Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adriana Esquer, Founder of Gilded Rose Spa, located in Magnolia, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hello beautiful doves, my name is Adriana Esquer. I’m a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, and business owner. At Gilded Rose Spa, we specialize in custom facials, full body waxing & brows, energy healing, makeup application, as well as self-love ritual education to inspire daily uplifting routines. We are well known for offering exquisite bridal packages for a lavishing wedding experience. Gilded Rose is committed to building strong and trusting guest relationships in a safe, sacred environment that you can consider your home. Life will inevitably disrupt our harmony. Gilded Rose is here to help guide you to reset.
Tell us about yourself
Gilded Rose Spa was born from a need for a retreat and community. I had a challenging childhood where I was sexually, mentally, and physically abused by family members. It sent me inward for peace and to art for the release.
I spent my youth immersed in dance, connecting with animals, and musical instruments, which later I recognized that it was my healthy coping method. I also took an interest in beautification and wellness techniques, her way of feeling balanced inside by taking care of the outside. In November 2017, I graduated from Aveda Houston Institute (Licensed Esthetician) and opened Gilded Rose in December 2017. I’ve always had a passion (since she was 13 years old) to create a business that helps others access healthy outlets that recharge the inside while bringing the local community to help support one another.
I always felt like my life was meant to serve others. People go through pain and experience dark moments in their life. There are many challenges that we face individually, which can make us lose the sense of who we are. I wanted to provide a safe and sacred home where guest can nourish their whole being with a healthy alternative. Taking back their lives, power, and health. They are the true inspirations in the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Coming to terms that it’s ok to fail. Failure is so challenging to accept and actually appreciate. We are always told to never fail and always do our best to strive for perfection. When you fail, you gain more wisdom and are able to grow from it. The only way from down is up.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
In my personal experience, it was for me to stay to my true mission. Holding my values and integrity in tack. I feel like everyone has thoughts and opinions on how you should be “successful” and how you should run your business, that you start to let their thoughts make you second guess yourself. In the world of entrepreneurship, no one wants to speak the truth about how they started. Did you get financial help? Did you live with someone when you started? Or did you 100% do it on your own? This was misleading for me and how I saw the progress of my business vs. others who had just started. So I took myself off from social media and went off the grid with my personal life and business.
Success can tell me many things for people; for me, I realized that it wasn’t about being a “million dollar” company with currency but the value and worth it holds for the community. Are you driven by money, and that’s why you want a business, or do you have deeper reasoning? Whatever discussion you make can say a lot about the outcome of how you treat not only your team in your business but the people you are surrounded by. Our nervous system can only handle so much when it’s in fight or flight mode.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Know why you are starting, remember why you started, and stay true to why you started without self-doubt.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always turn to your community, whether that’s with local businesses or the citizens. They are the heart of the economy and the environment. When we help one another, we strive with one another, which creates a healthy environment for everyone and children to grow. What we do in our local areas makes the biggest change for ourselves and our neighbors.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gildedrosespa.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gildedrosespa/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.