We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brigitte Tolson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brigitte below.

Brigitte, appreciate you joining us today. Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

As my 25th year in this industry, I find myself reflecting on the path it’s taken to get here. Though client treatments and skin care has always truly been my calling, I’ve explored a lot of education in this vast field. I went to the only accredited esthetician school in the state, which took me out to Palm Springs. I loved helping people with challenging skin concerns, and that lead me to wanting to pursue the medical side of beauty. I became a Certificate Surgical Technlogist specializing in cosmetic surgery and dermatology. I also become a Certified Herbalist because of my own personal interest in holistic health and plant medicine, and how what we put into our body and stress levels directly impact skin health.

I never stopped my facial services to clients, and 10 years ago it became clear I wanted to create proprietary products for my own clients when they were disappointed in mass market formulas. What started with one farm to bottle serum grew into a full skin care line (Green Chemistry) which is now sold in the USA and the UK, and has been featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, PBS, and of course, Voyage LA and Canvas Rebel. I could not be be more joyous of how we continue to grow and evolve.

Brigitte, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Severe acne at 12 propelled my initial interest in skin care on a personal level, and I quickly self taught myself how to resolve these issues and help friends which was immensely rewarding.

I am known for enjoying a challenge, and often the person people see after they’ve tried a few dermatologists and respected skin professionals without getting the results they hoped for. Though my initial specialty in inflamed, and dry skin with acne, I am now known for the Peptide & Stem Cell Facial which uses a micro-injection microneedling pen from Australia that is not only virtually painless unlike many devices, but I use two peptides (Syn-Ake and Argireline) that mimic a neuromodulator (“Botox”) effect, along with living stem cells, vitamins, collagen and dozens of other beneficial micro-injectables. What sets this apart, other than the results, is that it’s customizable, and still a relaxing complete European style facial with extractions and masks made from fresh fruit and herbs that I blend up on the spot tailored to the clients needs. The results have honestly surpassed my own expectations.

I am fortunate that having my own skin care company gives me access to cosmetic chemists and a huge range of rare and beneficial ingredients. During the pandemic, I partnered with a cosmetic chemist in Milan Italy of all places, an we began to make clinical products (HARA Medical) specifically for physicians and medical estheticians to sell privately directly to their clients. I love having products with unsurpassed quality to offer clients in person and on our site, and the joy that it brings my clients to to see results from these formulas after years of wasting money on products that did not work well enough. Because we are a private company, we don’t advertise or spend anything on marketing or influencers, so our prices stay reasonable and reflect the actual cost of production.

I am so proud of the the results this has given my clients, and admittedly I love seeing the results on my own skin as well. I also want people to know that despite how much I dearly love our formulas, I never aim to pressure anyone to switch to our brands if they love their routine. I like to introduce 1-2 products at a time, and allow clients to see the results first and gain their confidence.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

I have always been the sole investor in my skin care practice, and for Green Chemistry’s products. It was intimidating at first, but it allowed me complete creative control over formulas, and the chemists I work with have been beyond incredible. I am regimented (oh how Capricorn of me!) and managed to use savings and pay off a small loan within a year due to the products fortunately selling quite well thanks to my dear clients and customers referrals, and I have a genius Chief Marketing Officer (Nadya Rousseau who founded Alter New Media) who has always focussed on continuing education in her field, which resonates deeply with me. I could not do this without the tremendously talented chemists, photographers, and the incredible array of professionals who have helped make Green Chemistry so successful.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Personality and confidence are crucial! When you truly learn to truly listen to what the client’s goals are and make them feel warm and welcomed, you are on the right track. You learn to “read” people, and when you recognize a client may want to have a quiet relaxing facial, you must hold back on how much information you give them during the treatment. I am guilty of being a skin care nerd, and wanting to share advice and information that can truly transform their skin. I have learned that this can be sent as an email after the treament, and is actually a great way to encourage them to crete a follow- appointment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brigittetolson.net & www.greenchemistryinc.com
• Instagram: @brigittetolson & @greenchemistryskincare
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=brigitte%20tolson%20skincare%20%26%20esthetics
• Youtube: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brigitte-tolson-skincare-and-esthetics-los-angeles
• Other: https://losangelesfacials.com

Image Credits

Elmer Diaz
Haldane Morris
Courtney Dailey