A new beginning

I had a conversation with a friend/client today. She said  “You need to do social media, no one knows how to find you!'' My body recoiled, “Ugh, I know” I said.  She told me the social media I do have doesn't totally convey that my clinical style facials are very different then spa facials and that most people truly don't even know what they are missing because there really isn't anyone doing what I’m doing. 

She is right. 

Hybrid Skincare is exactly that, A hybrid of medical grade products, technologies and experience mixed with natural and holistic products in a spa like setting.  This is completely unique in the Napa Valley and as far as my experience goes, a completely unique thing period. How do I let everyone know though? How do I reach the people who are looking for me? How do I express myself in a genuine way that can help people understand my skincare method better? How can I show them that as much as I love to see people on special occasions, my true passion is creating relationships and supporting people with their long term skin health and wellbeing?

Social media has always felt to me like a rat race. A carousel of images and videos at a nauseating breakneck speed that leaves you disoriented and more confused than when you started. The image that always comes to my mind is the zombies in World War Z climbing the wall like ants. Clamoring, gnashing teeth trying to get your attention, “Look at me, look at me, look at me!” “I have something for you, you need this, you need this, you NEEEEED THIIIISSS!!”

I tried to post things but I struggled to do it. I tried to make little videos like the other estheticians I follow and it felt cringe to make and cringier to post. How can I overcome this resistance to something so vital to my new fledgeling business? The truth is, I want to communicate all that I know and all that I have learned to all of the people who are interested. I LOVE talking about skincare. I LOVE continuing to learn about skincare and I LOVE sharing my experiences. 

The sage advice from my client/friend was to do it differently.  She told me I could create blog posts on my website to teach and inspire people about skincare and just use instagram to direct people to it. She said “Take a slower approach.” My body responded. My shoulders dropped, my little heart perked up, my brain flooded with inspiration. This is how I can do it… I’ll write! I’ll write blog posts that give me the time and space to fully express and convey my messages and ideas. I won't have to make fast, quippy, ultra short instagram videos just to keep the algorithm happy. I’ll take my time, write to my heart's content, add in some beautiful pictures and just let folks know through instagram when the blog posts are up. This is how I’ll show up for my community. This is how I can be present and engaging in a way that feels nurturing and authentic. 

I reckon taking the slower approach is probably the antidote to most of life’s problems anyways. 

Social media is so many things. A double edged sword to be sure, but  one of those edges is actually a place where we find connection, understanding, community and inspiration. A place we can even find solace. 

With this new perspective, I’m positively bursting with ideas for what to write about that will be fun, informative and supportive. 

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this new beginning with me. This business, this chapter, all of it.

And I want to thank my client/friend for the inspiration on how to do this, free of charge! (she does social media for a living, hence the perfectly curated delivery of guidance. I’m a lucky girl!)

I’m so happy you are here <3

-Keri