Meet Sarah Long | Business Owner & Waxing Extraordinaire

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

Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For so long I have worked under many different management styles. I learned a lot from these individuals, from what not to do, all the way to carrying over certain business savvy styles that I still use today. After nearly 20 years in the workforce under someone else, the biggest priority I had was freedom in scheduling. I found it increasingly difficult to just get a Saturday off for a friends wedding, even when the request was 6 months out. Dealing with a chain of commanders, the communication wasn’t always the greatest, and most of it was out of my control. So in the end, the most finalizing thought to start my own business, was the freedom to schedule my days as I saw fit. Being in complete control to work long hard days to make up for a day lost, due to a prior engagement. Or working long days 7 days a week, so that I could enjoy 2 solid weeks off totally unplugged in another country somewhere. This was so desirable to me. Now after running my own business and schedule for 6 years, I can honestly say it is a total game changer. I wouldn’t go back to working FOR someone else unless it was my only option. It’s been my favorite part of owning my own business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I could write a book on what brought me to this career path, adding in the not so easy and very scary decisions along the way, but I’d love to just focus on what I am most proud of. I feel that there are several great estheticians out there that can give a stellar brazilian or microblade some flawless brows, but I believe my biggest strength is providing the level of comfort to the client in the treatment room. It can be scary and nerve racking, no matter the service, and I pride myself on being able to disarm the nervous client and provide so much relaxation to them. Make them realize they are in great hands, with an extreme attention to detail and a caring personality. I will give them perfect brows, make them realize their insecurities are irrational and silly, show them they are beautiful and allowed to feel sexy while I listen to their life story because I genuinely enjoy getting to know these incredible humans so much. Part of the blush brand is about inclusivity. Whether you are curvy, trans, come from a unique culture or are extremely shy, you are welcome. We take humans of all ages, sizes, political backgrounds, cultures, religions and lack there of, because humans are beautiful, and we love you ALL. All are welcome, all the time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m probably biased, but I especially love Carlsbad and South Oceanside. I grew up in North County and these towns are my favorite. I’d still venture outside of these two areas, but would spend the bulk of my time in them. We’d grab drinks and listen to live music in Vista at Booze Brothers. We would eat at all the delicious restaurants along the 101 from cbad to downtown o’side. Grabbing coffee at all the delicious coffee joints, but especially Bound Coffee Co. We would rent paddle boards in O’side Harbor and ride bikes down the strand. Catch the sunset in Torrey Pines and visit North Park for more delicious eats and drinks. Possibly hike Potato Chip Rock and wine taste in Temecula. There is so much to do, which is why I love SD, one week is never enough time to explore all the great places it has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The list humans who support me is incredibly long and hard to shorten to just a few names and titles, but let me at least say that I have a strong group of women who are my biggest cheerleaders. They are there every step of the way, encouraging me to continue on, even when the blood, sweat and tears start to overwhelm me. Most of these women I met in college, beauty school, have been friends of mine since elementary school, the list also includes my Mother and Aunt, several of my ride or die clients, and my husband. These people have been by my side through the good, bad and ugly, and remain by my side to this day. I also want to say that Brené Brown and Jen Sincero are also helpful women and guiding lights when I struggle to find my way. Thank you for everything ladies and gent. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

Website: www.blushandco.net

Instagram: @blushandcoxo

Yelp: blush & co.

Image Credits
Carrie Anne Kelly Studios