THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
When she was in Grade 10, Tegan Marsh attended a career fair at the Fort Smith Rec Centre that set her on a path to her current business.

Tegan Marsh is the owner/operator of Epic Pink Esthetics, which was launched in September in Fort Smith. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The owner/operator of Epic Pink Esthetics said there was an esthetician at the career fair doing sample facials and manicures, and talking about the work.

"And I thought, 'Ah, I'd like to do that,'" said Marsh.

The 26-year-old launched Epic Pink Esthetics in September.

In fact, Marsh's new business is in the same space once occupied by the esthetician who introduced her to the career.

Marsh has previous experience in the esthetics field, including working in Spruce Grove, Alta.

"I've been working in the industry for a few years, but this is the first time I've owned a business," she said, noting she began her career in the field in 2009.

She provides a number of services, such as facials, waxing, nail care, lash and eyebrow tinting.

"It helps people feel better about themselves - look better, feel better," she said. "Everybody loves to get pampered, because they want somebody to rub their feet for an hour or their face, neck and shoulders. It's awesome."

Marsh offers people skin care to deal with the effects of things such as ageing, acne, spots and oil problems.

"I love working with people and being able to help them when they're having trouble, if they don't know what else to do about their skin," she said. "I can help them."

Some of the most popular services she offers are facials, pedicures and eyebrow waxes.

Marsh aims to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for her clients.

"It's all about them," she said. "My services are never rushed. I try to allow enough time so they get the best service that they can have."

Marsh noted she has always had an interest in skin care.

"I've always been fascinated," she said. "I've always wanted to know what all the stuff on the back of the bottle meant and how it worked."

Marsh noted she had trouble with her own skin as a teenager.

"I wanted to know how to fix it, for one," she said. "So it was a little bit selfish, I suppose. It wasn't all about giving to other people. Once I got into it, I started really enjoying it. I really like working with my hands and working with people."

Born and raised in Fort Smith, Marsh left the community when she was 19.

In her time away, she earned a diploma in esthetics and spa therapy after a year of study at the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver.

Epic Pink Esthetics, which is Marsh's first business, shares space with the hairstyling salon Harokiti.

"There's a lot of learning," she said of running a business, noting that includes staying organized and keeping track of everything for tax purposes.

However, she said owning her own business is awesome.

"Nobody can really tell me what to do," she explained. "But you have to have self-discipline then, too."

Starting a business also meant coming up with the name Epic Pink Esthetics.

"I like the colour pink, and I wanted it to be epic," Marsh said with a laugh. "It's really that simple. And I needed a name for my business licence."

Now that she has a business, Marsh plans to participate in career fairs similar to the one that helped her years ago, explaining, "As a business owner, it's just smart to do that."

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