Meet Alexandria Smith | Entrepreneur & Cosmetologist

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

Hi Alexandria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be quite honest it was how I was treated by people in the service industry. Also, how I saw other people who look like me being treated. When you don’t look a certain way the whole world treats you differently. Especially if you’re bigger too. I wanted to give people who looked like me a safe space to be pampered. To not feel judged or uncomfortable while they pay their hard earned money for something that should make them feel good about themselves. To not be treated poorly or charged extra for being bigger. My main goal till this day is to be a safe space for my clients. To curate a place of peace that they can unburden themselves. Even if it’s just for 30mins. To receive their services and go back into the world feeling better than when they came to me. I’ve always been passionate about helping people and Blossom Skin Garden has been one of my hopefully many contributions to the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Blossom Skin Garden is my baby. Originally started as A.Nicole Wax Studio in August of 2019. I started my business after working for multiple salons and spas. Seeing how management treated the staff. How most of the owners had no industry experience or passion for the craft. They only cared about the businesses profit. How they treated bigger certain clients. I had some very tough experiences that I don’t wish on anyone in the beauty industry. Even when I was a hairstylist before I started focusing on hair removal.
So when I started my business I did it because I wanted people to have a safe space to be cared for. By someone who was passionate about what they do. By someone who genuinely cares.
I started my space with zero clients. I did a partnership with Groupon to help try and build my clientele. Which kinda worked out. While I worked full time at another job. Then Covid hit. I hadn’t even been open a year. I was so discouraged because I already had so much going on in my personal life. I was living in a hotel and my car had gotten repossessed. I was just trying my best to keep going.
Once the world opened back up I promised myself to do my best and make it until the end of my studio lease. A few months later my full time job did lay off’s and I was on that list. I got my one year pin and my termination letter at the same time.
Then things began to take off. My clientele grew. Everything was going well at work. I renewed my lease and till this day I’ve been able to keep things going.
Now there have been so many obstacles and hurdles along the way. However, I feel so rewarded when my clients walk through my door. It gives me hope.
Even now as I just came back to work after having to take time off for a major surgery. I’m grateful to have clients who continue to support me and waited for me.
I know there is a lot of discourse in the industry right now. I just want to encourage my beauty professionals. Keep going. The world needs our gift. I know it’s tiring and there are many weary nights. You might not have all your ducks in a row or you just might be discouraged because things aren’t how you imagined it. Please, keep going. Even if you have to get another job on the side till things get where you want them.
When I started cosmetology school a woman named Rikki told me “Don’t be discouraged. You are in a room with people who all want to do what you want to do. However, your journey will be different. All of you are on your own path. They didn’t go through what you went through. They might have it easier than you. Some might have it harder. Don’t give up. Keep going and know that your journey is different. And that’s okay.” Till this day I hold into those words because they couldn’t have been truer.
We are all having our own unique individual experience of life. We are all having our own individual perceptions of what is going on in our reality. Enjoy your experience and don’t worry about what the next person has going on. All you see is the things you want that they have. You don’t see what they wen’t through to get it. You also don’t see what they’re going through to try to keep it. Embrace your own journey and make it your best. Just like I will continue to do mines.
I made a safe space for people to come and be pampered without judgement. To relax and unwind. The young fat me is so proud that I made a space in this vicious world for people who look like me. Yes my main service is hair removal, but that is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So honestly, I be chilling in the house reading my books. Unless my homegirls wanna try a new restaurant or something. Plus, I’m a Dallas Native. So a lot of things or places I liked are so different now or gone completely. So, it would honestly be a lil food tour if anything. With that being said we gotta hit up:
Southern Classic Daiquiri Factory.
My dads fav Bbq spot Baby Back Skack.
La Salsa Verde Taqueria
Pupusas Doña Lola
Asian Mint (Specifically the Addison Location)
Then of course we have to go to a steak house because it’s the Texas thing to do!

These would be a few of my top options. Then I’d try to mix in some other spots that are still good but more known and kinda chain style that are still exclusive to DFW. I also have a whole separate list for sweets. lol.

Then we’d have to do some activities of course. Hit up the Perot, Holocaust or 6th floor museum. See if the Matrix is showing at COSM. Go to one of the malls. Maybe a ladies night at the gun range. Who knows, me and my friends love trying new things and finding fun activities. So it’s going to be a good time no matter what.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my clients. Without them none of this would be possible. Especially my OG Blossoms. There were times when I truly did not know if I’d make it. They poured into me and stuck with me through thick and thin. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer this past August. My clients showed up for me in a way that I never would’ve imagined. They are the reason my job is one of my happy places. Being able to see them do great things in their own lives. Being apart of their history. I’m so grateful. So, thank you to my clients. Past, present or future. I am truly grateful for your trust in me and your support.
I’d also like to thank my parents. I know my mom especially was really nervous for me to start my business. However, they have supported me every step of the way. Especially when I started chemo. Thank you guys so much!

Website: https://mysite.vagaro.com/blossomskingarden

Instagram: @blossomskingarden

Facebook: Blossom Skin Garden