Esthetician Spotlight: December

Congratulations on your new opening! What has it been like opening your MDR Skin Studio and what advice would you give to estheticians wanting to do the same?   

Thank you so much! It has been exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! I would say make a plan and just go for it. Start small and avoid overextending yourself. Beginning in a salon suite made my transition more manageable and required much less capital upfront. There’s never an ideal time, but if you don’t take the chance, you’ll always wonder “what if?” 

What has been the most exciting and challenging part of launching your new business?   

The most challenging part is making ALL of the decisions. From designing my logo to staying on top of inventory, shipping, maintaining social media presence—the list can go on and on. The most exciting part is seeing everything come to life and watching my business grow! 

What advice would you give to estheticians who are also moms? How do you navigate the challenges of balancing work and family life? 

As a new mom and business owner, balance feels slightly out of my reach at times. What I have been trying recently that seems to help is learning how to prioritize, following a schedule, and asking for help. My family and work life often blend together, which allows me to multitask. Embrace the chaos and remember to take it day by day. My family is my motivation and the reason I’m willing to put in the hard work. 

What is your skincare philosophy when it comes to treating clients’ skin? 

I believe in coaching my clients on how to treat their skin. This all starts with a curated home care routine. Continuous open communication is key; I don’t limit conversations to monthly visits. I value progress reports to adjust treatments and ensure the best results, considering how skin changes daily due to various factors. 

What makes facials at MDR Skin Studio unique?  

Facials at MDR Skin Studio are unique because we take a very personalized approach. In every treatment, we assess your skin and will customize the facial accordingly. We love to mix modalities, machines, and brands to get a beautiful result! I am often called the extraction queen as I always incorporate manual extractions with all facials. 

When it comes to choosing the products for your studio, what is your philosophy? 

I choose the product lines I carry based on several criteria: they must be non-comedogenic, safe for acne-prone skin, available exclusively to professionals for resale, backed by clinical studies, and deliver visible results. Additionally, I ensure each product serves a distinct function. 

Can you tell us how your virtual consultations were developed and how they help your clients?   

Virtual consultations were prompted by inquiries from individuals, primarily outside Miami, seeking my guidance and support. I emphasize the significance of a curated home care routine as the foundational step in skincare journeys, and it’s fulfilling to see remarkable results even without in-office treatments! 

What are the most common skincare misconceptions you encounter, and how do you address them with your clients?   

One of the most common misconceptions I encounter with new acne clients in clinical skincare is their misunderstanding of the acclimation and purge period needed during the initial 30-90 days. They often notice new breakouts and dryness and mistakenly believe the products aren’t effective. I educate my clients about this process, explaining what’s happening and emphasizing the importance of consistency to achieve their desired results. 

How do you approach client retention and building long-term relationships?  

Client retention is crucial to me. I make sure to follow up after each treatment, educate clients on normal and abnormal reactions, request progress photos, and suggest adjustments to their skincare routines. I am flexible with booking and waitlisting, take detailed notes, and serve as a skin coach beyond the facial visit. Many of my long-term clients feel like good friends. 

What trends in skincare or wellness do you predict will shape the industry in the next few years?   

Increased emphasis on cryotherapy treatments, prioritizing cold over heat for sure! The use of AI and AR-based skin analysis tools. And the expansion of at-home skincare equipment offerings. 

If you could go back in time to when you first started, what would you tell your younger self?   

I would remind myself to take education seriously and continuously improve my craft every day. Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process—they don’t define you but rather groom you with valuable experience to excel. Your future is promising—believe in yourself! Also, remember to save your brows; thin ones are no longer trendy.