Meet Yanneisha Fung Chung: Licensed Esthetician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yanneisha Fung Chung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yanneisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been a Licensed Esthetician for six years. I always knew I wanted to have my own business, even before graduating esthetics school. After graduating, I wanted to gain experience, and continue to learn on someone else’s dime before I launched on my own. I was with my previous employer for a few years, and the last year of my employment was very uncomfortable. I found myself not wanting to get up for work and losing the love for my profession. I wanted to leave, but I felt unsure.

Well, COVID-19 lockdown happened in March, my employer decided to open back up in May when the governor said they could. I didn’t think it was safe, so I decided not to go back immediately. The employer was not supportive, so I decided they were no longer a good fit for me. A few months later, with the support of my husband and family, I decided I would take the leap of faith and operate on my own. Although I was apprehensive and questioned my decision, I still knew it was the best decision for me.

I wasn’t forced into starting my own business, but it was certainly a turning point in my career. I knew I was supposed to be doing more. I was not challenged, and did not feel fulfilled working for someone else.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have been a licensed esthetician for over six years. I have exclusively waxed and worked in waxing salons since being licensed. My main takeaway from working at waxing salons is that they focus mainly on your waxing speed and how many bodies you can get on your table during your shift. Providing these services put clients in a vulnerable position. You’re seeing them unlike most, except for their significant other or OBGYN. I am cognizant of this and choose to build relationships with my clients from the moment they walk into my suite. I want them to feel welcomed and comfortable. I don’t act like I care, I actually care. Building relationships and creating an inviting environment allows them to be open about sharing their skin concerns with me, and are more likely to take my recommendations. I specialize in ingrown hairs and hyper-pigmentation. It’s not just about waxing, but also healthy skin. I’m excited when clients are getting the results they were looking for.

I’ve always known that I wanted to go into business for myself. I just didn’t know what that would look like, and I was honestly just scared to go out on my own. Working for someone provides a safety net, and also a team of people doing the business aspect of things. As an entrepreneur, it’s all you! You’re the boss, employee, marketing, payroll, accountant, inventory, and customer service. My thoughts were “what if I fail?” I had to change my thought process to, “but what if I win?” Finally, I decided to take a bet on myself, put everything I had into going out on my own as a solo esthetician. I trusted my skill, and decided everything else that concerned me will come.

I’ve learned that starting was the hardest part, you’ll learn as you grow. You also have to know your worth. There’s a meme that says “know your worth, then add tax.” It’s so important to not compare yourself to your colleagues. Your prices are your prices. The skillset is not the same. The products you use aren’t the same. You bring something different to the table. Honor that. Also, don’t let people take your kindness for weakness. Set clear boundaries, and know that business is business.

I want the world to know that I am passionate about what I do and who I do it for. I’m developing a brand that people are loyal to because it works for them. I’m in it for the long haul, and look forward to helping others coming behind me.

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?
I’m really a homebody, however, I love to eat, and believe me Atlanta has a lot of great places to eat! We may not have an activity planned everyday, but we will eat! Some of my favorite spots in the city are West Egg Cafe or Gocha’s Breakfast Bar for breakfast, Slutty Vegan for lunch, and then Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours dinner. If you love pizza we must hit up Slim and Husky’s! You choose your own toppings, and there are many to choose from. Have you ever had smoked salmon on a pizza?! Trust me, you have to try it! On Sundays, we brunch! The best brunch with with the best vibes is Rum Punch Brunch! I was born in Jamaica, W.I., so the reggae, soca, afro beats, mixed with a little hip hop are just a good vibe for me. Let’s not forget the rum punch! It’s like Jamaica in a cup, and you have to have the oxtails and grits. I was apprehensive at first, but they won me over, it was delicious. The best time ever, every Sunday! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shoutout my amazing husband! He is also an entrepreneur, and has been supportive of me starting my own business from the beginning. We have a son, who at the time of my decision was one year old. Imagine, having a young family and your wife says she’s leaving her employment to start her own business. He never hesitated though, he just said let’s do it. We arranged our schedules to care for our son and just made it happen.

I have to shoutout my mom who knew I wanted to start my own business and every time I had a complaint about my employer, she would ask “so when are you starting your own?” She never let me forget that I had the desire to do this, she supported me, and planted a seed into my business.

I must shoutout my clients! Old clients, new clients, and my friends who became clients! The support from them makes my heart glad! Without them my business is non-existent. I’m grateful they trust me.

Website: waxingbeautysuite@gmail.com

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