Some people have personal trainers. Some people have skin coaches.

I have always been a product junkie! Growing up I had terrible acne and I was always trying products to achieve that flawless complexion. I guess I always took my youthful complexion for granted. It wasn't until my 40's when I saw the first signs of premature aging - YES I freaked out when I saw my first wrinkle and even more so when I saw my first age spot! I started to dive more into my personal skincare journey, with blind ignorance, which was long and expensive. I spent too much money on experimenting on skincare products and facial treatments, but this obsession would ignite my passion for skincare and ultimately lead me to the next chapter in my life. 

For years all I ever wanted was to be a professional dancer and choreographer. I dreamt of touring around the world, performing on different stages and exploring exotic cities. It takes a special kind of determination and perseverance to have success as a professional dancer and I devoted my life and developed a choreography career others dreamed about! I found myself traveling nonstop, with back to back commissions and artistic residencies. I felt incredibly accomplished! from the years of busting my butt, but I hated the lifestyle. It seemed glamorous from the outside, but I was very lonely. I'd reached a point in my choreography career where I had to decide if I was going to continue on this path or choose to walk away. If I transitioned, it need to be in something that I was equally passionate. 

I started selling Nuskin in the early 2000s. Yes, the same popular microcurrent device sold in high end retail stores. It was a side hustle to my already busy choreography career. This would ultimately lead to my interest in high end skincare products. In 2012 I took 6 months off from my choreography career and I enrolled in the Skincare and Spa Institute Medical Esthetics Program. Still directing a nonprofit youth organization and and teaching while in school full-time was truly one of the hardest things I ever did, but 6 months later I landed my first esthetics job at a high end spa. It took about 10 years to get to where I am in my esthetics career, but it truly has paid off and I get to enjoy my life, on my own schedule, and on my own terms.

My first job as an esthetician was at an exclusive all mens spa. This job, would form my career as an esthetician. I realized I enjoyed working with men and they in turn enjoyed my relatable expertise on the male skin, its treatments and product recommendations. It is how I developed my niche into the men's skincare market. 

Having developed a male clientele, and friends who would constantly ask for skincare advice, I started to write all my recommendations and suggestions on a free website which was intended for my clients and friends to log on. Before I knew it the website started getting hits from all around the world! So I moved the website to a money generating blog with affiliate marketing and skincare partners. Skin Care For Gents Blog was born! Eventually, I started writing skincare articles for online publications like, Mens Health and Fab How, etc. 

Having a choreography career and working at a spa proved to be challenging and I would ultimately have to leave the spa. No clinic or spa wanted me to travel, so I decided start my own skincare studio so I can leave whenever I want. In 2018 I opened the Skin Care For Gents in a small treatment room on a second floor shared work space. Within a year we developed over 500 clients and we were ready to move into our own space and moved into our own storefront in November 2019.

You would be shocked if you knew how much skincare I have in my cabinet. Just like my clothes, I like options :) Owning a skincare business I have try a lot of products, but there are a few that stand out and are part of my normal skincare routine.

1. PCA Skin Facial Wash 

Just I nice clean facial wash that really deep cleans your pores without over drying your skin.

2. PFB Liquid Loofah

This is an amazing face scrub that combines chemical exfoliation and a physical scrub. 6% Glycolic acid for exfoliation and Papaya Enzymes for brightening. I turn many clients on to this scrub and they never turn back. 

3. Image Skincare Vital C ACE Serum

My favorite vitamins C serum! A blend of vitamins A, C & E delivering maximum antioxidants for a healthy appeaarance. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and bearberry extract for brightening and more even skin tone.

4. PCA Skin ReBalance Moisturizer

From someone who suffers from sensitive skin, this moisturizer is packed with skin calming ingredients that repairs damage caused by environmental stress and irritants. Adsorbs quickly, hydrates without shine and brings your skin back to its normal pH

PERSERVERENCE

I learned a lot from my dance career and the one thing that was never an option was to give up. No matter how discouraged, I got up the next day and did it again. Some days were not easy, but with the routine of showing up and giving my best I was able to accomplish great things both in dance and skincare.

EDUACATE 

The one thing my clients always say about me is that I know my stuff. If skincare is your passion it shouldn't be hard for you to want to know everything you can about products and ingredients. Do research on the industry trends and the newly offered treatments. Your clients will already have done an internet search and they will come to you to confirm its validity. The more your know the better. Knowledge is power! 

LISTEN

It is important that you really listen to your clients. They are coming to you because they desire change. Whether it is to fix something or to improve their complexion, they ultimately want to put their skin in your hands. They might not know how to communicate this with you but it is important you listen and interpret what they share to keep them coming back. 

YOUR SKIN 

Your skin needs to be on point! Would you go to an out of shape personal trainer? Or a hair stylist with bad hair. Not me, and neither will your clients.