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

Hi Skylee, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Tucson originally but I spent a great deal of time moving back & forth from the east coast where my mom was from. I grew up with a single mom and we were extremely poor. My mom had 4 children after me, the youngest being 18 years younger than me and only 1 year older than my son. Growing up with nothing, living in a minivan at a camp ground I knew when I unexpectedly became a mother at 19 that I wanted more for my son. There was never a question in my mind as to whether he would have to struggle like my family and I did. I worked so many dead end jobs just to make ends meet before being blessed with a scholarship to Esthetics school. I worked and went to school over 70hours a week to be able to graduate and make a better life for us. I knew I’d never achieve my dreams and be able to give my son everything I never had if I didn’t learn everything possible and work as hard as I could in my new career. I believe 100% that I wouldn’t have the drive, dedication, motivation and perseverence that I do if I didn’t know what it’s like to have nothing and struggle.
I wouldn’t trade my upbringing for anything because it makes me appreciate what I do have now more.
I have spent years working in Cosmetology/Esthetics schools and nothing makes me happier than seeing someone who came from a similar situation doing something for themselves and their family.
I believe everyone should have opportunities like this and the more programs and assistance that’s available the better it is for the entire community!

What should our readers know about your business?
I own the first nonprofit spa in Tucson dedicated to servicing not only the general public but specifically Oncology patients past and present.

I also am the Director of Education for a huge chain of Cosmetology/Esthetic schools all over the US.

Balancing a job with owning a business is not easy and requires a ton of organization, time, dedication and hard work.

I’m most proud of being able to give my oncology clients a moment of peace and relaxation in their lives at a time of uncertainty.

Offering complementary services to these clients is challenging because I don’t pay myself and every donation I receive is used for supplies, equipment, advertising, insurance, etc.
I have been blessed with amazing sponsors along the way and in the last 9 years I have learned that networking and just getting out there and talking about what you do is the best thing you can do for your business.

I’ve also learned that being frugal and sticking to budgets while prioritizing needs over wants is the only way to have a successful business. We all want beautiful spaces, cozy surroundings, and new equipment/products but sometimes it’s not fiscally responsible.

I want the world to know that my clients relaxation, safety, health, privacy and care are my number one concern when they visit me. I am so passionate about this industry and the future of this industry, it makes me teary eyed to think about it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Inca’s Peruvian or Villa Peru for the best food ever. Hotel Congress or Jackrabbit lounge for tasty drinks and dancing.
A stroll down 4th Ave to check out the fun, one of a kind shops
Some stargazing at the newly reopened Kitt Peak!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are 2 special shoutouts I have to give. One is to the DES and the amazing organization OneStop. If it wasn’t for their scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to go to school all those years ago.

The second is my Educator Rachel Rapp.
I had some serious personal challenges in my family while I was in school combined with working insane hours and being a single mom and she was so supportive, encouraging, fun and really pushed me to graduate!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Website: Http://www.facethefight.com

Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/facethefightwellness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylee-n-edmiston-77054826?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Facebook: Http://www.facebook.com/facethefight

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/face-the-fight-tucson

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@EstheticsEmpress?si=xWiXwk_fzAexhFYl

Image Credits
Hannah Olivia

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.