Ronne Lewis runs her very own skincare studio, Shumai-Chi, in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area working solo. This successful venture didn’t come overnight. After Lewis worked quite some time in the beauty industry doing hair she dove into skincare, training with the top in the industry.
Things really took a turn in the right direction and business began to explode once she put Brazilian waxing on the menu, and it now makes up to 50% of her appointments. Ronne shares what brought her to opening her one-woman skincare studio.
Hair Removal Guide Naomi Torres: How long have you been in the beauty industry?
Ronne: I have 30 years in the beauty industry with 17 years in Esthetic waxing. After 16 years of working behind the chair performing hair services entering into skincare was a nice tranquil environment.
Hair Removal Guide Naomi Torres: What made you decide to take your business solo?
Ronne: Private, exclusive, anonymity. With these three words I decided to open Shumai-chi with the idea in mind of in doing such intimate services. No more negative energy or a receptionist shouting back “So- and-so is here for their Brazilian wax”, and seeing the client just cringe.
With all that in mind, Shumai-Chi stands for: May God help you hear with understanding, life-force. Being a Christian and knowing God had blessed me with a gift to touch people, and make them feel comfortable with the service as well as with me.
Hair Removal Guide Naomi Torres: Has specializing in Brazilian waxing for both men and women helped your business?
Ronne: In my first 10 years of focusing on skincare and training while continuing to work odd jobs to support myself and daughter, it literally exploded for me after getting into Brazilian waxing. Specializing in the Brazilian has opened the door for all those people who wanted to try it and were afraid because of the horror stories. They are quickly at ease as soon as I talk to them and they see the exclusivity of the Studio. It has greatly helped to specialize in this wax.
Hair Removal Guide Naomi Torres: What percentage of your business comes from waxing?
Ronne: Depending on the time of the year, Brazilian waxing is approximately 40%- 50% of my business, 50% being in the summer months due to vacationing. Full body waxing from head to toe is approximately another 20%. The rest is skincare and reflexology.
Hair Removal Guide Naomi Torres: What has been the challenges going out on your own?
Ronne: The biggest challenge I faced going out alone was fear. After getting past my own fears and believing in myself and what I had to offer it was a no brainer.
Hair Removal Guide Naomi Torres: What advice would you give someone thinking of working solo?
Ronne: Anyone who has had the dream to own their own business, I highly recommend it. Believe in yourself. Of course get plenty of rest and treat yourself well. It is definitely a lot more work, but the rewards are worth it. Having a good bookkeeper is the best advice I could give to anyone. It frees up what little time you have left when owning your own business. Going solo was the best thing that ever happened to my business. It gave my clients the privacy and anonymity they deserved.
To learn more about Ronne's Skincare Studio or to make an appointment visit Shumai-chi.com.