We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexess Willis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexess, how do you think about risk?
I view risk as an inherent part of growth, both personally and professionally. In life, you’re often presented with opportunities that can either propel you forward or keep you content, and the difference often lies in your ability to assess and take calculated risks. However, it’s crucial to clarify that taking a risk doesn’t mean diving headfirst into uncharted waters without any preparation. For me, it involves a blend of intuition, research, and strategic planning.

In the early stages of launching The Skin Fit Studio, I was taking clients from my home due to the pandemic and the biggest risk was deciding to branch out and establish The Skin Fit Studio in a brick and mortar or to stay where I was because it was so convenient for me (having a studio in the spare bedroom) just walking across the hall. Let me tell you I definitely was saving money on gas! But with limited business experience and a budget, it could have been easier to continue where I was then where I saw myself going, as a skin and body care professional in an established salon. However, I believed in my vision and skills, and after thorough market research and planning, I took the plunge. That decision was monumental; it wasn’t just a risk, but an investment in myself and my future

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is a genuine passion for empowering people to feel their best through transformative beauty and wellness experiences. I combine my expertise with an ever-evolving understanding of new technologies and techniques in the beauty industry. This allows The Skin Fit Studio to offer personalized, top-of-the-line treatments to our clients.

Getting to where I am today has been an incredible journey filled with both ups and downs. It wasn’t easy; I faced numerous challenges along the way. One of the biggest obstacles was transitioning from having a beauty skillset to becoming a full-fledged business owner. I had to learn everything from customer relationship management to financial planning, essentially on the job. What helped me overcome these challenges was a cocktail of tenacity, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt.

I’m particularly proud of the diverse clientele we’ve attracted and the stellar reviews they’ve shared, often mentioning how their experience at The Skin Fit Studio significantly boosted their confidence and well-being. The joy and satisfaction reflected in our clients’ faces make all the hard work absolutely worthwhile.

The most important lessons I’ve learned are: firstly, never stop learning. The beauty industry is a rapidly evolving space, and staying updated is non-negotiable. Secondly, each risk you contemplate is an opportunity waiting to unfold; take calculated leaps of faith. Lastly, excellent customer service is as vital as the quality of treatment you provide. A happy client is your best marketing tool.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that The Skin Fit Studio is more than just a beauty treatment center; it’s a sanctuary for transformation. Our goal isn’t just to treat but to enrich lives through our services. I envisage The Skin Fit Studio not merely as a business but as a movement that enables people to unlock their best selves.

As for the future, we have exciting plans to scale, including diversifying our service offerings and possibly franchising. But no matter how big we get, the core will remain the same: personalized, high-quality, empowering transformations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week it would give us so much time to really enjoy Long Beach, we’d be in for a treat, balancing relaxation, culinary adventure, and local charm. I love living in Long Beach because it is a vibrant community with something for everyone, from beach enthusiasts to foodies to culture vultures. We’d kick off the week with a low-key evening at my favorite restaurant, Ellie’s, where the ambience is as intoxicating as the food. The Italian-American cuisine here is top-notch, and it’s a great introduction to the Long Beach food scene. You can’t come to Long Beach and not hit the beach. We’d spend the entire day at Belmont Shore, taking in the sun, surf, and sand. In the evening, we’d grab some beachside mocktails at Tantalum, known for its incredible views. Take a kayaking trip around Naples, explore the East Village Arts District, checking out local art galleries and maybe even catching a live performance and of course more good food. Obviously a day at The Skin Fit Studio for much needed self care day and hopefully ending the trip with sunset walks with my Golden Retriever Cooper at Rosies dog beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a salute to all of you embarking on the transformative journey of self-improvement. Whether it’s mental, physical, or emotional—every step you take toward betterment is a leap in the right direction.

Website: https://the-skinfit-studio.square.site

Instagram: @theskinfitstudio

Facebook: The Skin Fit Studio

Yelp: The Skin Fit Studio Seal Beach

Image Credits
Alexess Willis has the rights and permissions to all photos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.