Meet Kelcey Colpitts-Leitch | Licensed Esthetician & Lash Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelcey Colpitts-Leitch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelcey, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am originally from a small farming and agricultural town in southern Idaho. My dad’s side of the family has always been self employed with a trucking company. I grew up around trucks my whole life and I saw hard work and what it takes to be successful daily. My dad and grandpa would work from sun up to sun down everyday; they still do! They showed me how to be reliable, always show up, provide the best customer service and how to get exactly what you want. My mom wasn’t self employed, but she did get her bachelors degree while I was in elementary all the while being a single mom to me. My parents were never together, so when she was balancing going to school and raising me half the time, that showed me hard work and dedication. I think seeing both sides, mom going to college, dad dropping out of high school because he knew he was going to work for my grandparents, shows how it takes hard work and dedication either way you choose to go. I graduated high school and went to community college for two years. I decided then that college wasn’t the route for me and that I wanted to learn a trade.

I chose going to Cosmetology school to get my Esthetics license because I wanted the unltimate freedom. I wanted to be able to do whatever I wanted and be able to make a living doing it. With esthetics, there’s so many options of where you can choose to work. From spas to plastic surgeons offices to salon suites to medical spas to a regular salon; the potential is unlimited. I wanted options and avenues for what I could do and accomplish. My dad always told me that he never feels like he’s working because he truly loves what he does everyday. That is what I wanted to go after and find for myself. Being stuck in a 9-5 would be like prison to me and I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. Yes, I work 24/7 but it is all things that I want to do and what needs to be done to be successful. I hope that everyone gets a chance to do something they love; it’ll change their life!

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 always consider how there are two integral parts to how your business will run and be successful. The first is skill and the second is the relationships that are formed between the client and the provider. They always say that your Lash Artist or Esthetician are your “free therapist” and I couldn’t agree more! I always strive to provide an environment that is welcoming, fun, comfortable and somewhere they enjoy being. I think we have to deal with so much stress and outside factors that are out of our control, so I always want to provide a space for my clients to come and relax. I always lend an ear when they need someone to listen to them. These bonds really do go deep and I often consider them my friends. I never want anyone to feel unwelcome or like they can’t come and spill everything that is going on in their lives. Sometimes, we are the only outlet they have and it is very important for me to make sure they feel safe and welcome while they spend their time with me. I always want my clients leaving feeling confident and ready to conquer anything that comes their way. That is always my goal.

It is not easy being in an industry that can feel very superficial or fake, so I really have to keep my head down and keep my eye on my goals I want to achieve personally and professionally. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what others are doing or how they are doing, but the real strength is focusing on you and your business. There’s a lot of competition in the beauty industry but its important to find who you can trust and who is rooting for you.

I think the main thing I want people to know is that anyone can do anything they put their mind to and work hard for. There are no limits on what you can achieve. The best thing about being self employed is there’s no limits to anything. Not on income you want to make, not on services you want to provide or products you want to sell. The choice is yours.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re visiting Austin, there’s so many things to do and places to go! I would definitely be sure to hit up South Congress for Jo’s Coffee and get your pic by the iconic “I love you so much” mural that is on the side of the building! Austin has so many great coffee shops. Aba on SoCo has a very LA vibe as if you walked into SUR from Vanderpump Rules but it has delicious Mediterranean food and a beautiful courtyard. If you’re looking for a chill place to hangout and get some of those Austin IPAs, Yellowjacket Social Club on the East Side is great. If you’re wanting Tex-Mex and a great marg, Chuy’s is my fave forever and an Austin local chain! Taking a tour of the capitol is fun and interesting if you’re into history like I am. The best soup dumplings and Chinese food is definitely at Lin on west 6th street. Their soup dumplings are out of this world *chefs kiss*. Tomo on Parmer has the best sushi in Austin and it was actually mine and Matt’s first date spot! Georgetown is awesome for farmers markets, good local restaurants and very walkable. It really is the best town square around!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have been instrumental in helping me build my business. My long time boyfriend, Matt Prieto has always supported me 100% in anything I do and is always an encourager. My dad, Rob Leitch, has always listened to my ideas and given me feedback and advice on how I should go about handling new additions to my menu or how to get licensing going. My fellow small business owner and friend, Karina Calderon-Davila is so knowledgeable when it comes to marketing and strategies. She is amazing at networking with locals! They all have been a great shoulder to lean on and have really made me feel confident in what I am capable of and what I can accomplish whenever I am feeling a bit defeated. My family is also very supportive and they are so proud of how far I have come, and I can say I am too!

Website: www.vicelashandbrow.com

Instagram: @vicelashandbrow

Facebook: facebook.com/vicelashandbrow

Image Credits
Samantha Sandacz