Inspiring Conversations with Amanda Presley of The Lemon Drop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Presley

Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started working for waxing and skincare studios in college and wholesomely fell in love with the girl-power movement that they embody. I was and still am inspired and lucky to have been a part of some very talented female owned and operated businesses throughout my career. I worked for and with a lot of different people along the way and learned what to do and what not to do and I really attribute that experience to my initial success.

I’ve always been drawn to the aesthetics industry, I think because I was a dancer in my formative years, so I was hyper exposed to all things beauty, for better or worse, and now I really love promoting the positive side of this industry, while keeping it fun and informative. I have a Bachelor’s in Physiology so I also like to nerd out into the science behind products and services too.

I opened The Lemon Drop in 2020 in Lake Tahoe and plugged into Nashville earlier this year to settle down and be closer to family roots and I honestly couldn’t be happier here. It’s been a bit overwhelming simultaneously relocating a life and a business, but it feels almost serendipitous like Tennessee was always meant to be.

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?
My road has had many ups and downs and I hit at least a pothole a day, figuratively, but also probably literally. I lost my job in the pandemic and opening my own business was a direct response to that. I saw the need for this style of studio in the community but also the industry in general, so I went for it. Unfortunately aesthetics were less than essential during the mass Covid-19 days so we survived many shutdowns without any financial assistance, as most newcomers did. The studio started in Lake Tahoe and they say if you can make it there you can make it just about anywhere because we battle record-breaking Winters with 60+ feet of snow, wildfire evacuations, suffocating tourism, and inflation as high as the altitude. Now, Nashville is serving up its own fun obstacle course, but I feel prepared. Overall though, I’ve always found it important to keep my foot on the gas and stay in my lane. It’s tempting to relax when things are going good; succumb to distractions; or listen to opinionated outsiders, but I really believe the best thing we can do when hard times hit or starting-up is to keep driving forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Lemon Drop. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Lemon Drop is waxing and skincare studio specializing in a quick and nearly pain-free Brazilian Wax as well as concentrated, effective skincare.

The Lemon Drop is different because it’s a highly experienced studio, but in an intimate boutique style. I think quality and reputation are of the utmost importance and I prefer to keep clients’ privacy, trust and sense of community intact.

We also don’t succumb to trends or fads when it comes to service or products, it’s very tried and true while staying current. I personally curate and create all the skincare on the shelves. Everything has a purpose; it may not come in the most sculptured bottle, but it’s effective and your skin will get a “workout” as I like to say.

Does the world need more skincare??? Is a question I really sat with for a while. I ultimately concluded that the world needs more quality and transparent skincare and waxing services. I’ve worked on 10 of thousands of people and at this point I can foresee and manage a lot of what the target issues are for individuals.

My services and products are often confidence game-changers and I love seeing women light up after a service or seeing a product actually deliver results.

People often say the brand reminds them of a bar, or they literally think it is a bar, and that’s honestly perfect because the inspiration and vision from day one was definitely Cheers, “Where everybody knows your name”. I wanted it to be local, relaxed, quality, friendly, fun and memorable. I often say “it’s waxing and skincare, not a hospital or red carpet” because you can show up wearing whatever or feeling however here. Clients have cried happy and sad tears, we get to know each other and share our life’s highs and lows together. It’s absolutely a safe space and place.

I think so far I’ve succeeded in creating a brand and environment where people feel welcome and comfortable and leave feeling more confident. At least that’s the goal here, and I’m most proud of that over anything else.

Local clients get 50% off their first wax here because I know it can be intimidating or nerve-wracking to try a new service, new place, or new provider.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is staying in my grandparents’ log cabin, skiing hills, the lakes, hiking, fishing, camping, just being outside. I was outside a lot in my childhood and I vividly recall a lot of those times. Even now my favorite thing to do to relax is to sit outside on my deck with my dogs and take it all in no matter the season.

Pricing:

• Brazilian Wax $60
• Brow Wax $30
• 30 min Facial $75
• 45 min Facial $95
• Full Back Wax $80

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lemondropnash.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemondropnash/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lemon-drop-nashville-2
• Other: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/8pvpwlsfhg9h8b/location/LCHD3R2AJ41ZR/services?buttonTextColor=ffffff&color=000000&locale=en&referrer=so