Support your Local Nano-Business

I was riding my bike doing errands when I passed a sign that said, “Facial $79.49.”

Places that have low prices advertised add on for every item. But, in the end you end up potentially paying more for the same services; and, that gets under my skin (pun intended).

This dilutes the market and makes it so services that a nano-business esthetician or massage therapist is not valued. 

I can do an excellent custom one hour facial for $95. That includes an enzyme exfoliant, facial massage, head massage and hand massage. I don’t charge extra for the extra TLC. 

That’s my two cents! Take it or leave it.

Why support a local small business or better yet Nano-businesses?

• Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses such as banks, service providers, and farms.

• For every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community.

• Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the community in which they operate than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

• Small businesses employ 77 million Americans and accounted for 65% of all new jobs over the past 17 years.  

Support Local Small Businesses

Why I Became an Esthetician

I feel like people always ask me, “Did you have to go to school to do what you do?”

I started my college career at CSU thinking I wanted to be in the fashion world. As much as I loved fashion and clothes, the industry did not want to help people.

And, I always wanted to help people.

I have had this fascination with anatomy and physiology specifically the skin and why the skin does what it does.

In the 90s, I was working at the Oxford Spa as a massage therapist.

This amazing esthetician named Aya gave me my first facial introducing me to the world of esthetics.

And, I fell in love with it.

After six months practicing massage therapy, I realized I wanted to become an esthetician.

I went to Front Range Community College in Boulder for a year while working full time.

I did massage and esthetician work at Oxford. Then I got a job at Essentials and worked there for 17 years before I went out on my own.

Running my own business, I not only give facials, I offer lash extensions, lifts and tinting. I do sugaring. I am learning to make my own products. I enjoy coming up with new treatments to revitalize the skin and create a deep sense of relaxation for my clients.

Heated hand mitts with hot stones.

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS -vs- Over the Counter Products

Why use Professional Products vs Over The Counter.

What is the difference between $40 moisturizers and $10 products?

The over the counter products are made in large batches.

This means they are made for the mass market and general consumption.

The products are intentionally made to have a lower risk of irritation and in doing that they have a much lower amount of actual effective ingredients in them.

In a nutshell, they have less active ingredients and more filler.

This reduces the cost but also reduces the effectiveness and quality.

For example, ULTA sells a hyaluronic acid serum where the hyaluronic acid is listed as the 11th ingredient. This means it doesn’t have a very high concentration. *Denatured alcohol is the 3rd ingredient.

One of the hyaluronic acid serums I carry has it is the 5th ingredient. And, it is way cleaner. With less preservatives and more hydrating ingredients. It has aloe and jojoba oil. And, it is also a plant based hyaluronic acid.

Having a licensed esthetician, who you see regularly, can help you choose the right products. A professional can also help you determine what product will help you address specific skin issues.

PS I am a skin ingredient nerd. If you have questions about ingredients and what they do, please email me.