Meet Jessie Julien Espinoza & Jessica Julien Idris Twins | Spa owners, beauty school owners, & Estheticians

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Julien Espinoza & Jessica Julien Idris Twins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie Julien Espinoza & Jessica Julien Idris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting our own business was the difficulties and disparities experienced in corporate. As women in the workplace it has been always about proving yourself and earning the respect of your male peers. As African American women it was a struggle to simply coexist while trying to climb the corporate ladder and change the narrative of the stigma that has been attached to us in the work place. Often being overlooked, underpaid and overworked left us overwhelmed and at that point we made a commitment for our children and children’s children to be on the other side of it. We wanted to provide them the opportunity to build an empire where we create opportunities and not struggle to find opportunities. Ultimately the decision relied on the need to change the narrative and end the generational struggles.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hollywood Skin Atlanta is a sanctuary where you can work on self improvement or wellness. What sets us apart is that we are a full service spa that offers both relaxation and results under one roof. We cater to both men and women. We are most proud about the support from our neighbors and community. We are proud of our growth starting with only 1 client and $45 our first month and growing it to over 600 clients in 4 years. It started off with a passion to help people and less than $1,000. We started off in a 1 room salon suite that was approximately 76 sq. ft. and ended up in 10x the sq ft with 3 operational rooms and opened 6 days a week. The road to get here was not easy. There was a lot of thought process that was put into the treatments we were going to offer, the product lines we were going to align ourselves with and the proper marketing strategy. We began offering Groupon and quickly realized that wasn’t us. It was not depicting who we truly were and the value we offered. We pivoted and discontinued our offers on Groupon and just worked hard and put all into providing the best treatments we could. Even now we spend time after work discussing cases and researching methods that can be beneficial to our clients.

Millennium Beauty Institute is a beauty institute that provides certification in Esthetics, Cosmetology, Nail Care, Makeup and the master programs for each study program. What sets Millennium Beauty Institute apart from the other beauty schools and institute is the passion we have for the beauty industry. When there is passion behind a business you will find success. If our students succeed then we have succeeded. We focus on new age techniques and tools that will assist them once they graduate and become licensed. This places them ahead of their peers because not only do they understand the curriculum but they understand the many devices out there that can produce the results their future clients will be seeking. Millennium Beauty Institute also specialize in teaching the many skin types and hair textures. We hear the concerns out there from licensed professionals in this field of study which is Beauty and many complaints were that schools and institutes were not focusing on ethics hair or melanated skin ranging in different shades outside of white. Being in Georgia you need to be well diverted and understand all skin types and hair textures to truly be successful. We understood the concern and wanted to create a environment and culture where learning and understanding skin types and hair textures other than your own is natural and should be welcomed and taught..

There were challenges like access to capital, maintaining corporate jobs and balancing entrepreneurship and family life. These are still some challenges we face today but we listen to inspirational podcasts, read self help books and we speak daily to each other about the direction we are taking. It’s not easy. It’s definitely difficult and not for everyone. Having our supportive husbands and understanding kids help us get through the trails and tribulations

What we have learned along the way is to understand what you are getting into. Research, learn, be open to suggestions and constructive feedback. You will not always be right or get it right the first time but don’t give up. Learn and do it again with a new action plan. If your mindset stays consistent then everything will fall into place

What we want the world to know about us is that we are your simple story, no hand outs, no trust fund, no inheritance. We are breaking down barriers and it’s not impossible. We are genuinely trying to put out good quality in everything that we do and hope that everything else falls in place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them on a taste of Atlanta tour. We both are foodies and don’t go out too much outside of vacations. Nobu has great appetizers and drink menu’s are good. Just not a huge fan of the dinner menu. STK has a great atmosphere and awesome happy hour selections. Then we would do brunch at Just Brunch. Their brunch selection is amazing. Lastly I would take her to Cuts. Awesome steak selections and great ambiance. If we were to do a night scene, I would take her to St Regis. It’s still a great place to vibe to a good music selection and feel like your in New York with the interior decors

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to our parents who came here as immigrants who migrated from Haiti. Seeing their adversities they experienced caused them to feel a sense of set back and struggle but their faith, determination and perseverance broke down all barriers. Their mindset and hard work will forever be implanted in us and that is what continues to keep us going even through road blocks we experience from time to time. They are the epitome of resilience

Also a huge shout out goes to our amazing husbands. Without the support and understanding of the time we spend away from home, we couldn’t have the endurance to push further. Having a supportive partner definitely allows you to go the extra mile, stay the extra hours. Knowing that “home” is being taken care of provides the mind to be a little more at ease. Often you see competition amongst each other but we do not experience that. We get total support from our husbands and for that we are grateful.

Website: Www.millenniumbeautyinstitute.com www.hollywoodskinatlanta.com

Instagram: @millenniumbeautyinstitute @hollywoodskinatlantaspa

Facebook: @millenniumbeautyinstitute @hollywoodskinatlanta