By Olivia Overman | Photos by Rob Jinks
Opening a business in 2007 may have been one of the riskier things she has done in her life, but Marian Leannarda knew what she wanted to do…and so she did it! Artisan Laser Skin Care Center opened in a smart, new shopping mall off Hoadly Road in Galveston Court, Manassas. In serene and calm treatment rooms, the team at Artisan provides skin care for all ages, safe laser hair removal and tattoo removal (for those who have changed their minds!).
The Making of a Business
“I thought it was for people with more money than sense,” said Leannarda, speaking about laser hair removal. But she knew it was essential for her own well-being. “I had plucked and tweezed and it was not doing anything [so]I found a laser hair place in the area and it changed the way I felt about myself. It changed my daily routine, and it gave me confidence.”
After deciding she wanted to offer the same type of services to others, Leannarda attended the IMAj Institute for aesthetics in Scottsdale, Arizona, and set about establishing her own business. “I called in all my favors, maxed out my credit cards and wrote a business plan for the first time in my life. A lot of people said no to me, but I found this shopping center that was willing to give me a chance. I started at the beginning of the recession and scrapped by, one day at a time,” she said.
Now almost 10 years later, Artisan is a well-known and respected skin care facility offering appointments six days a week, including evening appointments.
Describing her experience at Artisan, Ginny Person of Woodbridge said, “The professionalism and service is top-notch at Artisan. I have never felt so good about my appearance: my legs are silky smooth, razor nick-free and no longer hiding under pants. I only wish I had done it sooner and can’t wait to book my next service.”
Services for All Skin Types
Laser hair removal, tattoo removal, photo facials, lumifacials, chemical peels and vein therapy are all offered at the facility. “We do offer Botox injections for which we employ a doctor,” said Leannarda. Hiring a doctor to do such a procedure is important, according to Leannarda, because “when women are considering needles in their face, it is not a medical consideration, it is an emotional one.”
Asked what is the most requested service, Leannarda said it was laser hair removal. Typically, clients need five sessions, with each session between one-to-two months apart. “You can buy a package which is more cost effective, or you can purchase individual sessions,” she said. “We have more than one type of laser so we are able to cater to all skin types,” she continued.
While you may think that spring and summer are the most popular times for laser hair removal, professionals will tell you otherwise. “Lasers create a reaction from the sun and you have to stay out of it. This is a challenging situation when people have activities, kids games, etc. to attend outside. So a lot of people wait until activities die down,” Leannarda said.
Some services such as bikini lines and men’s backs are services that Artisan does all year round.
Giving Back
While not a well-known service (yet!), Artisan offers free laser treatment for cancer survivors. “Breast cancer patients who undergo radiation treatments almost always have a tattoo on their décolleté,” said Leannarda, “and some people do not want this reminder.” With the use of a laser, this can be removed.
While Artisan has only recently begun informing organizations about this service, staff have been telling people who come into the facility about it. More important to know is that this service is not just offered to breast cancer survivors, it is for anybody who has undergone radiation and has that telltale radiation mark or tattoo.
Marian also works with church organizations in helping the homeless get rehabilitated. One such homeless man had a tattoo on his face and “we helped get rid of this so he could seek employment,” Leannarda said.
Qualified for the Job
A medical laser specialist, Leannarda is also the CEO and owner of Artisan Laser Skin Care Center. She employs three other people including a second medical laser specialist and two administrative assistants. She offers what she describes as a “fair, skilled, honest service for a fair price.” For now, this is her only location, but who knows what the future might hold for this Dale City resident.
You can find Artisan Laser Skin Care Center at artisanlaser.com, on Facebook, or alternatively, call 703-878-4848.
A graduate of American University’s School of Communication, Olivia Overman (ooverman@princewilliamliving.com) is a freelance writer for both online and print publications.
