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

Lauren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?

I went to esthetics school at johnson county community college and it was the best decision. The education they taught us compared to others was so different. They really focus on cleanliness, product knowledge, and technique. I could also see a huge difference when we went to state board for our exams. I loved every second of school.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am born and raised in KC. I went straight to JCCC after high school because my grandma was very ill. She and my mom are actually the ones that got me interested in skincare in the first place. I had no idea what an Aesthetician was at the time so I was in school to be a respiratory therapist. I went and worked at a hospital full time and decided I needed to take another path. My mom pushed me to go shadow an aesthetician and I fell in love with it. I now work at Radiant Med Spa in Olathe Kansas and am in love with my job. I help people with acne, hyperpigmentation, and more. I do seasonal facials, custom facials, dermaplanning, hydrafacials, peels, waxing, and microneedling.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think continuing your education is so important. I just recently got Oncology Certified and I love learning new things and techniques. You can never know enough information.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When looking for jobs, I learned very quickly that it was okay to be picky. I got placed in a few situations that were risky and I didn’t appreciate the owner/boss by how it was allowed or handled. When I’m this business you have got to be a by the book person. You are working with people and their skin. I consider this part of health care honestly. It’s so important you do things correctly or there are huge risks you’ll be taking.

Contact Info:

• Website: Radiantwithrebecca.com
• Instagram: @radiantwithlauren