A Glimpse into the Inner Glow Skin Care Creation
Earlier this month I had great pleasure of interviewing one of Chattanooga’s successful licensed aesthetician’s, Dorothea C. Johnson, owner of Inner Glow Skin Care Service, and through our informal meeting she gave me a glimpse of how she turned her skills into her passion for helping individuals conquer their skin ailments, and she elaborated upon the current growth of the aesthetic industry.
Following her passion in the growing field of aesthetics, Dorothea C. Johnson, licensed aesthetician reminscenced when she left her job after working 12 years as an Acquisition Analyst at Unum Provident in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was afraid to leave her full-time job, so she continued working at Unum while attending school at night for 2 years. Dorothea was also working as a part-time make-up artist at Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Encouraging words from Dorothea’s customers helped engage her thoughts for her affinity of having a healing touch for aesthetics lead to a career search and the enrollment in the aesthetics program. Also, under the prompting of Dorothea’s hairstylist she felt compelled to share her God-giving gifts of healing through physical touch to help individuals, create authentic community within her profession, and opened a rental space at Heavenly Styles Salon and Day Spa leading her forward to pursue her dreams. Dorothea explained how her bachelors of science degree in advertising, with a double minor in psychology and speech communication has been put to good use within the field of aesthetics.
How did you come about choosing the career aesthetics, and for how long have you been practicing?
My hairstylist, Debbie Newsom and her business partner, Veronica Bradford at Heavenly Styles Salon and Day Spa encouraged and offered me a chance to work at their establishment and use their massage therapist room for aesthetic services. I worked at Heavenly Styles Salon and Day Spa for 3 years, and because they down-sized, because I no longer had a place to perform my aesthetic services. I received approximately 5 calls in 1 week to perform aesthetic services, but I didn’t have a place to perform them. I started working as an aesthetician at a hair salon on Brainerd Road called Glitz. Then, I decided to go back to aesthetic school to become a teacher. I received my junior instructor license at Miller Motte.
It was at this time Dorothea’s sister informed her about an extra room to work her aesthetic services at The Health Nut alongside owner, Joyce Holt, a nurse practitioner of 23 years through her sister’s business affiliation network. In addition to working at the Health Nut, Dorothea worked as an account representative for Lindsey Skin Care Supply were she trained and informed students of the use of C. A. Botana Skin Care Product line. Cass Gardens Salon and Day Spa was one account that loved C.A. Botana product line and hired Dorothea where she worked as an aesthetician for one year. She then received a call from Virginia College to be a junior instructor, and while in the process of teaching she found a new location to do her facial business at Four Seasons Wellness.
Dorothea taught school for 2 years and was laid off by Virginia College, and currently has been working in this location 4 years. Dorothea further states, “After being in business for 7-years, that she loves the business. God creates us all to serve, and we are vessels used to serve God’s people.” Dorothea seems wise beyond her years further stating, “the power of touch should not be mistaken.”
How do you feel about the growth of aesthetics, and natural cosmetic care industry?
The growth of aesthetics is booming, and nurses and doctors are seeing the money that can be made in aesthetics. The industry is not only growing as it has in the pass, but aesthetics is used as an add-on services. The Tennessee State Board states “aesthetics is looked upon as a professional, more so than a trade. This is why aestheticians can work in doctor’s offices.” Research from the International Dermal Institute stated that seventy percent of individuals will not stay in the field of aesthetics, because they will not allow themselves a chance to build their business. Many individuals simply do not have a plan in place to grow or anyone to help them in the industry. Dawn Ventruss, my mentor has always been a positive light for me for over 12 years. I could not have made it without the Lord and a strong mentor.
What are the types of techniques that you perform the most as an aesthetician?
The type of technique that I would say that I perform the most is my signature 1- hour Heavenly Facials. The facial consist of a cleansing, toning, exfoliation and a mask. Aromatherapy and reflexology are also added to the facial. In the fall and winter, I do a lot of glycolic and lactic acid peels, and the sugar and salt scrub business also increases in the winter months due to those clients who have dry and itchy skin. Please refer to www.innerglowskincare.com to view other services available.
What are some of the most problematic skin issues that you see from your customers?
Some of the problematic skin issues that I see are: acne, acne scars, hormonal and middle aged skin issues; however, aging skin and sun damage skin are also an issue.
What are some of the basic hygienic upkeep one can do to keep their skin supple and clear of issues between aesthetic visits?
SKIN TIPS:
A.) Thoroughly cleanse your face and neck in the morning and in the evening
B.) Use a toner on your face following a cleanser to balance out your skin’s pH (Potential Hydrogen)
C.) Gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week
D.) Apply a good moisturizer and/or night cream daily
These are the main things that can be implemented for almost any skin type and with any skin care products.
What are your hours of operation and where are you located?
I work by appointment.
My business can be found at: Inner Glow Skin Care Services located inside of Four Seasons Wellness, 6237 Vance Road, Suite 4, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 on the back side of Nutrition World on Lee Hwy. Phone: (423) 290-5023. I can always be found doing demonstrations at Nutrition World working as a contractor for supplemental companies.
Dorothea C. Johnson licensed aesthetician also comments on three important points of view regarding
entrepreneurial-ship, and going into business.
1.) Pay off ALL your bills before you start a new business.
2.) Give yourself enough time to build a successful business
3.) Always stay on top of the knowledge in your field.
Ask Aunt Michelle 