Conversations with Shannon Stevens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Stevens.

Hi Shannon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After seemingly having young adult life figured out and planning to retire as a classroom teacher, a shocking curve ball came in and the desire for a new career did too. At 30 years old, I followed another passion for beauty health and helping people feel good about themselves and started night classes to become an esthetician. I opened Beauty And Skin Essentials in a 96 sq. ft. room in the back of a hair salon in June 2019. Nine months later we shutdown due to the pandemic mandates for, what seemed like forever – about 11 weeks. After beginning again, it felt like curve ball #2. Thankfully, in the next 2 years, our business picked up again, outgrew the tiny spa room, and moved into about a 1800 sq. ft. space almost perfect for B.A.S.E. We have been in this space for 3 years, and are happily still growing into it. Curve ball #3 brought scary economical changes and a huge decline in revenue. However, instead of a “Strike 3. You’re out!” moment, I took this curve ball to apply for a dream job of being a Regional Training Specialist for my beloved Hydrafacial company, and I got the job!! With the help of a few estheticians Feb. 2023-2025, I kept my spa open too!! After traveling around the country, driving 63,000+ miles, and training hundreds of providers, I learned a lot and matured in business and was pulled hard to come home and fuel my passion for helping others in my hometown again. I’m back full time in my own spa, and re-energized to keep it GLOWING. I have had some amazing support from clients who have become friends and friends who have become clients too! With almost 6 years in business, I could not have made it this far without my biggest supporter and partner in life, Doug. He provides strength, encouragement, drive, business experience, support, the calm to my crazy, and so much love! I am forever grateful.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
(See previous answer.)
It has not been smooth at all. Shutting down for Covid. Working in a very small room inside another persons business under their rules and restrictions, such as keeping the front door locked and requiring customers to wait in their car even after mandates were lifted for a year and a half. Economy shifted downward greatly to decrease our revenue by at least 60% in less than a year. Difficulty keeping employees steadily employed and working. Those leaving without notice. The list goes on…

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I help people feel beautiful.

I strive to create a clean, positive atmosphere for clients to relax and unwind.

I specialize in Hydrafacials for all skin types and personalized age-defying facials and treatments.

I am most proud to be a small business owner in my hometown. I overcame a personal challenge with adapting to “change” and letting go of what I felt I was “always supposed to do.”

I believe my knowledge and communication skills set me apart because I am able to appropriately educate clients of all ages about skincare treatments and products that help them achieve their skin goals and boost confidence.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am excited to keep learning, growing in business, and supporting my community to love the skin they’re in. I’m currently enrolled and studying to be an Oncology Skin Care Specialist. Fun Fact: I was Tennessee’s first Certified Hydrafacial Connect Master.

Pricing:

• Membership Options – BASE Bank $99-$299 with up to 20% off every product and service
• Hydrafacials start at $169
• Facials start at $99
• Brow Wax and Tint – $49

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beautyandskinessentials.com
• Instagram: @baseesthetics
• Other: Phone 615-987-6566