At the age of 14, Susie Hudson knew she wanted to become an aesthetician.
Growing up in Jamaica, she became fascinated with skincare for as long as she can remember. After moving to Los Angeles, she set about to fulfill her dream. Today she owns Skin Bliss Inc. in Encino, a skincare studio with some clients visiting her monthly for more than 25 years.
What inspired you to start your business?
From the time I was a teenager, I knew that my dream was to become an aesthetician (skin care professional). Following completion of aesthetics school and my official start as an aesthetician at Dermalogica’s Leonard Drake Skin Spa, I knew that I wanted to open my own practice and create a specialized environment for clients. It was the best decision as I love owning my own business and have been delivering exceptional service to my clients for over 25 years.
Do you like being your own boss? Do you ever think about trading it for a steady paycheck?
I love the flexibility and freedom of being my own boss. I am able to select the best treatments and products for my clients. Additionally, flexibility was pivotal when raising my two children. Owning a business has its challenges, but I would not trade it for the stability of a corporate job or steady paycheck.
What’s the best aspect of running your own business?
Changing lives. Skin is such a critical part of one’s appearance. It’s incredible to help clients with acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, etc. ultimately have healthier skin through customized treatments, thus boosting one’s self-esteem. Seeing transformative results is such a rewarding feeling!
And the worst?
It can get lonely at times. I am not around my peers/my tribe every day in the way that I would be in a larger spa or corporate setting. While starting my business, I also had to excel in many facets – marketing, operations, inventory, etc. Fulfilling every role needed to make the business successful required wearing multiple hats.
What’s the biggest challenge your business has faced? And how did you deal with it?
The economic crash in 2008 was the biggest challenge my business has faced as one of the first things clients cut to save money were what could be deemed as luxury items – treatments, products, etc. Thankfully, I was able to weather the storm as I marketed to a broader clientele and kept my expenses low to sustain the business.
What’s your favorite story about running your business?
A client who had never had a facial before told me she had saved up to finally treat herself in preparation for a wedding. As a part of the facial, I started my “to die for” massage of the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. She exclaimed, “My God, My God!” and began to cry with gratitude as she had also never had a massage before. As she was leaving, she hugged me. With tears, she said “Thank you! I know that God used you to help me.” I was so moved by her. I have always known that I was born for this purpose, so my client’s reaction was further confirmation. It’s a blessing that my work aligns with what I was born to do.
Has your race or culture affected your business?
I am a proud Jamaican of Black, Chinese and White descent. My diverse background and love of travel has provided a broad perspective that helps me connect with clients of various backgrounds as well.
How has the pandemic affected you and your business?
The pandemic created extensive challenges as aesthetics businesses were closed for 10 months. Obviously, this caused financial strain as well.
What advice would you give someone who wanted to start their own business?
Invest in yourself. Never stop learning. Education continues after being licensed; seek ongoing courses to advance your knowledge and provide your clients the latest, most relevant treatments. Find mentors that will support your development.. Once up and running, invest in others. I mentor new aestheticians as I believe in paying it forward.