March 19, 2017

Meet Kelly Mack of Absolute Precision Skin Care in Lakeview neighborhood

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Mack.

Kelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was 16, my mother brought me for my first facial, her friend was an esthetician and owned a spa in Wilmette. I remember thinking how I’d like to work at a place like that some day. After high school it was off to college, I always knew I wanted to own my own business, but wasn’t quite sure what that was, it was also a lot of ideas since the age of 7: a restaurant, a movie theatre, a health club, etc. After college I get a job in corporate America and while I don’t think I ever hated my job, I never loved what I did. About 10 years into the rat race, I took a look at my life, my career, and knew I didn’t want to follow on this path and thought about the day almost 20 years earlier when I wanted to work at a spa. I researched the industry and schools and started the process of deciding when I will leave my job, how much money will I need to save to get me thru school, etc. I had decided to start school in May 2005, I ended up leaving my job in January 2005, as my position was eliminated. I loved the program. I loved the girls in my class, the teachers, etc. I was excited, for the first time in a long time! After graduation I did work at a spa for about 3 months and decided to go off on my own..and Absolute Precision was born in May 2006. I rented a room in an electrolysis studio, but quickly out grew that. I was on the hunt to find a place of my own and that hunt took 4 years. In July 2012, I moved into my current location with 4 treatment rooms and started hiring to help fill the demand I was getting from clients. As I approach my 11th anniversary, I haven’t looked back. It’s a lot of work and never ending work, there is always something to do, which keeps me busy and as of now I have 6 people working for me, which is satisfying knowing I am helping employ people. As my mother taught me No risk, No reward! I’m so glad I took that risk!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is never a smooth road, there will always be bumps and curves in the road ahead. I am very lucky to have had a steady stream of clients, however managing those clients is a struggle, as I am all about customer service and responding to each and every person is tough especially when I get 200 emails a day. Also, In the beginning because I didn’t have a lot of money to start the business, I didn’t implement some things right away and I do regret that now, for example our booking system, I didn’t have an extra $100 a month to have that, so I implemented that in 2009 to offer online booking and online shopping for clients and to help streamline my book keeping.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Absolute Precision Skin Care story. Tell us more about the business.
We are an upscale skin care clinic which offers results oriented facials, peels, microdermabrasion, and the Hydrafacial in a relaxing atmosphere to men, women and teenagers. That is our mission statement. We were named the “Best Facial in Chicago” locally by “Time Out Chicago” and nationally by “Allure Magazine”, both were amazing honors to be recognized. Our market is very saturated now, I think I opened at a good time 11 years ago, as it is a different market now, but what sets us apart is the customer service we offer to our clients, as well as the customized treatment. Since our market is saturated, we need to stand out and that’s how we do that. I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built and the fact that I have some great estheticians who work at my clinic and receive amazing reviews.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t think it’s luck at all, it’s a lot of hard work and just opening my business at the right time. Going above and beyond for my clients makes us stand out, as well as clients trusting us, knowing they are good hands.

Pricing:

We recommend the Signature Facial for first time clients ($105-$135)
Chemical Peels are an option after the first appointment and can an add on or a stand alone treatment or a series ($50 – $400)
We offer the HydraFacial and Microdermabrasion, which are options after the first treatment and can be express or a full treatment and treatment add ons are available ($125 – $2750)

Contact Info: