Skin With Celeste | Application Preview
Skin With Celeste is seeking government grant funding to enhance its services and facility, primarily by upgrading equipment, remodeling the spa bathroom, and expanding advertising efforts. The owner, Celeste, aims to provide clients with a premium experience by replacing the massage table with a high-quality esthetics bed and introducing services like microneedling to address issues such as acne scarring and fine lines. Currently, the necessary FDA-approved microneedling device is beyond her budget.
Celeste has ambitious plans for the next five years, aspiring to establish her business as a prominent name in Buffalo. She emphasizes the importance of trust and compassion in the client-esthetician relationship. Once her schedule is full, she plans to collaborate with other estheticians for events like bridal showers and birthdays.
Celeste highlights her passion and dedication as key reasons for funding approval. Having experienced the transformative power of esthetics firsthand, she believes in making skincare accessible to everyone and actively shares tips and advice on social media to educate her community.
While facing competition from established spas, Celeste believes her competitive edge lies in her personal approach and commitment to quality. She ensures a consistent and professional experience for her clients, who often become friends, fostering a relationship of trust and open communication. Her goal is to be recognized not just as an esthetician, but as a reliable resource for skincare knowledge and treatment in her community.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: Unknown
Location: Buffalo, NY, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
If awarded this grant, I would love to upgrade some of my equipment and studio. I would upgrade my massage table to a nice esthetics bed to give my clients the best experience. I would love to remodel my spa bathroom with new flooring. My husband and I did all the work ourselves to transform this space into my studio and it was quite costly, so we weren’t able to do remodel it all. I would also like to expand my advertising reach, and begin carrying more product lines and introduce new services. I want to offer microneedling which will benefit my clients who suffer from acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and more. An FDA approved professional microneedling device is currently outside of my budget, and I don’t want to sacrifice quality at the risk of my clients’ skin. Overall, I am passionate about bringing luxury and relaxation to my clients, but I also want Buffalo residents to see skincare as self-care and that everyone deserves access to these treatments! Thank you so much for your consideration.
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Business Plan
In the next 5 years, I plan on being fully booked and being a local name for our city. The relationship between a client and an esthetician is one of trust and compassion. It is my dream to be that person for as many people as I can. When I’m mostly booked myself, I plan on connecting with other estheticians in the Buffalo area to offer facial parties for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and businesses in Buffalo. I am one of the most passionate, hardworking, and talented estheticians in our city. When I was in esthetics school, I knew I was on the path to making my dreams come true. I’ve worked in a few spas and salons, and also worked in cosmetic retail. Each and every time I’m able to transform a client’s skin, or make someone feel beautiful and comfortable in their body, I am reassured that this is what I’m meant to be doing. My family had never heard of estheticians or gotten spa treatments before I broke into this industry. I feel passionately that everybody deserves access to skincare, and that knowledge is power. I post free tips, advice, and answer questions on my Instagram frequently (@skinwithceleste) because I want to be a resource for my community, even those who can’t come see me in person for a treatment. I would be extremely grateful to be awarded this opportunity to expand my business and make my community proud.
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Self Identified Competition
My biggest competitors are established, well-known spas in the area, including Woodhouse Spa, Excuria, The W Spa, and more. I also would consider European Wax Center a competitor. These businesses offer more different types of services, but I believe their biggest advantage is advertising and time in business. I have not worked at any of the establishments listed above, but I have worked at similar businesses. What I believe truly sets me apart is consistency, professionalism, and being personable. When working at larger establishments, service providers often don’t feel the need to “give it their all” because it is not their reputation on the line, but the business’s. I proudly put my name on my business, on my social media and on everything I do. I start all of my videos with “Hi, I’m Celeste. I’m a licensed esthetician” because I feel confident in my work and that my reputation will only benefit from everything I put out there. Something I pointed out to potential clients when starting my business is that when you go to a solo esthetician, you know exactly what you’ll get each time. There will be no last-minute service provider swap because someone’s running behind. You won’t hear a hair stylist next door’s loud blow dryer. I have control over my own booking schedule, so I always provide myself plenty of time in between appointments to be punctual and ready for every client. Many of my clients have become friends. We talk about our families, our upcoming vacations, and the things in life that are important to us. My clients view me as a professional, but also as a person. They know they can call or text me with questions and I’m not going to take advantage of them or talk them into the most expensive thing because a boss is pushing me to hit sales goals. They feel comfortable knowing I genuinely have their best interest in mind.
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Contact Applicant
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