Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kittleson.
Hi Melanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As an aspiring Esthetician, I have always been passionate about skincare. How I first got into the world of aesthetics began when I started working with a skincare/makeup line sold at Herberger’s department store. I had a passion for being able to help find the right skincare products for my clients based on their skin concerns and needs. I wanted to further my education, so I earned my Associate’s Degree and worked an office job for a few years; the opportunity arose to pursue my passion and open up my own business. I eventually returned to school to earn my Esthetics license and open the doors to Schöne Haut! Since the start of my career, my mother has always motivated me to further my passion in the beauty industry, and since then, I have taken pride in what I do as an Esthetician and have never looked back!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has most definitely been a rollercoaster of challenges. When I started my journey as an Esthetician, I could not find a placement to start my career in a small town. I felt defeated that I had worked so hard for something I was passionate about and was going nowhere. I sent emails and made numerous phone calls seeking an opportunity to find a location for Schöne Haut. I finally found a salon that would accept me and start my journey. My other challenge was not being a native to the town and not knowing whether a German city would be welcoming of a Latina who wasn’t born or raised within the community. The town had its customs, which meant being a native of the city had its advantage, whereas not being a native didn’t have much of an advantage. I started networking here in New Ulm, and my business, Schöne Haut, has received overwhelming support from our strong community. I couldn’t bear to think that I was going to be investing in a small business that could potentially put me under a financial burden; I took out credit cards and applied for a small business grant to help with some of the business expenses, the start-up cost of any small business always comes with the financial obligation as well trying to build clientele.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Schöne Haut?
Schöne Haut provides services to people of all ages and backgrounds. I offer quality services by maintaining their skincare needs using advanced methods backed by science. I specialize in ethical and positive results driven by customized facial treatments—I am also a permanent makeup artist specializing in microblading, microshading, and combination brows. I take pride in what I do here at Schöne Haut by staying up to date with the latest advancements in the beauty industry.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I don’t believe in luck but in hard work and putting time and dedication into my business to succeed. In referrals when it comes to having a small business, word of mouth goes a long way, and I truly appreciate having clients willing to spread the word!
Contact Info:
- Website: schonehaut.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schonehautmn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schonehautmn
