An Alumni’s Passion Fulfilled…..

April gave one of our instructors, Michelle, an opportunity to reach outside of her comfort zone visiting one of our Esthetics alumni! Emelia Cowans-Taylor (Meme) graduated from our Esthetics program in 2019.  Shortly after receiving her license she began work on launching her business Bliss Face and Body Studio.

Meme has truly advanced within the industry taking some time during quarantine to learn some new traits to help her bring in more clients and more opportunities. Teeth whitening being one that helps set off everyone’s appearance after a refreshing facial or a full face of makeup.

Michelle left feeling so confident and ready to conquer the world. Meme helped set the whole vibe and helping her relax and really soak in the self care. Everything from the music she had on to the constant check ins every 5-10 mins.

After the service they had a few minutes to connect.

Michelle: “Tell us a bit about your journey – at what point did you know this was the direction you wanted to go in – what made you choose Esthetics?”

Meme: “I had been a professional makeup artist for nearly 20 years when I decided to enroll at Elevate Salon Institute four years ago. I was a busy working professional in the field of Media and Public Relations and working full time as a Communications Strategist and television personality. However, beneath my 9 to 5, there was always a passion for the beauty and fashion industry and parallel to my professional life, there was always makeup artistry. I always wanted to own a spa, but I knew that in North Carolina, beyond the business ownership side of things, that if I wanted to provide services, getting licensed was a must. I’m also a lifelong learner, so one year after getting my Masters from American University in Strategic Communications, a friend called me and told me about this new Esthetics school in Durham that could work with my hectic schedule, so I made a phone call and the rest is history. Now, four years later, I’m the owner of Bliss Face and Body Studio in Raleigh, NC and I couldn’t have made this dream come true had I not gotten my start with Elevate.”

Michelle: “What piece of advice would you give any future professional looking to get into this industry? ”

Meme: “Make sure you’re passionate about this industry. In other words, you need to ask yourself ‘why’ you want to do this work and what drives your why. For me, I have always had a passion for encouraging and uplifting women and girls and what better way than to teach them about holistic wellness from the inside – out? ”

Michelle: “What has been like to strike out on your own?  Anything unexpected?  Or expected”

Meme: “Scary. I signed my lease in March, the month COVID shut down the world. I didn’t know what would happen since my building was about to undergo a complete and total upfit. My open date got pushed by 5 months, but in the end, everything worked out beautifully and Bliss has been thriving ever since.”

Michelle: “Can you tell us a little a bit about your vision?”

Meme: “My vision is to be the Triangle’s premier esthetics spa, makeup lounge and body contouring studio. It was always my goal to provide a myriad of services under one roof and we’ve been able to do just that.”

Michelle: “Where do you see Bliss in 5 years?”

Meme: “Hopefully, in five years, another location will be in the mix! 😀”

Michelle: “Lastly, if any new clients would like to come visit, what do they need to do?

Meme: Of course check out our website – Bliss Face and Body – or give us a call – (919) 526-0831