Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Thomas.
Hi stacy, 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?
I started as a client of laser hair removal and fell in love with the process and it’s convenience. Life changes were getting thrown at me, all signs were pointing to needing a more fulfilling career. I had been a teacher for 20 years and was getting burnt out, I was a widow (my husband had recently passed from cancer in 2020), and my son would be soon be graduating, leaving me an empty-nester. So, I jumped at the chance for change once some “drama” hit at the end of the school year. I started some research and decided to enroll at the National Laser Institute. While there I learned a lot about the cosmetic laser industry and really fell in love with tattoo removal. Inspired there to start on my own, I began lots of research on buying the lasers, locating a place that would work for me, financing options, etc. Within a couple weeks I had a plan and initiated it quickly. Lotus Laser Aesthetics came to fruitation soon after, opening my door Jan 1st of 2024.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not sure starting a new business is ever a smooth road. It was a huge financial undertaking. Finding a good vendor to work with was a challenge. Many of MN’s aesthetic laws are quite gray, so it was a bit of undertaking to see what I could all do in terms of service and who can perform what. Finding a medical director was a bit of a challenge as well, as someone with a PA or above needs to be available should any medical issues arrive.
We’ve been impressed with Lotus Laser Aesthetics, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The “Lotus” brand of my business was inspired by the symbology of the Lotus, such as growing from the mud, beauty in the struggle, etc. It really fit the time in my life. I have walked a rocky road at times in my life. It was actually my second husband that had passed from cancer. My first husband had also passed from cancer about 10 years earlier. I know clients coming into my shop are also finding themselves at time for change due to something they want to change about themselves whether it’s something they don’t like or for more convenience, etc.
I am a sole proprietorship. I am a certified laser tech, unlike many people in the field, I have gone through extensive training. The rules being pretty gray in the field in MN, many people have not gone through full training, but are often trained by their company for a day or two or through the laser vendor. Like all spas, I have a medical director on staff should any medical issues arise.
I specialize in laser tattoo removal and laser hair removal. I just branched out to Isle, MN with one of my machines. There I offer traditional laser hair removal, photofacials, and treatments for vascular lesions “spider veins”, treatment for rosacea, and acne treatment. At my Sartell location I offer laser tattoo removal, painless laser hair removal, pigment correction (lightening of brown spots), treatment for rosacea, acne treatment, and acne scar treatment, and photofacials.
What sets me apart from others is that I am not a franchise. I put my customers first. Money is not my first priority. I give my patients honest opinions and don’t try to upsell unless I believe it is worth the extra money spent. I will also advise against a treatment if a client isn’t a good candidate and won’t have much luck with the treatment. I am very laid back and my shop shows that. My shop welcomes all with it’s rustic feel, men and women alike.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I used to be a teacher and bring that background to my job. I explain procedures as well as I can, the why and how things work. I am open and actually love being questioned about how and why things work the way they do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lotuslaseraesthetics.com
- Instagram: lotuslaseraestheticsllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lotuslaseraesthetics
