We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashanti Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashanti, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up I had cystic acne from about age 14-19. I was super embarrassed about my skin and would frequently see a dermatologist. We both found out that I have a sensitivity to dairy, which triggered my skin to breakout into hives and cysts when I consumed something as simple as a glass of milk. She was patient with me in our journey to correct my skin and I am so grateful for her taking the time to see and hear my feedback about the progression of my skin. I am still a consistent patient of her practice, but I always wished that there was someone who looked like me that I could relate to. There hasn’t always been much representation of African American women that work in medical establishments for skincare and I noticed that need immediately.
About 5 years later, I was introduced to becoming an Aesthetician by my mother with the support of my father and sister. I was in school pursing a nursing degree and I knew that the hospital just was not the setting for me. I have a passion for helping people and being expressive in general, and being in such a structured environment just didn’t fit how I saw my life going. As soon as I processed into Aveda and completed my first day of school, I know this was where I fit in and belonged. I graduated Salutatorian of my class and finished with a few accomplishments the rendered special recognition during school. My education didn’t stop there though. Completing my nursing degree is a high priority for me because I want to own a medical spa and offer more advanced and corrective services for my clients.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One of the things that I think sets me apart from other skincare professionals is how relatable I am and how it translates on social media. I often hear new clients who come to see me mention that they’ve been following my work for years or that they have a friend that comes to me and posts on their social media how happy they are afterwards. Social media is the new business card. Before people make an appointment, they want to see what your personality is like, what services you offer and what is your work environment like? It is important that I come across relatable and not so stuffy and stern because that isn’t fun for anyone. My clients know when they come in for their appointment that we are going to handle business first, but also have a good time!
It was not always easy and fun after school. I didn’t go the traditional route and start working at a chain spa or skincare establishment and because of that, I really had to hustle. I had to build my business one client at a time. After I moved into my first suite, I was so excited! I only worked for 6 weeks until Covid 19 caused my business to shutdown for months. At first, I was so bummed out and didn’t know what to do moving forward. But I took that time to really sit down and figure out how to stay current and continue to build my brand at home. I started selling skincare kits that people would purchase and complete at home and that is how I really started connecting with my audience and traction on my social media started to grow. That period of being forced away from work taught me to be creative about how I can stay connected with my clients and future clients. It taught me how to pivot on short notice and not fall apart or fall back. After we were safely permitted to going back to work, my books were full of clients who were waiting on an opportunity to book with me.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to come into town, the first thing we would do is get something to eat at Half Shell Oyster House. It is by far one of my favorite restaurants. I really enjoy being outside especially during the warmer months, so taking a walk around railroad park is always very relaxing and it is right next to Red Cat Cafe, which is also another place I like to visit for some coffee. Lastly, we would end the night either going to one or all of these places: Cassanova Bar and Lounge, Unplugged Bar, and Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Becoming an Aesthetician would’ve been nearly impossible for me if it wasn’t for my family’s support. I am so thankful for my parents for supporting me during school because I was not working as much as I was prior to enrollment and they were very supportive financially and emotionally. My father has been an attorney majority of my life and has owned his own practice for many years. Growing up and watching him being a respected entrepreneur in our city and state taught my mother, sister and I things we didn’t even know until we started our own businesses. I am very blessed to be surrounded an entire family of people who bet on themselves and are allowing our passions to create the lifestyles we want to live. There are a lot of people who frown upon entrepreneurship and think the only way to have financial security is to have a more traditional job and it was nice to grow up watching my parents being successful in that regard and in a way, debunking that theory.
Website: https://aestheticallyashanti.glossgenius.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticallyashanti/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aestheticallyashanti
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJH7eCFBPuYvD387xQ8vkRg
Image Credits
Justin Knox (He only took the professional photo of me standing up). All other photographs were taken by me, Ashanti Jordan.