Beauties & Blokes

Tell us about your business:

Beauties & Blokes skincare studios are located in Downtown Janesville and Edgerton, Wisconsin. A cancer diagnosis in 2015 gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate my life in many ways, and after a 15-year career as a writer, journalist and corporate communications professional, I decided to pursue a career in the beauty industry.In 2017, I became a Certified Lash Extension Artist and created Park Lane Lashes ... but I wanted more! An opportunity presented itself in 2020 - a silver lining amid a global pandemic: always in pursuit of knowledge and the opportunity of experience, I received my Esthetics degree from First Class Cosmetology School in Beloit, Wisconsin, obtained my state license, and expanded services to include skincare, waxing and lash lift and tinting, and re-named my business Beauties & Blokes in 2021.I am passionate about esthetics as it relates to overall wellness, and strive to bring professional, quality, yet luxurious services and products to my clients with affordable rates and realistic expectations.

Why did you choose to locate downtown?

St. Patrick's Day 2018 I was Downtown Janesville and had parked on South Jackson Street, at the Divas Building.I had never been to the downtown area much, but immediately loved the unique charm and architecture of the buildings, it's just something that can't be replicated. I live in a Victorian style home, so the style felt very familiar to me, and the style I wanted to have for my studio space.I am from Waukesha, and it also had a similar feel to the downtown there, which was on the cusp of revitalization and development. I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of that in my own way by being a small business owner in Downtown Janesville.

What's the best thing about being downtown?

Being part of an eclectic, yet historic community that has motivated business owners who are interested in seeing it thrive!