Electrologist of the Month Lourdes Cornelius transitioned from a corporate career to opening an electrolysis business after seeing how helping cancer patients enhanced their lives. Her office is called Electrolysis for You and has three locations in Chicago.
After 20 years in the corporate world, Ms. Cornelius was looking for a change when she began consulting at a friend’s wig shop that served women undergoing cancer treatments. Having learned that unwanted hair growth is one of the lesser-known side effects of cancer treatment, a new career path was born. Her electrolysis business was opened in 2014 and now includes three locations in the Chicago area (Winnetka, Skokie, and Lincoln Park).
Ms. Cornelius’ Advice for New Practitioners:
- Consider partnering with an existing electrologist when you first complete your training. It’s valuable to work with a colleague so that you can bounce ideas off of each other.
- Another advantage is that you have someone to share clientele: this flexibility allows you to take vacations and to take sick leave in the event that it is needed.
- Also, if you have never personally experienced electrolysis treatments, start immediately so that you’ll have a story to tell your clients!
Advice for New Clients:
Stick through it! Most of our clients have come to us after trying other hair removal methods (wax, laser, shaving, tweezing etc). They are tired and frustrated. If they stick through it they will find out what I know: electrolysis truly is the one method of hair removal that is PERMANENT. I haven’t touched my face in 25 years- not one single hair on my eyebrows, upper lip, and sideburns. (What are you waiting for!?)
For Business Owners:
- The state of Illinois is a licensed state. Therefore when a licensed electrologist joins our team, the focus is on customer service and business development.
- Customer service: Your client’s initial experience will determine whether they move forward with electrolysis. It's imperative to make sure your consultation is thorough and clearly outlines the recommended treatment.
- On the business development side: Creating a documented business plan complete with a timeline is critical to keeping you on track. Understanding the demographic, investment of dollars, hours you want to work, how you will market to potential clients, and personal income needs will help you meet your goals.
- When you have a staff, having mandatory monthly staff meetings insures the team keeps well informed of any business and client updates
Ms. Cornelius on Ballet Needles:
- We prefer the Ballet needles for their firmness and length. We find them both easier to insert as well as easier to place in the probe holder.
- We primarily use Ballet Stainless Steel needles on the bulk of our clients and Ballet Gold needles for those who have noted hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc. We generally use sizes 2 - 5 for our clients.
Lourdes Cornelius bio
Lourdes Cornelius is a member of the American Electrology Association, and is an Advisory Board member of the Electrology Association of Illinois. Lourdes also is proud to support the EAI by chairing the Bylaws committee. Lourdes enjoys mentoring Electrologist students and recent grads, and looks forward to attending continuing educational classes. She has an undergraduate degree in International business from DePaul University and an MBA from Lake Forest School of Management. Lourdes is fluent in English and Spanish. Her clinic is Electrolysis for You and has three locations in the Chicago area.
If you would like to be highlighted by Synoptic Products as an Electrologist of the Month, get in touch! We are always looking to recognize successful electrologists in North America. Send your request to be highlighted to us at info @ synopticproducts.com.
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