Meet Casandra LaFong | Owner and Operator- Licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist

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

Hi Casandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After covid I realized spending more time with my daughter was more important than overworking. So, my first thought was that making my own hours was a better option for the two of us. Then as I started moving forward, I realized it’ll be overall better for my career because I can spend more time making real genuine connections with my clients and giving them the quality service, they deserve. Plus, it was so much fun designing my own personal studio with my sassy twist to it.

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 offer a wide variety of services from Custom Facials, Full body Waxing, Permanent Makeup and Massages! I am set aside from others because I have worked in high end spas from the Woodhouse Day Spa to Ameristar. I started out in a European Wax Center where I quickly grew as a speed waxer becoming a trainer to new employees. Training other providers has always been a specialty and passion of mine. Eventually I would like to grow my business into a place where we can continue taking services in addition to conducting an Advanced Esthetics school.

I am by appointment only. I do it that way so I can really make sure I have plenty of time to give my clients exactly what they need and have a cushion after each appointment to spend time to answer any of their questions or concerns.

It definitely wasn’t easy working my way up to have my own studio. I was a single mom for a long time and when I was pregnant and first had her I had to step away from the industry. The work can be pretty strenuous on the body and with a big belly in the way it can be awkward. I began working in the childcare industry as a teacher’s assistant at a local daycare until my daughter was about one. At that time, I started working at the Woodhouse Day Spa starting all over again. With a new city, new clientele, new schedules, new products, new everything. Eventually I got to a point where they helped me make a convenient schedule where I could be a mom and work the hours needed at the same time. I would work three 12 hour days in a row and one 5 hour shift so I could be at home with her as much as possible and still be able to keep a roof over her head. That was a lot of working and at times I felt defeated trying to come home after it all and be a patient, outgoing well-rounded mommy… but we did it! Once she started school it was easier to work even more which I did up until covid hit. That time slowed us all down- reminding me why I was working so hard in the first place. I count that time as a blessing in disguise.

My moto is ” I aspire to inspire before I expire”. I want to pass on my eye-opening experiences with as many people as I can. Inspiring them to find some time in their busy lives to slow down and focus on what really matters. Starting with yourself and your self-care is so important. I am here to help anyone I can find that time and find that courage to continue having a healthy strong mindset so they can be the best versions of themselves. for themselves and their loved ones.

The studio is always set up to be calming, inviting and most of all comfortable. I typically have aromatherapy diffused in the air, warm tables and calming music to help your journey to self-care easy and achievable. My services are effective, beneficial, results driven, customizable all the while being relaxing and euphoric. When we first started our vision to what the studio should look like I asked my daughter what our brand color should be, and she responded “pink and purple”- naturally. So… the studio has a very neutral palette of light pinks, plums, mauves and greys. It’s a very pretty and serene place to spend your time. I definitely love including her in as many decisions as possible in the business as I hope it one day belongs to her.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a very big diner and drinks kind of gal. Personally I would grab some good grub and a fancy drink at a nice restaurant then hit a good comedy show. Some great restaurants around me are Tellers, Uncle Julios Hacienda, The Eddy Taproom and Hotel, and The Buffalo Rose.

I am also someone who loves to go into the mountains and go for a good scenic drive or paddleboards in a reservoir surrounded by peaks. Lake Dillion is probably the closest lake with the mountain atmosphere near me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who helped me in my journey!!

The girls from The Woodhouse Day Spa that inspired me to have the courage to start my practice, my family for the financial and mental support, my friends who stayed up late and helped me completely remodel the inside of the studio and the ones who continue to help me with improvements, my clients who followed me and referred me to others, Meg Smit from Abundant Business Connections who has helped me network and meet so many people along the way, and most of all my little daughter who encourages me to be the best version of me on a daily basis.

Website: www.myinspirebeauty.com

Instagram: @inspirebeautywellness

Facebook: Facebook.com/myinspirebeauty

Yelp: Inspire Beauty & Wellness

Image Credits
Corey Elizabeth Photography