What background training prepared you to provide skin care services?
As a child, I would comb and straighten my sister's hair, cut my Dad's toenails, and dye his hair. I would use Noxzema as a mask on my Mom's face! I loved practicing make-up and hairstyles on my dolls. I always had a special love for the beauty industry; however, I was groomed to get a "real" job. I worked for Eastman Kodak Company for 14 years. I never thought of ever leaving corporate America, so, it was for fun that I went to classes on weekends to learn Make-up Artistry, and once I became certified, I enjoyed being asked to do wedding parties for friends and family. When I left corporate America, I worked as a make-up artist. Then one of my clients had a severe break-out from the make-up I had chosen for her, and I thought I would never have that happen to me again...I must learn "skin" and how it functions before enhancing the natural beauty of one's face with make-up. So began my journey with Beauty Schools. I received my license at Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics and Make-up in 1989, then continued with my thirst for knowledge at the Atelier Esthetique Institute. I fell in love with the knowledge of skin and it's care! It felt then as it does now, like I am still taking care of my family! I continue my upgrading attending Medical Spa conferences twice a year, and read all publications on skin, health and nutrition.

You have many celebrity clients. What's the secret to attracting and keeping celebrity clients?
No secret...I look at everyone's skin as mine, as if it belonged to me personally. I want to help first and foremost, so I listen to their concerns and then I want to address and correct it. I make a decision of what treatment would best hydrate, treat, and heal, and I make it happen. I also don't believe in a hard sell policy... I find out what our guests not only need but also what they want to achieve with a skin care regime I suggest, or with what they currently have. Proper skin care is so important for one's self esteem, and confidence to do and be all you can be. There is nothing like clear, clean healthy skin that glows. Once you walk in the door, I will try my best to make you look and feel like a celebrity...we are all famous as we live in our own reality, and I want to bring it out! You become our family and everyone feels it, celebrity or student.

The entire nation is recovering from a recession, how do you prepare and survive lean times?
I don't know if we are truly recovering as yet, but I closed my office in Santa Monica, and downsized my Spa in Manhattan of 2500 sq ft, to a smaller boutique Skincare Center. I had to let 2 lovely employees go, which is incredibly hard to do, but it is about survival, and I refuse to let go of something I have built from my heart and soul...never mind the tears, no time for that...only solutions.

What steps do you take to protect yourself against potential lawsuits?
We ask all the appropriate questions of course, "What medications are you taking? Are you pregnant? Etc... Clients are asked about their diet and exercise, as well discussing their extended working hours, and play hours…which truly affects the skin. The skincare products are not medical grade, and safe for all skin types. An Attorney, the proper paperwork, and insurance is completed when you register your company name.