Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Jackson.
Kayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had an interest in the beauty industry. I did makeup in high school and college and have also worked for major beauty brands such as Ulta Beauty, Origins Skincare, and Sugaring NYC (Flower Mound, TX). During the pandemic in 2020, I decided to embark on a new journey of my own, so I began Esthetician school. Following all of the CDC guidelines, Salon Boutique Academy (Addison, TX) held in-person classes until we were forced to do school virtually for several months. While attending Esthetician school part-time, I was a full-time elementary school teacher. While devoting time to growing my own beauty brand and growing students, I underwent some personal challenges. A few months before finishing Esthetician school, my grandfather transitioned. I was very saddened by his passing because I was very close to him and he had always encouraged me to stay in school, earn my degree, strive for excellence, and keep God first- always. At the same time, my father suffered a stroke due to chemotherapy & radiation for his stomach cancer that he was diagnosed with around Christmas time in 2020. While grieving the loss of my grandfather, I gathered what strength I had left to complete my hours in the Fall of 2021. Shortly after, I went on to take and pass my written esthetician exam while my father’s condition began to worsen. My father lost his battle to cancer in the beginning of 2022, and I seriously needed to take some time for myself- to grieve and heal with my family – so I postponed my practical examination. Leading into the spring, I scheduled my practical exam, and I passed. With a newfound confidence, I began to throw myself into work at a nearby sugaring bar in North Dallas. I enjoyed working at this beauty bar with other sugarists despite it having its own challenges. I eventually moved on to join the wonderful Lash Bause Beauty Bar located in Southern Dallas, which is where I am currently practicing esthetics. I went from being one of many waxers to being the only licensed Esthetician with a focus in waxing & sugaring at Lash Bause Beauty Bar. I enjoy working with our team of talented beauty experts; it is truly a beauty utopia. Lash Bause Beauty Bar provides the whole experience with hairstylists, nail and lash technicians, and makeup artists. With sincerest gratitude, I am grateful to be servicing clients in the Dallas metroplex and hope to be expanding soon!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Losing my grandfather and my father one after the other was really tough. I still feel like I haven’t grieved properly- I just kept growing. Working as a full-time educator in a nationwide teacher shortage and trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic comes with its own challenges as well. Finding time for myself and evolving my beauty brand and business while juggling a career in the education field is not easy. Every day I am making a choice to create generational wealth for myself, future family and the generations to come after me in my bloodline. Anything worth having is not going to be easy. Every accomplishment comes with its own obstacles and lessons. Overcoming adversity builds character, and I intend to overcome every obstacle with grace while continuing to grow and blossom.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed Esthetician with a focus in organic hair removal methods known as sugaring. I fell in love with facials, body contour, and sculpting during esthetician school. Salon Boutique Academy did a wonderful job teaching us various face and body techniques that have allowed me to stay well-versed in skin care methods and routines. I believe SBA is the only esthetician program in the Dallas metroplex that teaches waxing and sugaring, as well as holistic and organic approaches to skincare. I loved sugaring during school and was actually able to make my own sugar that I used to wax myself with. Sugaring is an organic hair removal method that has been used for centuries due to the fact that is consists primarily of sugar (table sugar or pure cane), water, and lemon juice! In essence, the consistency is like candy and could be eaten (but I wouldn’t recommend it)- this is called sugaring paste. Sugaring paste is similar to traditional waxing methods such as hard wax or soft wax but without the chemicals. Sugaring is known to reduce ingrowns, be less painful than traditional waxing, slow the rate of hair growth, and thins the hair follicle over time. As you can tell, I enjoy sugaring hair removal, but I also offer traditional waxing methods too. I am very proud of the success and growth in my business thus far, as I have not been a solo esthetician for very long. I am a firm believer in organic and holistic skin care methods and products. Most of my time is spent educating others about the benefits of organic skincare, which definitely sets me apart from others. I thoroughly enjoy the education and science behind the world of esthetics and skincare!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love TikTok! I am actually on TikTok @RoyalKontour. TikTok is funny and entertaining, and also a great way to grow your business. I love YouTube as well! I had a channel for a while, but I mostly enjoy watching sermons from Sarah Jakes Roberts and other you-tubers that I am subscribed to. I actually just finished reading “Woman Evolve” by Sarah Jakes Roberts, and that book was so powerful- it’s a good read. 10/10. I do recommend! Podcasts I have been listening to are B.Simone and Megan B. podcasts; I find them to be inspiring as well. Instagram! I love Instagram! I am on Instagram @RoyalKontour! Instagram is similar to TikTok but better. You can make reels, post your work and pictures- Instagram is essentially a digital portfolio for your business or beauty brand! I haven’t read a good blog in a while, but I plan to make my own soon! It’s a great way to educate many on skincare and trends that are safe and healthy in enhancing your beauty.
Pricing:
- Free shipping for products over $50!
- Royal Strawberry Sugar Scrub $10.99
- Body Contouring $125 90min Session
- Royal Calming Oil $15.99
- Sugaring Hair Removal Starting @ $65 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rkkosmetics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalkontour/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D https://www.instagram.com/rkkosmetics/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Royal-Kontour/100076523342588/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@royalkontour2909
- Other: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/royalkontour1?ncd_source=social_media&utm_campaign=instagram_book_button&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=instagram&utm_term=1969035
Image Credits
Katherine Suazo Photography
