Getting that extra attention to detail is exactly what Jennifer Veremis, from Elmhurst's The Beauty Lounge, has accomplished in her beauty service salon. This quaint shop is more than a salon, rather a community driven business with heart. This amazingly clean and crisp setting is a perfect spot to relax, unwind and get an organic foot scrub with your pedicure. The Beauty Lounge offers impressive nail services, including a complimentary aroma therapy with your service of choice. Also clients can schedule waxing services at the Beauty Lounge wax bar, as well as professional makeup services.

Jennifer built her business with heart, and a little help with her loving furry buddies who have been with her since she opened the salon. Jennifer's pup was such a sweet pup, and felt right at home on his visit to the salon. Clients had seen Hugo since he had been a puppy.

Jennifer's team is also more like sisters than co workers. They were laughing and asking for shoe advice while we prepared for our shoot. Giving each other supportive words and helping with those little touches. Creating a supportive and loving working atmosphere is so important, and Jennifer has accomplished that and it shows.

The Beauty Lounge Inc.
118 S. York Rd. suite 105
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

630-530-6929

https://www.facebook.com/beautyloungeinc/
https://www.instagram.com/jenvee78/

Tell us a bit about you:

My name is Jennifer Veremis. I have lived in Elmhurst for over 20 yrs . I am married with one fur baby Hugo, my Golden Retriever. I have been a licensed nail technician and salon owner for over 15 years. The Beauty Lounge specializes in natural nail care and premium, unique hand and body products.

In 2008 I trained in LA with celebrity manicurist Jessica Vartoughian. That was life changing! I became a certified JESSICA NAIL CULTIVIST. JESSICA professionals are considered the best in the business. The JESSICA natural nail care system have been favored by A- List celebrities for decades.

The Beauty Lounge and myself have earned a reputation with clients coming from all over the Chicagoland area. We have also been recognized and featured several times in NAILS, a popular industry magazine. Read our feature in NAILS magazine here.

One of my passions is supporting our veterans and troops. I have been a volunteer at the USO for several years now.

"Your" people, your family, friends, those who inspire you and keep you going:

My husband Joe, 100%. He always supports me no matter what. My dad who encouraged me from day #1. My aunt, a very successful business women, who has helped with just about everything! My long time friend/client, Mary Pat. She has been my mentor since I was 24. Her guidance has been invaluable to me.
Natalia, Monika and Jen! These ladies are truly the best. They have brought so much good energy to my life, sometimes I pinch myself. We share the same vision for The Beauty Lounge, plus we laugh all day long!

Last but not least my mom. She puts a whole new twist on "family business"! She has done everything and anything to help me start and grow my business. She has motivated and encouraged me from day one. Most importantly, she taught me to never give up.

When did you start your business and why?

I started my business at 24 yrs old. I won’t lie, I wanted to do it my way! When you work at a salon, you don’t have much, if any input in services products or client experience. I wanted a boutique salon that would provide the best of the best and build a team where their ideas would matter!

What was your inspiration to take the leap of faith or just go for it?

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs . So I always knew owning a business was in my cards. My first nail business started when I was 18 in my mother’s kitchen. I walked to the local printer to have menus, letterhead (yes, letterhead) and cards made. I did this through my first year of college. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer I took a break from school to be her caregiver. After a few long years of this it became harder and harder to get back to school. My dad encouraged me to start a nail business. As I never stopped working in the industry. He guided me and helped me with a business plan & some start up costs. but said the rest was up to me! Ill never forget, one week before I opened, I needed a hot towel warmer. I didn’t have any money left in my budget so I cashed in all my change to buy one. When I look back now from where I started to what we have now, that story always makes me smile.

To this day, I work very hard on the budget, just in case the hot towel warmer breaks.

What advice would you give moms or dads ~ who are starting their own company, or looking to change career paths or life paths?

I won’t sugar coat this…being a business owner is not a job it's a lifestyle. Be prepared to work like your never worked before! Get a really good accountant, learn to love yoga, and have a cocktail when all else fails!
But all jokes aside, do a business plan!
There’s a big difference between a hobby and a business.

If you are thinking of starting a business you’re already taken the first step!

How do you start your day?

Every Sunday I sit down with my day planner (yup, paper and pen) I list everything I need to do that week for personal and salon.
I also include a few goals that I’d like to work on.

Right now, it’s going to bed early.

The rest of the week I’m up early. I make the bed, drink warm lemon water, check/send emails, texts, go over my weekly/daily “to do list” that I created on Sunday.

COFFEE ,COFFEE ,COFFEE ,walk Hugo.
Pilates or yoga.
Get showered and ready to work at the salon or check things off the list!

What would be your dream job, client, product?

After working with women for over 20 years, I’ve heard just about everything! There is not a subject we haven't talked about. As women we put so much pressure on ourselves.

Through my clients I've learned a lot about life and myself. So, I'd love to start writing. Maybe a book about my personal growth, part funny with salon stories, yet motivating and inspirational to women.

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”

— Unknown

Credits:
Jennifer Fender, featured on the blog earlier this summer, again did an amazing professional makeup application for The Beauty Lounge team photo shoot.
To polish the look, Lia Panariello, from Styled By Lia, did a professional blow out and style for The Beauty Lounge team.