Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Corder.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska. In high school, I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist so I moved-in with my cousins in Satellite lite Beach, Florida after graduation. After a while I realized, Florida was not the route for me so I moved back to Anchorage. From there I started working as a receptionist at a hair salon while starting my Associate Degree in Accounting at University of Alaska Anchorage. After almost a year working in the hair salon I realized I wanted to explore esthetics as a career. I was accepted to Academy of Hair Design for esthetics in the Spring of 2015 and after going 6 days a week until Fall, I passed my boards and was officially a licensed esthetician by November 2015. I was able to finish my esthetic license hours during the summer and was back to my Accounting classes at UAA for the Fall semester. I started working at Brow Chica Brow Bar, Alaska’s first express waxing salon/brow bar, immediately after getting my license. My first day on the job at Brow Chica Brow Bar (BCBB) was a Sugaring course to teach the whole staff the newest hair removal technique, Sugaring. I eagerly jumped on the opportunity to learn this new service and technique since I was starting out with Waxing (the regular service offered at BCBB). I quickly fell in love with Sugaring over Waxing and hit the ground running with it at BCBB. I was soon one of the top Sugarists on staff. After 2 years, I finished my associate degree in Accounting and moved to Fort Collins, CO in 2017. I wanted to start my Accounting career in CO but had an extremely frustrating (though apparently normal) experience trying to find a job in the accounting field. I eventually took an office job in customer service to gain the “office experience”, multiple hiring managers informed me I was lacking. After being miserable at that job for 8 months, I decided to transfer my esthetics license to Colorado and seek a new job in that industry. The waxing studio, The Screamin Peach, was by far the most notable and best reputable waxing salon in the area so I made it my personal goal to get a job there. After sending emails, Facebook DMs, and voicemails, I finally got a call back from the hiring manager. She let me know they did not have a waxing position open at the time but did have a receptionist position available they wanted to offer me. She said that my motivation and determination showed a lot about my work ethic and professional character. She reassured me, once a Waxing position became available, it would be offered to me. And after a few months, thats exactly what happened. I was immediately a great Waxer because, unlike a majority of the others with that job title, I knew how to do the front desk job too so I could help out covering multiple positions or training new front desk staff. Colorado was not a great fit for my (now) husband and I so we moved from Fort Collins to Portland, Oregon in April of 2019. We knew, even during COVID, that Oregon was our home. Once in Portland I was immediately offered an esthetics position as a Sugarist at a small studio in NW Portland. That job and work relationship was amazing, until it wasnt. Unfortunately, that job ended upbruptly for me and I was given the opportunity to go on my own and open my own business. I quickly found a perfect location that was walkable, welcoming, and affordable. Lilac Sugaring opened on August 12, 2021 and has been the best choice ive ever made. In the 5 years I’ve been a solo entrepreneur/business owner, I have grown and learned more about myself, my values, goals, and so much more. It has been 5 years of ups and downs (thankfully way more ups than downs) but each year the business continues to grow and continue to be something I am extremely proud of. My online reviews and multiple awards prove that hard work truly pays off. They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life and I have gotten the incredible privilege to experience exactly that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope. The best destinations have rough roads right? Something about the journey not the destination? Luckily for me, though it hasn’t always been easy, I have gotten to enjoy both the journey and the destinations I set my mind on reaching.
Moving to Colorado and struggling to find a job in a field where I had an actual degree was hard. Constantly being told I didn’t have enough experience, was infuriating. The office job I settled with was an interesting journey of its own. Getting the job at Screamin Peach was a high point for me though. I knew what I wanted and I did everything in my power to get it until I actually got it. It was the strangest mixed mindset of knowing I could get the job and would be a great additon to their team, while also being kinda shocked all my pestering tactics really worked.
Moving to Oregon was a great step in the right direction, even though after a few years of being in Portland, getting fired for the first time in my life from a great job was almost debilitating. Thankfully with the immense support of my husband, sister, and parents, I landed exactly where I was meant to be and the universe has continued to show me more and more reasons why the road I went on was meant to get me to where i am today. I’m so incredible grateful for all of the hard experiences ive gone through in life, whether personal or professional, because each one made me stronger. I truly believe there is a balance between dealing with the cards your dealt and actively fighting for what you want. Sometimes life gives you lemons and sometimes you gotta get up and go pick them yourself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lilac Sugaring?
I like to call Lilac Sugaring a “self care studio” because I offer a range of esthetic services, beyond the traditional facials & lash extensions, to help people (primarily woman identifying) feel their most confident and best self. I never had the same interest or passion for skin care that many other estheticians do, so I wanted to jump into the services of esthetics that were less commonly offered. My services range from Sugaring & Threading (hair removal), Spray Tans, Lash Lifts, and Intimate Care services.
I’ve been told, I’m known for creating a safe and comfortable environment for my clients. I pride myself in being able to make people feel comfortable even in the most physically, intimate, and vunerable positions. After 10+ years of Sugaring, I have also heard feedback from many clients that my technique while performing painful services is one of the most comfortable and gently services they’ve received. I like to think of myself and a huge empath so the pain side of the job has always been a struggle for me. However, I feel so rewarded when I am able to help get a client through a very painful service to where they are eager and want to come back again. I think because of my empathy I can approach the discomfort and client sensitivities in a genuine and authentic way that makes people know they are okay and safe. I try to create personal connections and treat clients as more than clients when in my Studio. These are some of the biggest reasons I think Lilac Sugaring is set apart from other Sugaring/Waxing businesses.
All of the services I offer have been hand selected and personally tested by myself. Because I am the solo service provider/employee, I ensure that every product that touches my clients skin is chosen with research and purpose to offer the best possible results. My Spray Tans are created with one of the top luxury solutions created in the US. My Sugar paste is constantly being compared to new or other brands to ensure I believe it is the best for my clients. I want to make sure that my clients can always trust me and the services or products I provide.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Work wise, I love to find podcasts relating to business or esthetic questions/issues I may be having. I also love to do continued education through other businesses, organizations, etc.
Personally, I love the “ro-fantasy” books like fourth wing, zodiac academy, throne of glass, etc. I also spend a decent amount of my down time watching Bravo reality tv. Watching the Housewives franchises or any of the many other shows, is one of my favorite ways to wind down, turn my brain off from work mode, and just dive into silly “trash” tv and enjoy drama that has nothing to do with me or my business. My favorite shows include; Vanderpump Rules. Housewives of Beverly Hills, Below Deck, Survivor, and Amazing Race.
I think one of the most important things to remember with owing a business is to find balance between work and personal life. Remembering to fill my cup up first before I can fill others has been a huge asset in maintaining a successful business for 5+ years. Without the balance. I dont know if I would’ve made it past the first few years.
Pricing:
- Affordable
- Competitive
- Transparent
- Inclusive pricing – services/treatments don’t have as many upgrade options, if a service needs an upgrade I make sure to include it in the price of the service/treatment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LilacSugaring.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/lilacsugaring
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lilacsugaring
- Twitter: @lilacsugaring
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lilac-sugaring-portland
