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

Hi Gregory, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I would say the most important decision that has helped create my success was being true to myself. In any industry, there’s a precedent on how things are typically done. But that never appealed to me, I didn’t want to be like everyone else. The spa industry was so neutral-toned and zen inspired, but that wasn’t a fit for me. I’m a more colorful and upbeat personality, so I went with that. In my decor, my menu and how I interacted with clients. And it worked. People saw that they were not only getting an expert experience, but an authentic one. So while you obviously need to be aware of the competition, don’t be afraid to “do you”!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for 25 years, and a licensed esthetician for 22. So when I opened my business 7 years ago, I had quite a bit of experience from different facets of the industry. I started behind a cosmetics counter, like many do, and grew from there. Working my way into the corporate world and eventually to my own business. Of course this all took a lot of hard work and years and years, but what I learned along the way was vital. And as much as it taught me marketing, branding and leadership, it also very much taught me what I did not want to be. There was a lot of “bad bosses”, disrespect and difficult situations, but you need to grow from the negative as well. It helps shape you just as much as the positive experiences. If you take something away from a bad experience, you turn it into a lesson. And that makes a huge difference in how you grow. I truly believe that all of this coupled together helped me shape a unique concept and voice as a brand and an expert. And of course many tears and tenacity, haha! The beauty industry is romanticized, it looks so effortless and glamourous. But I have never worked harder than when I worked for myself. And I wouldn’t change a thing!

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.
LA is such a fun place to visit and there’s so much to do! When a friend is in town, I do have a few faves I like to show them. The Fountain Coffee Room at The Beverly Hills Hotel is a must for a snack or delicious dessert, you may even spot a few celebs. Then head up to Greystone Mansion to walk around the gardens and enjoy the beautiful views. Of course you can’t visit LA without some shopping! Head down to Rodeo Drive and have a whirl, just don’t forget to swing by Neiman Marcus for a Key Lime Martini at the 4th floor Bar, soooo good! For dinners, my favorite is Norah, in West Hollywood. Always amazing and the restaurant is gorgeous. A must for anyone who visits me! I also love Little Dom’s in Los Feliz, the absolute best Italian. And then pop over to Griffith observatory for breathtaking nighttime views! Last but not least, everyone needs a night in West Hollywood! You can’t go wrong bar hopping with the locals and having a crazy night. Just be aware you may not remember it all the next day, ha ha!

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?
Oh, hands down I would never have made it through through building and growing my business without my family and my fiancé. My parents were my rocks when I first started and helped review all of my business plans and get the actual studio space set up. It was a lot of work but we really had a fun time doing it. And then as I grew and met my now fiancé, Matt, he became my sounding board. Any issue or endeavor was listened to and nurtured with the utmost support and care. Having someone to bounce ideas off of or vent to is a must. As “type A” as I can get, I realized I needed the help and input of others, and it helped tremendously.

Website: gregorydylanbeauty.com
Instagram: @gregorydylanbeauty
Facebook: facebooks.com/gregorydylanbeauty
Yelp: http://bit.ly/GregoryDylanBeautyYelp
Youtube: youtube.com/user/GreggersLA

For original article, click here: https://shoutoutla.com/meet-gregory-dylan-licensed-esthetician-business-owner/