STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When choosing a career after high school, Michelle Cicero, 33, knew she wanted one in which she could be creative and not work a typical 9-to-5 day.
“Being an esthetician allows me to be very creative because each client is a different case and is very unique,” she said. “It’s different every day for me.”
After graduating Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in Manhattan, she began working as an esthetician. After 13 years working for other businesses, including Remedi Spa in Tottenville, she opened her own studio in May in Sola Salons -- a franchise that includes 29 individual studios in Port Richmond.
Luxe Esthetics by Michelle offers various types of facials, at-home spray tanning, waxing and chemical peels.
The mother of a 2-year-old daughter, Cicero said this is the perfect time in her life to launch her own business.
“Working at Sola Salons is convenient. I go home and my daughter tries to give me a facial by putting cream on my face. ... I can have a flexible schedule by owning my own studio,” she said.
FACIALS
Cicero offers an array of facials, including Diamond Microdermabrasion and 24-karat facials.
“Microdermabrasion is one of my most popular treatments. It exfoliates the skin. It is great for people with hyper-pigmentation and acne scaring. It really is a deeper exfoliant,” said Cicero. “I do a facial that uses a mask made out of 24-karat gold, and vitamin C facials for very dry, dehydrated skin.”
The spray-tanning services she offers are done in the convenience of people’s own homes, said Cicero.
EDUCATING CLIENTS
She said her favorite part of the job is educating her clients about how to take care of their skin.
“I feel like I can’t talk about skincare enough,” she said. “I feel like everyone who comes in here doesn’t know what they need to know about at-home care for their skin. They need a lot of help as far as what products to use.”
Cicero said there’s not just one rule of thumb for skincare.
“Your skin is different every day, it changes,” said Cicero. “Whether it’s the weather or the environment that you’re in, it’s important to switch up your products.”
Her goals for the future include expansion and hiring staff to work for her, she said.
“I would still keep a smaller studio setting because it’s very personal,” she said.
LUXE ESTHETICS AT A GLANCE
Address: 1553 Forest Avenue, Port Richmond
Website: https://luxeesthetics.glossgenius.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luxeestheticsbymichelle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxe_esthetics_bymichelle/?hl=en
New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.
If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.
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