Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Ottley-Cumberbatch.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been in the beauty industry for 8 years now. I started out with advance training in makeup artistry. I worked as a mobile makeup artist for three years and then decided to go to school for Esthetics because my clients used to ask me about their skin a lot and I wanted to be able to assist them further from a place of professionalism and with the proper education. I graduated Esthetic School and became a licensed New York State Esthetician in September 2016, I immediately fell in love with Skincare and hair removal services. Esthetic became my focus, I was still servicing makeup clients, however I had a whole new line up of Skincare Clients. I rented different rooms in salon suites from NYC to Westchester, NY. I finally found my own home to run my business in Peekskill NY, my husband Rohan Cumberbatch and I scouted out many locations until we finally found our match, we opened up my very own Skincare and Waxing Spa October of 2019, it was a dream come true. My husband and I worked together as a team and brought a blank canvas to life. I have learned so much throughout the years in the industry that I am able to help so many other people in my industry. I founded Esthetician University January 2021, I have now trained and coached over 300 hundred Spa professionals. I’m now launching my second Spa Building Bootcamp training November 24, 2021.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
My biggest challenge that I had to overcome was the fact that I opened up my spa location 4 months before the pandemic hit. We were closed down for about 6 months. When we reopened it was only on a modified schedule because we were not able to offer all our service per New York State, any service that required a mask was not allowed. I’m truly blessed that we are still up and running. Which really changed my main services tremendously, I had to pivot and in the end i happy about the turn the business took
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in Brazilian wax service. What sets me apart from anyone is the fact that I hold customer care to such a high level, I truly care about everyone who walk through my doors. Everyone is treated with respect and kindness, great ambience and it truly is a place to come in to unwind and let down your hair. We pride ourselves in our judgment free zone, where women can feel comfortable and know that it’s ok to be yourself and to be unique. Another huge quality is the fact that skincare is very important to us, so not only are we removing your hair and giving you an amazing smooth and soft hair free experience, we are also taking care of the skin itself. Skin health is our number 1 priority.
When I come to being a coach/mentor to other people in the spa industry, is that I can relate to what many of them are going through because I have experience so much over the years and that i am able to remain human so to speak and treat each individual with respect and truly give them the help they need without degrading them. I meet each individual where they are, although there is a blueprint everyone learns differently and each brand is unique. I am very hands on and I care about their success
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I would say start with yourself, you have to do the inner work before you are able to help anyone else, ” success begins with you”. The next thing I would say is master 1 skill, show up and show out with confidence. Give so much education to your clients and potential clients that they trust you.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is being in perfect health, success is being financially free and being able to do anything that I need to do and want to do at any giving moment with my family, and just being able to give back to the world at any moment. Success is also me living in my highest purpose and every given moment of my life. Being able to be happy and live in the moment. Success is waking up and being my best self and being the best mother to my children.
What’s next for you?
My next venture is really stepping up me coaching role and positioning my self to be a leader in my industry and really become that go to spa professional who have been there and done it, so that others can do what I have done in a fraction of the time.
Esthetician University for 2022 will be a huge focus for me, I will be a place for advance education and business coaching. I’m ecstatic
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
IG @Abbeaute
IG @Estheticain.University
abbeautestudio.com