Conversations with Alexis Akerson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Akerson

Hi Alexis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey in makeup artistry a couple of years after high school, teaching myself through YouTube tutorials and hands-on practice. After about a year, friends started reaching out for makeup applications, followed by family members requesting wedding makeup. Before long, word spread, and I found myself doing bridal makeup for clients I had never met before.

In 2023, my passion for skincare led me to explore esthetics. Wanting to improve my own regimen, I took the leap and enrolled at Douglas J Aveda in Grand Rapids. That experience deepened my knowledge and ultimately inspired me to take the next step—starting my own business. I had always envisioned owning a business that provided makeup services, and it made perfect sense to incorporate skincare as well since the two go hand in hand.

The name Ophelia came to me one day while golfing, and from there, everything started falling into place. I went through the LLC process, designed business cards, and officially established Ophelia Esthetics at The Beauty Bar in Schoolcraft, where I provide facial services. In addition, I continue to work as a traveling makeup artist for weddings, photo shoots, and special events.

I love the balance my work provides—offering relaxing facials while also embracing the creative and sometimes high-pressure environment of event makeup. Each day is different, and so are my clients, which makes every experience unique and rewarding.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, looking back, I would say my journey has been smooth in terms of growth and learning, but like any small business, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles has been building a clientele from the ground up. In the beginning, getting people through the door was difficult, and there were weeks when I had no bookings. It felt like a reality check.

Another challenge is the seasonality of the wedding industry. Since weddings peak during certain times of the year, there are slower months where bookings can be sparse. During those times, I stay proactive by continuing to practice on friends, refining my techniques, and finding ways to market my services to maintain momentum.

Despite these challenges, I’ve learned resilience and the importance of consistency. Every setback has taught me something valuable, and I’m grateful for how far I’ve come. Seeing my business grow for how little it still is and gaining trust from my clients makes all the hard work worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed esthetician and traveling makeup artist, specializing in bridal and event makeup, as well as customized facial treatments. My work revolves around enhancing natural beauty— whether that’s through a glowing, flawless makeup application for a wedding day or a relaxing, results-driven facial that improves skin health over time.

I’m best known for my ability to create soft, radiant, and long-lasting makeup looks that enhance, rather than mask, my clients’ features. Brides and clients trust me to make them feel confident and beautiful, and I take that responsibility to heart. On the skincare side, I focus on tailored facial treatments that not only provide relaxation but also real results, helping clients achieve their skincare goals.

One of the things I’m most proud of is building Ophelia Esthetics from the ground up. Starting with no clientele and growing into a trusted name in both makeup and skincare has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve put in the work to refine my craft, build relationships with clients, and create an experience that feels both professional and personal.

What sets me apart is my ability to balance both the calming, therapeutic side of skincare with the fast-paced, high-pressure world of event makeup. I offer a full beauty experience—helping my clients not just look amazing for a special occasion but also feel confident in their skin every day. My passion for both artistry and skincare means I bring a well-rounded, customized approach to every client I work with.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Although I was fortunate to start my business after the COVID-19 crisis, the experience still taught me some important lessons—especially about the value of sanitization in this industry. Cleanliness has always been essential in makeup and skincare, but COVID really reinforced just how crucial proper hygiene practices are, not only for client safety but also for building trust and professionalism. I’ve made it a priority to maintain the highest standards of sanitization, from disinfecting tools and surfaces to ensuring every client feels comfortable and cared for. It’s a practice that goes beyond the pandemic. It’s now a core part of how I run my business.

Pricing:

• Facials start at $75
• Wedding Makeup starts at $130

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Opheliaesthetics.com
• Instagram: ophelia.esthetic
• Facebook: Ophelia Esthetics