Meet Kimberly (Kim) Mattei of Believe In Yourself Spa in Arvada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly (Kim) Mattei.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I wanted to be an Aesthetician since I was in high school, but the expectation was that I go to college and get a degree. I also wanted to be a teacher, so I went to Indiana University and got a degree in Education. I moved to Colorado in 1997 and became a Middle School Physical Education Teacher and was also the Head Swim Coach at the high school. I met my husband that year and we got married in 2000. After we had our second child in 2004, I became a stay-at-home mom. I knew at this point in my life, I did not want to go back to teaching, as I wanted to be home for our children. When our son went to Kindergarten in 2009, I went to school to follow my dream of becoming an Aesthetician. When I graduated school in 2010, I worked at a spa for a very short time when I realized I didn’t want to work in the fancy spa setting. I wanted to work with people to help them with their unique skincare needs without breaking the bank. With some encouragement from my best friend, I decided I wanted to work on my own. My husband turned the kids’ playroom into my spa, and Believe In Yourself Spa was born. We have since moved to a different home, as I outgrew my original space. I have worked from home for over nine years and I am so happy!

Has it been a smooth road?
Owning a business is very challenging, especially when I know nothing about business! I really dove in quickly to owning a business without any kind of plan! I had no income and no budget! I had to go into some debt to buy equipment and products. There were several days a week when I had no clients, so I was constantly trying to market with zero marketing budget! I was also trying to balance having a 5 and 6-year-old, being involved in their school, and get dinner on the table! Even after almost ten years, there are struggles. It is a constant stream of learning, creativity, and just plain hard work! Being my own boss has more advantages than disadvantages, but there are days I wish my boss would let me have a vacation! Ha!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Licensed Aesthetician and the owner of Believe In Yourself Spa. I love helping people feel better about themselves from the inside out. Because of my experience as a middle and high school teacher, teenagers are my passion. I just adore them! I also happen to be a specialist in acne treatments, so my two passions go hand in hand. I think that I am known for giving my personal touch to everyone who walks in my door. My guests become like friends and family. People have said that they pay for a counseling session with me and they get a free facial!

I am most proud that I offer skin care education that everyone can afford, especially teenagers. It is so hard to be a teen this day and age. I can at least teach them and help them take care of their skin, so they feel better about themselves. I also am proud that I connect with the kids and am able to give them a safe space to talk to me about whatever they need.

I believe that I am different because I do have a special relationship with everyone who comes into my spa. I take the time to get to know them and I go the extra mile to help them with their problems which go deeper than their skin. Many people in my industry keep business and pleasure separate, but I love that my clients are in my life. I also love acne! I love finding out the causes and how I can fix it without the use of harmful medications that don’t often work! I am a Face Reality Certified Aesthetician which is a specific program designed to help with acne. It is my favorite treatment! I can’t forget to mention Boomer the Spa Dog!!! Boomer is my dog and he is a corgi/pug mix. He takes his job at the spa very seriously. He meets every guest at the front door and is always wearing a tie or bandanna He walks the guests to the spa and stays in there with them while they get ready! He will even lay on the bed with them if they need some extra love! He knows just what every one needs!

I can honestly say that I love what I do and am so blessed to be living my dream everyday!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Arvada! I love all the small, local businesses, especially in Old Town. The location is wonderful as it is so close to Denver, Boulder and Golden. Because of Arvada’s growth, there is so much more to do and see! Sometimes it gets a little crowded, but who can blame people for wanting to be here?

Pricing:

• Custom Facials start at $60
• Acne Treatments start at $45

Contact Info:

• Website: www.believeinyourselfspa.com
• Phone: 7203418745
• Email: believeinyourselfspa@gmail.com
• Instagram: believe.in.yourself.spa
• Facebook: believe.in.you.spa

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.