Meet Samantha Ann | Licensed Cosmetologist and Skin Care Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Ann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Working as a dermatology nurse I saw the disparity of accurate treatment, as it relates culturally and clinically, to various ethnicities. However, I never thought that I would start a business to change that. To be honest starting a business was never my original plan. I’m a single mom and in 2020 I was in school to be a physician….then the COVID 19 pandemic hit. My school shut down and I had to complete my classes virtually. I quickly realized continuing online school just wasn’t something I could successfully accomplish. I also couldn’t work due to my daughter’s elementary school closing and her classes being virtual. I remember sitting on the edge of my bed asking God, “What am supposed to do? My entire life plan has been shaken up, where do I go from here?”. I very distinctively heard God say, “You are qualified to do it on your own”, and immediately I knew exactly what that meant. It was like a huge flood of information and a game plan just downloaded to my brain. I said out-loud, “I’m going to start my own skin care clinic that specializes in multicultural skin and acne”. In retrospect the idea sounds absolutely insane since I had no business experience, credit or funds to start a business, but I had the knowledge of treating acne from working in dermatology and even more importantly, I had big faith. I knew that if I just operated in faith, that the rest would be taken care of.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I grew up in area that didn’t have people that looked like me, had stores for my skin or hair, or even clothes for my shape and it was extremely frustrating as a kid. As I became and adult and started working in the healthcare field I noticed that many people that looked like me didn’t have access to treatments that catered to their lifestyle and culture as well; specifically, while I was working in dermatology. Treatments were being prescribed for scalp issues which required the hair to be washed everyday; however, that person’s hair can’t be washed everyday. Prescribing the same regiment to all skin colors, such as benzoyl peroxide for acne, yet it can cause hyperpigmention in pigmented skin. I would see patients coming back frustrated with their issue unresolved and no alternative to make the treatment work for them. I started counseling patients on how to take the doctors instructions and apply it to their lifestyle. I would tell them to have someone help them hold their braids up off their head and apply the medicated shampoo only to their scalp; then take the kitchen sink sprayer and rinse their scalp to avoid wetting the hair. Or, making sure to not only change out their pillowcases nightly, but also their bonnets which are contributing to the spread of acne bacteria. This was the inspiration for Advanced Skin Care Solutions, we strive to bridge the gap between dermatology and esthetics by providing tailored skin care solutions for all skin types and colors. Having a place to go to while growing up that knew how to advise in regards to my specific lifestyle and cultural needs would of been a game changer. Therefore, I decided to create that place so everyone has somewhere they can go to for their skin needs.

This didn’t come easy, but I wouldn’t say that it was difficult as far as feeling like I was fighting an uphill battle. When you have a passion for something, long nights researching isn’t a battle. Spending your last dollar because you believe in what you’re doing isn’t a battle. Working 7 days a week for years isn’t a battle. It’s discipline and it’s hard work, it’s a challenge, but it’s rewarding. You learn so much beyond how to run a business. You learn about yourself and what you’re capable of as well as how to develop healthy relationships with clients, vendors and employees. It’s a whole journey that requires being adaptive to change and cannot be rushed. I opened my Huntsville location and it was almost too good to be true in respect to how quickly the busines grew. So I decided to expand and open a second location in Atlanta. I came to realize that what worked to grow my business in Huntsville is not going to work in Atlanta. It’s such a bigger pond, I can’t cast the same size net I did Huntsville into a bigger pond and expect to catch all the fish, I had to change my approach. I had to get out of my comfort zone and attend networking event, do radio interviews and be more present in front of my audience. My advice for anyone wanting to get into entrepreneurship, be ok with the plan changing and doing things outside of your norm and comfort zone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being new to Atlanta, I’m still figuring this out. So far my two favorite spots for food and good music are Tastee Spoon and Blue Martini. The Tastee spoon is a whole vibe with a live dj and some of the best Jamaican food I’ve had. Blue Martini has live music and the most delicious lamb chops. I love sight seeing so we would definitely travel into downtown and check out the Atlanta Aquarium and whatever festival or food event ATL has going on (there is always something). Mid-Town and Virginia-Highland are nice, trendy areas to adventure to during the day. They have lots of unique shops and eateries that I’m looking forward to trying.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly give all the credit to God. For instilling the plan, strength and focus in me to attempt carrying out this idea. As well as the people he strategically placed in my life to fuel me along the way. Specifically, my support system of friends Angie, Alissa and Karina for helping me bounce ideas off them. Kiara, who started as a client that has been rocking with me since day one; she has been so kind and helpful in my business journey. Ms. J, who is a steadfast matriarch in my life. without her wisdom, encouragement and support there would be no Advanced Skin Care Solutions. Jenice and Drew, who believed in me and gave me a chance to operate my business in my first studio with no existing clientele ( or even plan on how to get clients); as well, as always being available for advice and pouring into me and the business. My Pastor for planting the seed of entrepreneurship through his preaching and mentorship. My daughter for being such a trooper to the adjustment of mom having to work weekends and even giving me some profound advice. My fiance and his family for being the reason I was able to open my second location in Atlanta. Lastly, my clients for trusting me and sticking with me on their journey to healthy skin.

Website: www.advancedskincareco.com

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