Meet Lauren Channell | Licensed Esthetician

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

Hi Lauren, how do you think about risk?
There’s something beautiful about taking risks. The word risk has such a negative undertone, and I believe it fears people into staying stagnant or delaying the process of getting started. As an entrepreneur, the thought of losing something after putting so much in, whether it’s your lifestyle, your reputation, or even your business, can make deciding to move towards things that are not guaranteed to bring you success very scary. When you don’t know how something will turn out, and you go for it anyway, it is courageous. That’s what the definition of risk should be. The courageous act of faith.

Going solo as an esthetician was and still is a huge risk, but I’ve learned that with faith and diligence, I can’t lose. There is always a reward on the other side of putting yourself out there and giving it your all. There’s so much mental growth and self-development that can happen when you put yourself in an uncomfortable situation. I’ve been a risk-taker all my life, although back then it was probably perceived as rebellion. As I became older, wiser, and a mother, that fear tended to resurface in certain situations, but I held firm my faith in who I am and what I could accomplish if I kept going. Starting my own esthetics business has been the most risk-taking and yet the most rewarding adventure I have embarked on and I’m so glad I took that leap.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner and licensed esthetician of Esthetic Therapy. Esthetic Therapy is a facial studio located in Houston, Texas, offering luxurious skin therapies, massage, and waxing. I believe beauty should be a holistic experience, and this philosophy sets me apart because it affects your whole being. The way you look in the mirror after a facial is the icing on the cake compared to how you feel during your time at Esthetic Therapy. I specialize in non-invasive skin rejuvenation, helping to address various skin concerns including aging, pigmentation, volume loss and laxity, acne and acne scarring, and overall healthier-looking skin while providing a relaxing experience to destress and bring your body back to balance.

I am always searching for new and innovative ways to help my clients look and feel their best, and I am extremely excited about our new service offering coming next month. This new technology will offer a new level of transformation to my client’s skin giving them back their confidence and youthful appearance. With the holidays right around the corner and 2024 on its way out, I am humbled and grateful to end the year on a high note adding to my service offerings and increasing value to my clients..

Starting a business has not been easy and every day I get to open my doors to clients is a blessing. This is my second year in business and the ebbs and flows are tough. Marketing has been one of the hardest challenges I have faced, but maintaining loyal clients, getting referrals, and continuously working on my personal development have gotten me where I am today. It’s easy to get consumed and overwhelmed with the pressures of running a business and having that business be your source of income, but one thing this experience has taught me is to never stop investing in yourself. The better you become as a person, the better you can serve your business and its patrons. The risks never stop. I had to face my fears with social media, invest in courses and mentorships, and put into practice all the things I’ve learned, one challenge at a time. Growth takes time and persistence. Having a strong faith in God and supportive people around me through this process has allowed me to stay strong and positive through the storms and humbled when I’m under the rainbow.

Some people can see the spa as a luxury only needed once in a while or for a special occasion, not a lifestyle. When you put your overall well-being first and allow yourself to destress while looking and feeling great, you make room for so many opportunities to come your way. You begin to create space in your brain for new inspiring thoughts. You exude a positive energy that the universe has no choice but to return to you. We function better, treat others better, and live healthier lives when we holistically treat self-care. Esthetic Therapy is just one avenue people can choose to give themselves a better opportunity at a beautiful life inside and out.

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?
My best friend and I have been friends since the 6th grade and always look for a good time when we can get together. If we had a week long trip to check out a few spots and experience the city it would look something like this:

She would get in on a Friday evening and we would catch up and have a relaxing dinner of pizza y vino at a cozy, undermarketed pizzeria called Pizzeria Solario. It’s quaint, authentic, delicious, great wine, and has outside seating, perfect for the fall.

Saturday morning we are up bright and early to burn those calories with the ZFT Houston Run Club then we’re off to Citizens of Montrose for a healthy brekky.

Sunday would be Sunday brunch at Piggy’s. It’s always a good time when there’s a great DJ, chicken & waffles, steak and eggs, avocado toast, and mimosas on the menu. And of course Patio seating. This is one of the only places I know that serves brunch until 3/4pm.

Monday we’ll shop in Rice Village and get mani/ pedis at her favorite spot Sweet Moments and lunch at Sixty Vines for impressive wines on tap from around the world followed by Whole Foods and HEB for groceries.

Tuesday we’ll go for a morning run at Terry Hershey park then back to Whole foods for their fresh pressed juice. We’ll stay in, sit out on the porch, prepare meals, and later have a fun at-home Taco Tuesday. I’ll invite my family over for some trivia games and homemade margaritas.

Wednesday we will try to catch RnB Vines: where strangers make friends playing uno, spades, while listening to r&B and drinking wine.

Thursday will be massages at The Sanctuary and classy happy hour at Simone on Sunset for steak night and 25% off bottled wine.

Friday we will start off with pilates at Duo Houston (black owned pilates studio) then True food for lunch (ancient grains bowl with salmon is my fav) then we’ll get dressed up for dinner at Flora. (The best authentic mexican and great smoky Mezcal)

Saturday morning we’ll have coffee and a light homemade breakfast on the patio and plan to reminisce on all the fun we had!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shoutout goes to the Lord Almighty. He has kept me and made the impossible possible. I would not be where I am today without God’s covering and mercy. Secondly, I would like to shout out my sister. As I mentioned before, I have been a risk-taker all my life. For me, that came with a lot of spreading my wings, but not much planting of my feet. I was involved in so many things and honestly didn’t have a strong direction in where I wanted my life to go. My sister introduced me to the esthetic industry and gave me a solid foundation for a career I could build on. She has been my biggest supporter and continues to encourage me to build my business. I am so grateful to my sister who has been my sister, my friend, my guide, my support, and my shoulder to lean on. I love you sissy!

Website: https://esthetictherapy.myflodesk.com

Instagram: @esthetictherapy

Image Credits
Kayla Elisse -Kayla Elisse Photography