Meet Linda Burnham | Licensed Medical Esthetician, Certified Laser Technician

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

Hi Linda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There were multiple factors that drove me to start my own business. Not only did I start my own business but I changed my career entirely. Some would refer to this as the “mid-life crisis” phase of life. I was burnt out in my profession and I no longer understood my “why”? Why am I here? Honestly, it felt like a life sentence. I was doing my time. And I had this magical number in my head of when my time would be up. However, the organization that I gave my blood, sweat and tears to the last 9.5 years, reduced my “sentencing” on my behalf. Before I hit this “mid-life” phase, I would have thrown myself into an abyss of anxiety. How am I going to survive? But, you hit that 50 year old mark, and it hits a lot differently. As I was approaching 50 years old I knew that I couldn’t work for someone else again. I didn’t want to work for someone else’s “why”. I wanted to spend the rest of my years doing something that I knew I could with my own hands, mind and soul, my own why. And here I am today at 51 years old enjoying this journey. A breathe of fresh air, excitement and energy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a skin care specialist and a skin of color expert. What sets me apart, I entered this profession at a later stage in life. And this profession has provided me with a 2nd chance at life, the next phase of my life. I have entered this phase seasoned with love, dedication, passion and most importantly excitement! It brings me a great sense of satisfaction when I can help my clients. I am most proud when my clients send me a picture a day or two after their service and they are beaming with joy. Yes, I made a difference in someone’s life today!

I believe my many years in leadership in the corporate world provided me with the discipline to deliver. Meaning I know if I need to get to point B, I needed to complete these things. So with the same focus I provided my employer, I had to make sure I did the same for myself. I was successful at my job, I can be successful for my business.

I honestly don’t believe anything in life is easy. But it can feel easy if you have a plan and you are comfortable with being uncomfortable, and importantly you are not too hard on yourself. You will have good days where you feel like you are on top of the world and then you will have bad days or just those days where you don’t feel like doing anything. But on those particular days, I will grant myself some grace and allow my brain and body to rest. And I know there is always tomorrow to pick back up and get at it!

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. 1) don’t expect your friends and family to be your biggest support system, they will not be your regular clients or a client period 2) make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals 3) your learning never stops 4) don’t limit yourself, keep expanding, dream big.

I call myself the Silver Cougar Esthetician. I am a woman of a certain age, with life experiences, that has a passion for skin health and skin care and making a difference in my client’s life. I will never provide you with a service you don’t need. I want to jump and and down with you when you see your results in the mirror.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been hanging out in Cave Creek at Harold’s lately. I really enjoy the people there. Why do I go there, well I’m a bit of a groupie when it comes to one particular band that plays there on occasion. I just got some new cowboy boots for my birthday that I plan on wearing there.

My other favorite place to hang out is Plaza Bonita in Tramonto, If I’m going to eat Mexican, it’s going to be there. Plus I feel like I’m apart of the family.

I like to head up North to cool off in Cornville and Cottonwood. The wineries, restaurants (special shoutout Bocce) and wine are fantastic. And while I’m up in those parts, we may as well take a train ride in Clarkdale on the Verde Canyon Railroad. That is the most relaxing train ride yet educational adventure ever!

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?
First person I must shoutout is my husband. Without his support, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to get to where I am today. I am a take charge and driven person, but he handled my ups and downs very well and always pushed me forward. Also, my adult son is deserving of a shoutout. I admire my son and everything he has accomplished so far in his life. He’s has been operating his own business since he was a young child. He is my business coach! He provided me with logical tasks along the way with what I needed to do to propel myself into the community. And most importantly my educators along the way. I’m very grateful for those instructors in this industry that has put me in a place where I can be successful. Without their knowledge, skills and expertise, I would not be as confident in my skills.

Instagram: linda_agelessbeauty

Other: I’m currently providing services at Ageless Beauty and Wellness in Scottsdale, Arizona 8575 E Princess Dr, A221, Scottsdale 85255 https://agelessbeauty.janeapp.com/

Image Credits
None. I will submit a photo of me at the medspa when I go in next week.