Muskoka Aesthetics
I knew this community needed a place where anyone could go to feel pampered and confident, where the outside world stood still while they could lay back and receive a luxury treatment. I also knew staff and team members need a respectful and safe place to work, where personal growth and goal setting was just as important to them as it was to grow the business successfully. This included listening to staff and to take actions to grow.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is my age. Opening the spa days after turning 21 had its challenges, and I’m sure I will continue to face many more. Hiring and letting go staff is stressful at any age, with sleepless nights, frustrations and other emotions attached. I have missed out on parties, friendships and many other activities a 21 year old enjoys.
Looking back at the age of 25, I wouldn’t change anything. The energy I have put into Muskoka Aesthetics, and the many hours staying late after everyone has left reflecting on my day, was my meditation, my peace. It has really become my home. The challenges I have faced in business at these young stages of both my life and career have allowed me to grow into who I am today.
Having role models, business mentors and someone to listen to is so important. I always write out the pros and cons of a situation and write out how I’m feeling at the present time. At the time it seems like a challenge or an issue, but in the grand scheme of things, it was just little hiccup that has pushed me to become a better person.
Muskoka Aesthetics was founded in 2015. Located in Bracebridge, we are one of the few independent spas serving the Muskoka Region. We specialize in skincare and makeup and provide the highest quality, all-natural beauty and skincare treatments. Our full range of services include manicures, pedicures, gel nails, lash extensions, tinting, full body waxing, and facials. We also sell retail products such as skincare and lash products.
Our youthful staff have many years of experience and bring a refreshing take on aesthetics to the region. We pride ourselves on exceeding your expectations. Our warm, tranquil atmosphere helps our clients feel comfortable while we help them look (and feel) their best.
To me, success changes depending on what I need. It could be wealth, helping others, being part of a bride’s special day, listening to a client who needs someone to just listen, or being able to support my staff with as many resources as possible. My overall goal is to be content, and to be able to slow down enough to enjoy life and start the next chapter of my life instead of feeling like I’m being pulled in every direction. To be able to step back and allow management and my team to have confidence to do what I do.
My advice for aspiring small business owners is to create the things you wish to exist and your dream will become reality. Manifest your success and think about it before you fall asleep. Listen to motivating podcasts and surround yourself with the right people.
Make yourself feel uncomfortable and you will grow. There is no hurt in asking for help and asking “stupid” questions. A lot of my success has been an outcome of just going for it and figuring out the details later, to an extent. I have helped many others start businesses of their own, and I continue to mentor them. That has created another stream of joy for me. Please reach out if you want to know more about what and I do and how I do it. I am an open book!
Nicole Manion
www.muskokaaesthetics.com
www.miskoka.com
@muskokaaesthetics
@miskokabeauty
@nicmanion