Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Ochoa.
Hi Claudia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia where I open my first spa in the year 1993. I have a degree from Jorge Tadeo lozano university in BA Advertising and Marketing, in Bogota,Colombia, obtained in June 1998. I graduated as a professional esthetician in 1992 from “the international Beauty Center” Bogota, Colombia. I came to the United States in July 1998 and I obtained my skin care professional esthetician license in 2000 in the first state where I lived, which was New Jersey, my state record. I was a military wife for 20 years, I have 2 kids from my marriage (26 years old girl university graduated and away and 15 years old boy living with me) and I traveled and lived in different states in USA and countries as Germany and south Korea and in every place I lived, I had my own Claudia Nail’s & Spa.
Where I am currently located with my spa is the fourth location I’ve opened in Fayetteville. The first location I had was on Yadkin Road. The second location was on Fort Bragg Road. The third location was on Executive Place. And now, I’m back home again — I returned to Yadkin Road and opened not only a spa, but also a full service salon with Body, Face, nails and Permanent make up clinic.
I have three different licenses in the state of North Carolina as an esthetician, nail technician, and permanent make-up technician, and a certification as an electrologist. I also have an active Skincare Specialist license in the state of New Jersey.
At the moment, I am studying and preparing to take the state test to become an esthetics instructor.
I am a very positive and entrepreneurial person, and times have changed after the pandemic because the economic situation has become a bit difficult. Also, with the government shutdown, since most of my clients are military, the economic situation for my business has also been a bit challenging. However, I always move forward with a positive attitude and continue to offer my clients different service alternatives. I invest in new equipment every year to provide new services. I attend conferences and classes and stay updated all the time. I love what I do and my bussines, I adore my profession, and I will always be an esthetician at heart.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, some challenges in my profession right now have been the current economic situation. You have to create special offers to attract clients. Also, as someone from another country, obtaining licenses and permits has been a challenge. But you have to stay positive, do your research, stay informed, and that way you can reach a point where you feel grateful for everything you’ve accomplished.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Claudia Nails & Spa is a unique spa and stands out from the rest because I came to Fayetteville 15 years ago bringing in new technology—technology that other people weren’t even using yet, to the point that the Board of Cosmetology had to come, take photos, and authorize me to use certain machines I had. We have offered very different services with names that I personally created for my clients. We’ve done revolutionary body treatments that are only now appearing on the market. I brought all these techniques and Knowledge from my country, where esthetics is very advanced. We provide high-quality services using the best products, and with my 32 years of experience in this profession, that’s what makes me different from the rest.
We also have our own skincare line that works for all skin types. The name is Profglow. We sell the line online as well as in person. It is also available for purchase online at Walmart.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is not just a word; it’s an action. To become successful in life, you need to work hard. Personally, I wake up very early. While others are sleeping, I am working. I work very early and also go to bed very late. I work on my clients’ skin, but I also work on business projects. I handle advertising, create new ideas, reach out to people, meet new contacts, go to events, and stay informed. Being successful is complex. It takes a lot of work, but you can achieve it with dedication and effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://claudiasnailsspa.skincaretherapy.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14NsL6hjcYS/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-o-78604474?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cm8a677?si=RH68oNM0clXB7xtr
