Meet Kennedey Folmar: The Radiant Esthetician Who Found Her Passion in Beauty, Her Soul in Dead Skin Club, and Co-Owns Maven Glow
In the enchanting world of skincare and beauty, Kennedey Folmar stands as a shining example of what it means to embrace one's unique path, overcome challenges, and follow one's passion. Her inspiring journey into the world of esthetics is a story of authenticity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping clients feel their best.
Kennedey's path to becoming an esthetician is refreshingly relatable. She didn't grow up obsessed with makeup or skincare, and she hadn't even experienced a facial before embarking on her journey. Imagine an 18-year-old Kennedey, not as a makeup guru, but as a high school graduate with dreams of becoming a teacher, and even a full college scholarship to play golf at a prestigious private college—a dream her parents had for her.
"I laughed it off initially, thinking it sounded ridiculous because I didn't even know what an esthetician was. But I was desperate to find my passion without going back to the classroom, and my mom is someone I trust most in this world, so I went for it."
However, Kennedey's life took a dramatic turn when her mother, having met an amazing esthetician at the dermatologist's office, suggested that she give it a try.
"Going against the grain has always been my thing."
For Kennedey, it wasn't about pursuing a "fun" or "easy" career; it was about finding an instant connection to something that resonated deep within her. She took the plunge and enrolled in esthetician school, making her way to Summit Salon Academy in Lexington, KY in 2018. It was a decision that changed the course of her life.
"Since then, it's been a rollercoaster of learning and growing, and I wouldn't change a thing."
Turning Challenges into Stepping Stones
Kennedey's path wasn't without its challenges. Money was often a tightrope walk, and starting a business at her age without a safety net was daunting.
"Starting a business at my age without any backup wasn't a walk in the park."
She encountered individuals who doubted her capabilities due to her age and appearance, a situation that initially dented her confidence.
"Honey, you look 12, I'm sorry. Lots of those. It hurts, I'm not gonna lie. Completely stole my confidence and any pride I had. But I got over it."
However, Kennedey's story isn't about setbacks; it's about resilience and using challenges as stepping stones. She learned to navigate financial tightropes, secured the support she needed, and eventually found the right people to work with.
"Success and failure are joined at the hip. You can't have one without the other."
A Passion for Clearing Acne and Building Relationships
Beyond the skincare aspect, Kennedey's heart beats passionately for clearing acne.
"My passion goes beyond just the skincare part; it's about the connection I build with my clients."
Her enthusiasm goes beyond the surface—it's about the profound connection she builds with her clients.
"In my world, our client-esthetician bond is like any successful relationship—built on trust, communication, and loyalty."
Pandemic-Driven Success Story
Opening a business during the COVID-19 pandemic might seem like an insurmountable challenge, but for Kennedey, it became an opportunity.
"The success from that motivated me and gave me the confidence to start my own business."
She turned adversity into motivation, offering virtual consultations and shipping products to clients nationwide. This experience not only sustained her career but also gave her the confidence to open her own studio in June 2020—a decision that has since become the best of her career.
"I am so glad I did because it ended up being the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and my clients."
Staying Relatably Up-to-Date
In an industry that's constantly evolving, Kennedey stays updated through social media, her affiliations with skincare lines, and, importantly, her clients.
"The trick, though, is having the knowledge to figure out if it's the real deal or just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it trend."
Advice from the Heart
For aspiring estheticians, Kennedey offers heartfelt advice:
"Don't compare yourself to anyone... The more you stop looking outward and start looking inward, you'll not only stop caring what others are doing, but you'll start creating from the most authentic place."
A Day in Kennedey's Life
Kennedey's daily routine is as dynamic as her career in esthetics. While her schedule varies, certain elements remain consistent. She starts her day early, allowing time for personal self-care, including journaling, skincare rituals, or podcast listening. Her workdays typically involve tending to 2-3 clients in the morning, a lunch break, and 3-4 more clients in the afternoon, offering a range of services from customized facials to lash lifts. As an esthetician, her profession demands both effective communication and empathy, making self-care crucial to maintain her mental well-being and professional excellence. Kennedey's routine exemplifies her dedication to personal wellness and delivering exceptional service to her clients, showcasing her holistic approach to esthetics and life.
Embracing Mistakes as Lessons
In the early days of her career, Kennedey made a mistake that resulted in a chemical burn for a client.
"I was in a situation with a client whose Fitzpatrick I had never worked with, she had never had a facial before, and she didn’t wear sunscreen.. well I gave her a chemical burn with an enzyme. I was destroyed, my panic button kicked in and I felt like my career was over. Even looking back on that situation makes me cringe. However, the client came back, I made it right, and she continued to be a client for years to come. I learned so much from that mistake."
The Reward of Transformation and Trust
The most rewarding aspect of being an esthetician for Kennedey is witnessing clients fall in love with their skin again.
"I’ve never been good at sales, all of the success I have comes from my education and establishing enough trust with clients that they allow me to guide them on how to take care of their largest organ!"
Future Aspirations
Kennedey's esthetics journey is just beginning. She has exciting plans on the horizon, including the launch of her podcast, "Exfoliate Your Soul." This project has been a dream of hers for the past year, and despite facing fears and challenges, Kennedey is determined to bring her creative vision to life. With a focus on intuition and creativity, she anticipates launching the podcast in 2024, complete with numerous episodes, promising an exciting venture into the world of skincare and self-discovery.
Skincare Wisdom: The Little Things Matter
In the realm of skincare, Kennedey emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the little things.
"Other things like noticing what you're eating or doing in your day-to-day and how it affects your skin, being mindful goes a long way, farther than any product on the market can take you."
A Philosophy of Results and Empowerment
Kennedey's philosophy revolves around results and empowerment.
"The more you stop looking outward and start looking inward, you'll not only stop caring what others are doing, but you'll start creating from the most authentic place."
Kennedey Folmar's journey is a beacon of inspiration for estheticians and beauty enthusiasts alike. It's a story of embracing one's unique path, overcoming challenges, and following one's passion. Kennedey's relatable and authentic approach to esthetics reminds us that beauty is not just about products; it's about confidence, self-expression, and the journey of self-discovery.
Kennedey's Connection to Dead Skin Club
"Wearing Dead Skin Club is more than just about getting to wear a super cute crewneck - It's aligning with a brand that mirrors my values of authenticity, inclusivity, and creating a connection with like-minded, passionate humans."
Kennedey's profound connection to Dead Skin Club reflects the brand's core values. It's about more than just fashion; it's about embracing a community that resonates with her passion and beliefs.
In an industry that celebrates individuality and fosters trust, Kennedey Folmar is not just an inspiring esthetician but also a true embodiment of what Dead Skin Club represents—authenticity, inclusivity, and the power to create connections with like-minded, passionate individuals.
Co-Owner of Maven Glow: Where Beauty, Skin, and Wellness Unite
Kennedey Folmar's journey doesn't end with her remarkable success in esthetics and her inspiring connection with Dead Skin Club. She's also the co-owner of Maven Glow, a one-stop shop for all beauty, skin, and wellness needs, located in the vibrant Downtown area of Richmond, Kentucky.
Maven Glow is a testament to Kennedey's commitment to holistic beauty and well-being. It's a place where clients can experience the transformative power of skincare, receive personalized guidance, and discover products that cater to their unique needs. The Maven Glow team, led by Kennedey, is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their best selves, both inside and out.
Kennedey's vision for Maven Glow mirrors her values of authenticity and inclusivity, creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and empowered on their beauty and wellness journey. Her role as co-owner allows her to further extend her passion for helping others, making a positive impact on her community, and bringing her distinctive perspective to the world of beauty and skincare.
In an industry that's all about nurturing self-confidence and embracing one's true self, Kennedey Folmar's story is a shining example of how a deep passion, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to authenticity can lead to both personal and professional success. Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to fellow estheticians but to anyone striving to make their mark in a world where individuality and passion truly shine.
So, as you embark on your own beauty and wellness journey, remember the radiant Kennedey Folmar and the incredible story of her success. Her authenticity, resilience, and commitment to helping others are a true reflection of the transformative power of following your passion and staying true to your values. In the captivating world of skincare and beauty, Kennedey Folmar stands as a beacon of inspiration, a proud co-owner of Maven Glow, and a beloved member of the Dead Skin Club community, proving that beauty is not only skin deep—it's a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and celebrating your unique path.