Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiki Velazquez.
Hi Kiki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story started as “Dolled Up by Kiiks Makeup Artistry”. When I was younger, I used to steal my mother’s navy blue eyeliner and wear it to school, I loved the way makeup made me feel and look.
I felt like wearing makeup made me have superpowers! The minute I was able to buy my makeup and started building small makeup collections the artist in me was born! I started gaining traction as a makeup artist but something was missing. I have always had a desire to make a difference, I just didn’t know how.
I’m a super creative person but for some reason, I was feeling stuck. I felt unfulfilled, I questioned why I was doing makeup and if it was my purpose. I asked for a sign, for something to happen so that I could know if I was on the right path. One day, I was doing makeup for an event, and it so happened that same night my entire makeup kit, camera, lights, and personal bag were stolen from my car. It shook me so much that I ended up taking a 3-year break from doing makeup.
As time went on, I kept thinking about my purpose. During my break from makeup, I started dating a guy who was huge in striving to become his best self. We would have long conversations about faith, and life goals. I started thinking about the women and men I used to work with and how they kept asking me how to fix their skin conditions, such as acne, dryness, wrinkles, and aging spots.
What my clients wanted more than anything was to feel good and look great AFTER the makeup came off. I have always known how important it is to take care of your skin, even if you don’t wear makeup. I soon realized I had a passion for not only teaching but also helping people take care of their skin. That passion led me to become an esthetician.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I feel like my life has always been a big obstacle course, deciding I wanted to become a certified esthetician added more challenges to that road. I not only had to apply to college to get certified I also had to make life changes. I had to leave the position I had in my job and move to a different department that could accommodate my school schedule. I landed a position in the Emergency Department, which was also in the middle of the covid pandemic.
I knew it was going to be challenging, but I was not prepared for the level of physical and emotional stress I would face. My school schedule was Monday through Thursday 8 am to 4:30 pm, and then right after I went to work from 5 pm to 11 pm, sometimes even later since the emergency department didn’t have a set clock-out schedule.
This routine took a huge toll on me, I was physically and mentally exhausted and it started to show on my skin. I also felt very lonely since I was never home, I missed my family and friends. What kept me motivated was making the younger me proud of the older me, so I kept pushing in school and even graduated with honors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Fox Haus Face and Body Co. is a spa in Richfield MN. My services at the moment include custom facials, full body waxing, and my favorite… chemical peels! My spa specializes in being all-inclusive servicing men and women. A fun fact about me is that it doesn’t matter who you are, I will take some time to let you know the importance of wearing SPF. I think my passion for educating others about skin health is what sets me apart from others.
I make it my mission to educate all my clients on the health benefits of proper skin care, no matter if they are women, especially men. It’s a nice challenge but the reward is bigger. My favorite part is my clients telling me about the skincare routine they started after having a facial at my spa and how keeping up with their skincare has changed the way they feel about their skin. Seeing them become more confident in themselves is such a blessing.
What do you think about happiness?
The joy I feel when I get messages from my clients telling me they loved their service, and that they feel safe and comfortable with me makes me feel like I am where I am supposed to be.
Pricing:
- Waxing starts at $15.00
- Facials start at $50.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foxhaus.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/face.body_co?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083228785588&mibextid=D4KYlr
Image Credits
Ingri Velazquez
