjoy, gaming, horror films, Star Trek, Star Wars, reading, and anime.
Pricing:
- Massage: $60 – $140
- Skincare: $55 – $145
- Body Waxing: $12 – $350
- Enhancements: $10 – $20
Contact Info:
- Website: ljb-skincare-massage.square.site
- Instagram: instagram.com/lindajb_theesthi
- Facebook: facebook.com/ljbskinandmassage
Image Credits
Linda Sharpe
