Meet Kamala Olivia | License Esthetician

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

Hi Kamala, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
April of 2020 during the pandemic, I was 1 of 300 employees terminated from my aviation corporate job. After countless applications and and few interviews, I knew as a single parent, I needed a back up plan, and fast. I was in my final semester of graduate school at Florida International University, and BROKE.
After brainstorming for a week or so, I decided to get certified as a license Esthetician. Skincare and self care has always been a priority, and felt venturing into a career that aligned with my passion was the best route. And, in March of 2021, I was fully certified.

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 specialize in corrective skin care. I have struggled with acne and ace scarring since my teenage years. I have gone to countless dermatologists who have prescribe everything under the sun that has failed. I knew skin care was the right career path, because I was able to educated myself on various skin conditions and what ingredients works best to combat those issues. During my training as an esthetician, I soaked up all the information I could. Took an obscene amount of training in every modality, from Acne treatments to Microneedling and skin tightening.

I utilized the information and persons around me, to formulate a business plan.
I’m July of 2021, I opened my spa in Wynwood. Unfortunately, after three months, I had to shut my doors. I was overwhelmed and felt defeated.

I knew failure was not an option, and quickly went back to the drawing board. Found a space that was more affordable and joined a chamber of commerce to help guide and generate leads for a more successful second attempt.

I’ve learned that, starting over is not a disgrace. Not trying is the ultimate failure.

Glow Refinery began as a desperate attempt to feed my family. The struggle to generate funds to start this business was nothing short of stressful. I’ve depleted my savings and 401k, but never have I thought to stop. Never have I thought to give up.

I am not where I want to be, but by the grace of God, I’m on my way to what greatness awaits me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a newbie to the downtown Hollywood area, Mystic Coffee is a must stop. Their coffee is Devine! Another fave coffee spot is Kay Rico, the owner Danny is amazing, welcoming and the team has the best customer service. Patti Macs or Bang Shack for lunch or dinner and then a stroll on the Hollywood board walk to enjoy the sunset over a glass of wine at margarita villa.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Norma Ann Kendall of Ann’s Janitorial Services, has been a source of knowledge. She has taken on the role of mentor and has guided me in ways I can not express in words. My family, is my rock! without their support I would be nowhere. My son, who is a daily reminder of why I do what I do, and the importance of why failure is not an option.

Website: www.glowrefinery.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/glowrefinery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamala-eugent

Facebook: Facebook.com/glowrefinery

Yelp: https://yelp.to/KYZEle9DZtb

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/KamalaOlivia

Image Credits
Wellington Guzman