Think, Before You Judge : An Aesthetician’s Memoir.

Here is something I have been meaning to write about for a very long time that is near and dear to my heart. I didn’t know how to say it all, till now that is.

Nothing grinds my gears more then the stereotypes that go along with being in the beauty industry. Being an Aesthetician.  Being automatically judged as being “less intelligent” or “less goal driven” then someone who went to University and got a “career”.

Speaking for myself, I did go to University…and I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts In Psychology. I also graduated from High school on the honour roll, with various scholarships and bursaries. I could of went and tried to do anything.

I hated almost every day of classes at University and felt like a numb zombie just going through the motions of going to class and labs and writing papers and exams I could care less about. I mulled over the idea of teaching ( I love children!!!) , but always had an interest in going to do something in Aesthetics. But, with the people in my life wanting what’s “best” for me, I drudged through 4.5 years of barely going to class and in some cases, barely passing classes and racking up some nice ol student loan debt along the way! ( don’t EVER get a student loan fyi, they’re assholes” )

All that being said, when I took Aesthetics in school, I really took it seriously. I wanted a career…I wanted to make a good living doing what I was interested in.  I Graduated with honours and had a job even before I was finished classes.

I had some people seriously try and talk me out of doing this, said “I would be poor forever” and ” I was smarter then this” and even hurtful things when I started to work like ” all you do is paint nails and rub feet all day.”

Now, me being me, this made me want to do even better. There is much more to aesthetics then anyone could imagine.

First off, you have to have good people skills and customer service. You also have to learn soooo much about so many different things. My year in school for aesthetics was quite intense compared to my slack days of university. I don’t think anyone realizes what we need to know about human anatomy. Most people would think aesthetics is a “bird course”, I am here to tell you, it is far from that.

So let me say this, despite my spending and shopping habits and frivolous ways, I am by no means rich with this job (money terms) ,but I am rich in life. I have a lot of supportive people in my life i.e. family, friends, clients, coworkers and strangers even. I am doing what I really love. I may have my bad days where I think “I should of tried harder in University” , but at the end of the day when I find myself “googling” things aesthetics wise or watching countless videos on makeup or nails or hair and talking “beauty” things to anyone who will listen…which is usually my poor boyfriend, he’s learned to like it though. If I have to hear about hockey and video games, he is hearing about Nicole Guerriero’s “top ten fall lipsticks”. This just confirms I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

This blog has also helped me confirm this is where I am supposed to be in my life. I enjoy writing. I may be too honest at times and too fourth coming with personal info, but its somewhat therapeutic. Writing keeps me researching and thinking about the latest things in the aesthetics world.

Now, that you have heard me rant about how much of a smarty pants I am and how much I enjoy what I do, think before you judge someone for what they do for a career. You have no idea where and how they got to this point in their life. I have met a lot of very intelligent and creative people in this industry, we deal with a lot and for the most part, work extremely hard. So give your Aesthetician or hairstylist a hug. After all, you wouldn’t want to leave with one eyebrow or green hair. (We have the power to do that, so don’t make us cranky) 😉

Sincerely,

Your friendly spa therapist (the degree may have come in handy)

Nicole xo 🙂