Today we’d like to introduce you to Leika Schmidt.
Hi Leika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was 15 years old, I started my adventure into long term care by volunteering at my local nursing home in Waconia, MN. I ended up falling in love with nursing and throughout high school and after college, I would work as a dietary aide and CNA with the goal of becoming a nurse. In 2011 I initially went to the University of MN for nursing, but due to becoming pregnant with my son, I decided to major in Spanish/Portuguese studies with a minor in Japanese. I waited until 2019 to go back to school for my nursing license and graduated from St. Paul College in May of 2020.
COVID was still ramping up in 2020 during my bedside nursing days. I worked for a few different skilled nursing facilities and enjoyed my time in geriatrics. However, as many people know, the stress of long term care facilities meant working understaffed, in dangerous conditions for both patients and nurses and aides. At my last job, I had anywhere from 25-35 patients a day with about 1-2 nursing assistants. No benefits, poor treatment by admin, and barely any PTO/sick time with no 401 K and declining resident quality of care due to understaffing, led to my desire to work in less traumatic and stressful environment.
I decided to switch gears and try working for a laser hair removal giant. It was hard to adjust due to my old fast paced job, where getting bathroom breaks and time to eat and rest was nearly impossible. I enjoyed learning about the physics of the laser I was working with, and also the change of pace that was evident through seeing non-emergency patients. It no longer was life or death, dealing with angry families, absent admin, or constant call lights. Even the grumpiest patients are nothing compared to the previous situations, I’m able to practice happy medicine!
I decided to go out on my own after a year of working for that company and now own my own laser, chiller and office. I have my own medical director, insurances, screening and scheduling system.
My patients recognize my care and desire to help them with laser hair removal. For some, it’s a medical necessity. For others, they desire less hassle with shaving and are busy professionals, mothers, fathers, and college students who desire their best skin and being hairless where it counts!
Keeping my patients safe and happy is my priority. I educate on the dangers of sun exposure and ways to prepare your skin before and after treatment. A lot of laser hair removal is education, since the general population is not even aware of its existence. I’m passionate about my decision to open up this business but run it with great care from my heart and soul.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The only struggle I truly had was giving myself permission to become a business owner. I had done my research for over a year before pulling the trigger. But for many years I never believed I could create my own business.
The only other struggle is our current economy. Discretionary spending seems to be at an all time low. Even with some of the lowest prices in town, I feel like people are still wary and afraid to take risks if they’re not aware of the results. My patient results however, are amazing!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My name is Leika Schmidt, I’m a nurse, the owner and I’m a one-person, Jane-of-All-Trades. Here at Modern Masterpiece Laser, from beginning to finish you are interacting with me.
I specialize in laser hair removal. I have been doing this now for about two years and have loved every minute of it. Unlike other clinics that have a variety of different services with varying levels of skill, I focus solely on laser hair removal, so it is my expertise. I take the time to educate every patient, we go through your medical history, medications, and any other factors that could complicate your treatment. Here, safety and comfort are key. Being that I am a nurse and I have been trained in laser hair removal, it is what I know and do best!
As a brand, I would say I am most proud of my ability to give hospitality and care to each patient. Also education is something that I am proud to present to each customer. I for the newbies, I designed my own website for pre-and post care. I am not trying to get people into the clinic who don’t necessarily follow the rules. I want patients who care about their skin and their health. Those who are sun worshipers or use spray tan cannot get treated safely. But after three weeks of avoiding the sun, you can come in for test shots.
Every person is liable to react differently to the laser. Also, I cannot treat white gray or blonde hair. In order for the laser to be effective, there must be pigment in the hair follicle, and one must not pluck or wax while doing laser, hair removal treatments.
I want the readers to know that you can trust me with your care and that my prices are the most competitive in town! Those dark bumps and itching can be a thing of the past. Razor burn doesn’t have to be apart of your shaving experience. You can clear up those bumps and hyperpigmentation. You can have baby smooth skin with stubble in your armpits, bikini area, legs and face. I see both men, women, and welcome the LGBTQ community with open arms. I am a woman of color and I’m also a Spanish speaker. Having previous nursing experience and having laser training in addition to creating great permanent results has been my greatest achievement and it makes my heart and soul happy to see so many people benefit from this once unaffordable and not so well-known treatment.
What matters most to you? Why?
Getting the patients their desired results as safely, effectively and affordably as possible. Nothing makes me happier than seeing people transition from being shy, self-conscious and weary of the treatment process, to being confident, self-loving and making their razor a memory of the past. The best compliment I get is “I forgot that I used to shave every day and now I’ve barely touched my razor in months. I just don’t even have to think about it anymore!” And that’s the beauty. Not having another extra thing on your plate to deal with. Now go wear your shorts and raise your hands without ever worrying about errant hairs making their appearance!
Pricing:
- 1 small small area: $63
- 1 medium area: $65
- 1 large area: $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://modernmasterpiece.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmasterpiecelaser?igsh=ZjlvMTJiNXpxZ2I5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BEyHf3A23/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://modernmasterpiecelaser.weebly.com/
