Hello! Well, before I get in to the whole formality of credentials, you probably want to know a little about me and what makes me tick. yea? My story is simple I suppose. Over the years, I learned that it was actually my parents influence that started me on my green and spiritual life. My mom always had a garden of herbs and flowers - mixing those with her mortar and pestle to make her own skin care, oil blends, and teas. I remember thinking how everything always smelled and tasted better, but I also never really appreciated the time and effort all this took. I suppose this natural way of existing is what lead her to seek out shamans and a deeper sense of spirituality. As a child, I could remember being intrigued by it all, but could not yet comprehend it. My father was a bit more pragmatic. He taught me early on the importance hard work, enjoying the outdoors and working out. Yes, my love and addiction of running started early. Really early.
Little did I know that being immersed with the botanical aromas and mood altering essential oils at such an early age would start me on the path of becoming a holistic esthetician. My journey as an esthetician has consistently taken me on so many twists and turns; yes, I started out with microdermabrasion and heavy peels and at one point an interest in injectables. But my love for true beauty and the whole body has always brought me back to deep energetic treatments, rooted with spirituality and consciousness. Now, this didn't come together all at once, as a teen and in my early twenties I used to slather Noxzema, Clean and Clear, Oxy, and whatever acid (salicylic, glycolic, mandelic, etc...) I could get my hands on until it was red and raw. I used to believe if we stripped the skin of all the oil, I would be less pimply. Boy, was I wrong! That daily routine only made my skin more sensitive, break-out and hate me even more. Sound familiar? You're not alone! By allowing my skin to 'breathe', fueling my body with clean and unprocessed food, I was able to correct a lot of damage I had created.
I read somewhere that, ‘Our skin is essentially the nervous system turned inside out’, can you imagine? This struck a chord. How can we properly treat and improve our skin if we are constantly starving and stripping it of it's natural ability to heal itself? Harsh exfoliants, chemicals and peels can give you a temporary fix, but long term success is a far reach. Today, my treatments are rooted with intentional applications and modalities that will only nourish the skin by reverting back to tried and true practices to reduce inflammation. Facial massage, Gua Sha and facial cupping are my secret weapon and seriously, my one true love as it relates to our lymphatic system, and our entire being. Does that mean I that I won't listen when you tell me you want a peel or microdermabrasion? Absolutely not! Might I encourage you to try a natural fruit based enzyme or a herbal facial infusion to recreate your original plan? Yes. Might I suggest Dermaplaning instead as a less invasive treatment option? Yes. Our skin care journeys might be different, but I will always have a listening ear and heart to help create a skin care plan that suits your skin and lifestyle.
I’m pretty sure I’ve worn out my very patient husband with my relentless babble on skin and all things green. My little rescue pup, Diego is enjoying long bike rides, kayaking and an occasional hike. Kids? I have four of them. I loved them so much they all decided to become adults. My biggest self-indulgence? Running. If I'm not home or at work, you will either find me running on a trail or on the road.
Education and Such In 2008 I attended the prestigious Euro Institute of Skin Care, where I later received my diploma in European and Naturopathic Skin Care and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. Along with studying holistic skin care I received training in Waxing, Ayurvedic Therapies, Reflexology, Acutonics, and Aromatherapy. Along the way, I picked up a few other certifications:
Certified in Facial Gua Sha, CJB Spa & Wellness, Nefeli Corp. System of Chinese Medicine.
Certified Operator - Dien Chan Zone Facial Reflexology.
Certified in Dermaplane
Certified in Facial Cupping
Striving for balance and harmony within ourselves, others, and the environment, along with proper nutrition play a large role in achieving stability in our lives. I believe that this philosophy will help create a healthy state of mind and beautiful skin from the inside out.