Q & A With Owner of Touch of Elegance, Sandi Gorges
What services or products does your company offer?
We offer a range of spa and beauty services, including (but not limited to) eyebrow threading, facials, laser hair removal, microblading, PRP for hair + face (microneedling), and eyelash extensions.
How did you come up with the idea to start Touch of Elegance and what purpose did you intend to serve with the concept?
I was an employee at the spa, but it was nearly failing at the time. The previous owner decided to move on and pursue another career, and I had a vision. I then took ownership of the spa and immediately performed a complete re-branding - new name, new services, and eventually new location. Day-by-day, I made my vision, and the company's vision, a reality.
To put it simply, I value people. I value relationships, genuine connections, blossoming friendships, and I'm lucky to run a company that enables me to experience these beautiful things everyday.
Which milestones have marked meeting benchmarks towards the fulfillment of your personal goals/ the company's vision and goals?
Although this is a relatively new company, we have had many exciting milestones over the past few years. Speaking personally, I have further educated myself (and continue to educate myself) on not only beauty products and services, but also on health and skincare. From my education came a number of certifications, which then allowed me to grow and expand the company, and introduce our present-day services such as laser hair removal, PRP/microneedling, and microshading/ombre powder brows. We hope to keep growing, adding services, and (just maybe) expanding to a second location.
Which steps have you taken for the company to achieve the level of consumer trust that has been nationally recognized?
Our clients trust us because we provide high-quality and personalized services. We focus solely on their needs and do our very best to accommodate their requests. The results speak for themselves and our clients can see that. In addition, we make an honest effort to get to know all of our clients. We want to be more than your "eyebrow lady" or your "esthetician" and that's what makes us different.
What part of your education or other experiences do you feel was the most helpful in preparing you for success?
To be honest, I can't say that I had any kind of experience that prepared me for this, I just had to figure it all out as I went along. It definitely was a lot of trial and error and ups, and downs, but I have had a wonderful (and successful) learning experience.
Which strategies have you found the most effective in growing your audience/ bringing awareness of your service to a larger consumer group?
I would have to say I've had the most success growing my audience on social media. It allows me to share pictures and videos quickly and to a large group of people at once. I think that's important, especially for demonstrating the effectiveness of a service.
Please feel free to follow Touch of Elegance on Facebook and Instagram (both @Touchofelegance17).
How do you balance work, passions/hobbies, and relationships?
Sometimes it gets complicated because work and passion are intertwined for me, but I've learned to give myself some time off. I ensure I am giving myself at least a day or two a week where I am away from work - both physically and mentally. On these days, I focus on myself and my family, and prioritize quality over the quantity of my time.
What are your future plans to build on your achievements and fulfill your vision for success, and what developments can your audience or clientele look forward to expecting next?
My next step at the moment is to introduce a new service. I am currently researching a form of hair removal that works to target the "peach buzz" or the blonde hairs that the laser misses. It is one that is different from electrolysis in that it is quick and pain-free. Stay tuned!
What advice would you like to give readers that hope to achieve success in your field?
Maintain your patience and don't give up on yourself. There are many different ways to do one thing and if one doesn't work you can always find another that does. If you really love the work, it will show through everything you do, so much so that eventually, it will speak for itself.
We thank Sandi for sharing these insights and experiences with Winner Magazine's readers. If you are looking for aesthetician services in the Windsor Area, we would recommend reaching out to Sandi at Touch of Elegance!