Life & Work with Aleah Thomas of Merriman Valley, Akron Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleah Thomas

Hi Aleah , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I never wanted to wax or perform facials. Before I was an esthetician, I was what I like to call a kitchen chemist! That is exactly what it sounds like, I was making skincare products at home, in my kitchen. So I decided why not go to school and learn more about the skin that I’m creating products for? The first job that I applied to once I received my license, was for a position at Ulta as a brow specialist and I was hired for that on the spot. Brows were like my new found love, so that was perfect for me! That’s all I wanted to do. I’m really not sure what hit me but that was when I realized that I don’t want anyone telling me what I can do with my license, so I turned down the position and made plans to start my own business! I started my business in March of 2020 with no clients at all and two weeks later, salons were shut down due to covid. As if having to close so soon wasn’t enough of a blow to the ego, my dad died suddenly 2 weeks later. It was the worst start I could have ever imagined and I honestly was ready to just give up on everything. I decided to make a business page on Instagram and just post skincare advice. I was doing free facials for a while just to have something to post. When Ohio finally did open back up, everyone was so ready to get out of the house that I had so many new clients; I had just spent months getting my business together on the backend so the timeline was perfect for me. Im so blessed to have made it this far. I mean I was a banker when I went to beauty school and here I am a little over 5 years later, a nursing student, instructor and advanced esthetician providing for my son off of a business that I built from the bottom up!

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?
Absolutely not! Something that I struggled with for years was “Imposter syndrome”. This industry is so up and down, there were so many weeks where I was constantly slow and I just wanted to quit. I felt like things were too good to be true and maybe I don’t deserve to be where I am, maybe my work isn’t as good as I think it is. I was stressed, constantly crying and praying. But I always managed to pull it together and get back up. It’ll never be a smooth road. Every level of elevation will come with new challenges, that’s how you know you’re growing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an Advanced Esthetician and sugaring instructor. I specialize in body sugaring, brazilians and corrective skincare like acne and hyperpigmentation. I’m most proud of my clients. I get to embark on this skincare journey with them and I couldn’t ask for anything better! My motto here is “where expert SKINCARE and SELF LOVE collide”, and that’s exactly what happens here! I think what sets me apart from others is my love for continuing education. I’m constantly taking a new class, learning something new. I’m never afraid to become the student again.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I would have to say blizzards in the country on Christmas eve! That and just being a kid in the 90s/ early 2000s. The trends and entertainment *chef’s kiss. It was definitely an amazing time to be alive!

Pricing:

• Virtual Consutation $25
• New Client Facial and Consultation $120
• The Signature Dermaplane Facial $125
• The Acne Clarifying Facial $130
• Brazilian $55-$65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TheSkinConnoisseur.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskinconnoisseur_llc/profilecard/?igsh=MXh2YXNncTJocm4ybg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ho2in1Ucj2ZiYco5/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: https://x.com/skinexpertlea?s=21&t=QtXbuXan4lKcT6dcHpSbyA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@skinexpert_lea?_t=8qnfZL4gD5m&_r=1