1) If you could give your past self some advice, what would it be?
I would say move quietly with your goals, enjoy the moments, and understand others will always be intimidated by your hopes and dreams as they will turn into succession. Not everyone is going to appreciate your hard work the way it should be praised, but you should be praising yourself for doing it.
2) When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
High School is when my goal started of becoming an esthetician. I had this amazing teacher, Ms. Cox (Roberts) and she taught cosmetology. At the time, I took it as it was an ‘easy a’ but little did I know I would start to skip other classes to go and sit in cosmetology. Before that I wanted to be so many other things with no understanding as to where to even start looking into courses, but when I told my parents that this is what I wanted to do, there was an immediate NO! They say it as a no money business, sitting in a hair salon making little to no money. They finally caved as I am stubborn and refused any other schooling for a couple of years past high school, so in 2005 I entered my amazing, fulfilling career as an Esthetician. I have never looked back. It is not about the money to me, it is about seeing my clients smile when their acne disappears, the lashes applied boost their confidence, losing just one more wrinkle or knowing that in some of their final months a cancer patient who comes to see me for a facial gets one hour of the world stress melting away.
3) What or who has been your greatest influence in business?
Great question; the beauty industry, colleagues, my clients over the years and a quote from Gandhi…Be the change you wish you see in the world. I want to show that skin is not just for beauty, it needs to be healthy too.
4) What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?
To continue to grow my business. I had a chance to start my business last year after a sudden departure from a spa I worked at for 9 years. Learning from some of the decisions made there; I intend to continue to spread integrity in my business and ensure that everyone I work with never has to go a day with any toxicity in the workplace whether it be clients or myself. When life throws curveballs, you throw back harder and with a better throw. I also intend to build my new opportunity with educating other wellness professionals on the importance of cancer esthetics and building a global army of oncology estheticians.
5) What do you have going on that you’d like to share?
Lots! I am all over social media and teaching the importance of skincare and skin health. You can visit my Facebook or Instagram and ask questions about anything skin related.
6) Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still making skin glow, but in a bigger space. My studio is currently in my home and it works so well, other than I intake the smell of bleach everyday (oh boy) Enjoying a bigger stage to show the importance of skin health as I mentioned before, understanding like manners and ethics start at a young age, so does the importance of skincare aka SPF! School age kids should be understanding and wearing sunscreen all the time. Our environment is changing and is helps to protect them from future damage and skin cancers.
7) How do you envision your future?
Bright! Prosperous, filled with fun and always lots of love. Inspiring young esties to continue in our trade of glowing skin.
8) What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
Having the privilege to work with my clients each and everyday. To work with the amazing colleagues over the years and to help others feel beautiful inside and out.
9) Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
I have said this above funny enough and in my chapter of pursuit:365 the book, but I have 2 quotes.
1. Be the change you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi
2. Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one. – Brad Paisley
10) What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?
Always ensure that my clients leave happy, and the integrity of my work never fumbles. If a skin treatment is not working, try something different to ensure best results. I always strive to have a comfortable environment and treatments that work. Educating others on importance on why to wear sunscreen or use skincare is an absolute must. Skin health is kind of like the fitness industry – 80% diet and 20% workouts, same comes to skin. If you are using not so great products or none at all, anything I do to heal your skin won’t work as well unless you put in the time and effort.
11) What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
My clients and colleagues in the industry, family and friends. Life is enjoyable when they are around.
Instagram & Facebook: aobwellness
Website: www.allysonobrien.ca
Email: hello@allysonobrien.ca
