New businesses focus on human bodies, auto bodies
NOVO ESTHETICS STUDIO Vicki Aitken was on the fence about starting her first business until she toured a vacant space in the Wallstreet Common, a new co-working space on the edge of Saskatoon’s downtown core.
“I really like places with character, and this building is beautiful,” Aitken said. “There’s lots of old exposed brick, and the flooring is the original hardwood.”
The same things Aitken loved about the refurbished building are reflected in her business. Novo Esthetics Studio, which opened in late fall, highlights the things that make people unique and beautiful, the 25-year-old entrepreneur said.
Aitken grew up in Delisle and spent several years working before enrolling in an esthetics program at Saskatoon’s MC College.
She planned to use esthetics as a springboard into massage therapy, but fell in love with the industry, which encompasses manicures and pedicures, and skin and body care.
After spending a year working at a salon in Lloydminster, Aitken returned to Saskatoon. A disappointing work experience in the city got her thinking about opening her own business. She decided to go ahead after seeing the Wallstreet Common.
Novo Esthetics Studio offers a range of services, from traditional esthetics practices such as manicures to makeup for weddings and other events. Aitken’s specialty is a treatment known as body sugaring, an alternative to waxing that uses a paste made from distilled water, lemon juice and sugar.
It’s safer than waxing, and can be used without risk by diabetics and other heat- and pain-sensitive people, Aitken said. “There’s less chance of breakage (and) it’s not hot — it’s just gentler on the skin, because it’s not adhering to anything but the dead skin cells.”
Aitken’s business also deals exclusively in cruelty-free, botanical-based products, some of which are vegan. It’s something she cares deeply about, and hopes others will as well.
Since she opened the spacious studio, Aitken has discovered the hard way that running a business isn’t easy. She said the experience has taught her a lot about herself, as well as the importance of balancing technical and financial concerns.
While learning how to run a business has been difficult, Aitken is also having fun — which is unavoidable in the airy studio space, she said.
“It’s made up of a lot of beautiful imperfections, and that really was eye-catching for me. This is an industry of beautiful things, but imperfections as well.”