Meet Karen Jones | License Esthetician

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

Hi Karen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Like most entrepreneurs I became unhappy working for someone and made plans in leaving my Social Work position. I have worked in many positions within the healthcare field and enjoyed being a help to people in whatever way I can. But there was still something missing, I knew that I had a greater purpose and became focused on achieving my goals. In April 2020, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and my world stopped. I was so scared, thinking what would happen to me. My son was 17 at the time and I’m responsible for getting my mom back and forth to her appointments. Being quarantine in my bedroom became my new normal. This virus was so new, and my doctors did not have any answers for me. Instead of feeling down for myself, I birthed my business. I started to read about different ingredients and formulated varies skincare and body products. I contacted different labs and finally found one who would work with me using all-natural ingredients. I applied for my LLC and started making a list of services I would perform in my spa. I recovered from COVID-19 in about a month and a half but caught pneumonia soon after. To most people this would be another setback, but it gave me more time to strategize how I would be able to leave my current job. Once restrictions were lifted in my city, I decided to open a home spa in my basement. I was able to provide samples of my product line to my customers. I became booked every weekend and it was time to find a new location for my growing business. I fell in love with the first location I went to visit in Jan 2021, Sola Salons in King of Prussia PA. I signed my lease the same day, went to work the next day and told my boss I was leaving soon. Of course, I was afraid to leave a job that I knew I was getting a paycheck every two weeks. I made unrealistic plans in trying to work both places. I finally walked by faith gave my two weeks and open my doors March 15, 2021. Best decision I ever made!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started out in the Beauty Industry over 20years ago in Cosmetology. Being a stylist soon became less interesting to me and makeup became my new love. Practice was all I wanted to do on everyone I could find. I have been blessed to work with many photographers, designers, music artist and countless other clients. Building a name for myself has not been easy but I was determined to show my makeup artistry on social media and to the world. My biggest accomplishment is having my makeup artistry published in Malvie Magazine Artist special edition February 2021. I want everyone to know never give up even when you think the process is not working, it will as long as you never stop pursuing your goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Philly has so many great food choices. The best is The Reef 3rd and South. Penn’s Landing Spruce Street Harbor Park is known for their hammocks and RiverRink Winterfest. What’s a trip without Shopping?! The King of Prussia Mall is the biggest mall to go with every store you can think of and tons of restaurants in the area.

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?
I want to shoutout all my clients, friends and family, thanks for trusting me with your skincare needs. My person, Rober thanks for supporting me with this new experience.

Website: www.karenoliviabeauty.com

Instagram: karenoliviabeauty