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

Hi Pamela, what can you tell us about your online dating experiences?
Well, I can honestly say that I’m a fan of online dating. That wasn’t always the case, though. I was 36 years old, single, and living in New York City. I was having the time of my life with friends and everything the city had to offer. Including dating. But when I was getting nowhere with the men I was meeting, friends of mine suggested I try online dating. My first thought was NO FREAKING WAY! There was NO Way I was going to put myself out there like that. I mean, I couldn’t imagine the ‘weirdos’ I would meet. But then I thought to myself… I’m already meeting them so what could be the harm. Haha. So I gave it a try. I had a close friend help me with my profile and choosing my profile pictures. I didn’t want to misrepresent myself, even though others did.! And then my profile sat there for weeks. Until one day I decided I was ready. Eek! And then I went live. It was crazy! I had ‘flirts’ and message flooding my inbox. I was flattered at first. It was exciting. And even a little scary. Would I meet ‘the one?’ Online? Well, not for a while, anyway. I was three months of flirting online, awkward phone calls, and ‘hopeful’ dates. I went out with a fast talker (It was exhausting), a make-believe FBI agent, a guy who wore the same Barney the dinosaur t-shirt the 3 times I saw him, and a jewelry artist. I kinda dug the jewelry guy. But none of those lasted. Only the funny memories. I’ll admit, I would get my hopes up, only to be let down time and time again. But that was ok. I knew what I was looking for in a partner, and I knew I wouldn’t settle. Why should I? I feel like that experience really boosted my confidence in myself. I think online dating pushes us outside of our comfort zone, to meet people we wouldn’t normally cross paths with. I mean, let’s face it. We all have a ‘type.’ This avenue of meeting people invites new ‘types’ into our world. And new opportunities. And I thinks that’s awesome! Did I end up meeting ‘the one?’ 14 years and counting. 🙂

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Was it easy? Nope. The dream was easy, as I knew what I wanted my career to look like. Having struggled with acne my entire life, I knew I wanted to help others feel confident in their skin (pun intended). I wish there had been a flowchart; ‘starting a small business 101.’ Maybe there was. But I couldn’t find it. I made a ton of mistakes in an effort to open my doors. Oh my goodness, 6 years later, and I’m still making mistakes. But you learn from them, and move on. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it happens to be true. But I think the biggest thing I’ve learned in these years is staying organized. I can’t start my day without a list. My mom laughs at the fact that I’m always carrying a list around in my day planner. But if I didn’t, my days would not be productive. Running a small business can be overwhelming, because as the owner, we wear all hats. But I write down a plan for the day, and I execute. Staying focused, and staying on top of my priorities. The minute I fall behind is when I begin to feel the stress. After all, I’m only human. And the human factor is, in my opinion, the most important aspect of running a small business. You know, I feel I have created more than a business. I feel I’ve created a community. I’m proud that my clients come in and feel like they are a part of what I’ve created. Because without them, my business wouldn’t succeed. I wouldn’t have a business. I appreciate them. I love when they send me a text of a funny story. I love that they bring their kids in to meet me. And I love that they stay connected through the stressful times, as we’re experiencing today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a kid at heart, so amusement parks would be at the top of my list. I mean, Disney would be in the mix, but what I’d really want to experience with my best friend are the roller coasters at Knots Berry Farm. I love the thrill! I absolutely love the grounds of Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. And the Getty Center has the most amazing gardens. It’s both peaceful and beautiful. Ooh, but then there’s wine tasting in Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, and Solvang. I have always enjoyed the La Brea Tar Pits. Again, back to being a kid at heart. 🙂 But at the end of the day, I would take her to one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan Beach, The Arthur J. I don’t know if she’d spend an entire week. She’d probably be over my energy after day 3. haha.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, David, for sure. He has been the pillar of support since the day I dreamed up my business! He has been there for me when scouting out locations, installing floors, building furniture, and handing curtains. And no matter how challenging it gets, and it does, he pushes me into believing ‘it’ can be done. And of course, my parents. They’ve always been there to support me any way they could; from testing skin care lines, to picking out a day planner (there’s a funny story behind this one), to listening to me vent about real estate deals gone bad. They are the best! And lastly, all my friends who stood by me as I focused to get my business off the ground. I was an absentee friend for a while, but they were there for support whenever I needed it. I have the best friends.

Website: www.lauraveraskin.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lauraveraskin/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauraveraskin
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laura-vera-skin-and-acne-redondo-beach-2

Image Credits
Photos by Alonya Photography