We recently connected with Vande Jones and have shared our conversation below.
VanDe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
Being in the health and beauty industry started back almost 50 years ago. Starting out as an Commercial Art major then moving into the Beauty industry as a Make-up Artist and Cosmetic sales in a multi-level marketing company as Regional Manager at the age of 21 years old managing a staff of 30 staff members.
By continuing my education constantly, and obtaining Certifications and Licenses throughout the years as a Make-up Artist, Nail Technician, Aesthetician, and then getting Medically certified in the Skin care industry as Medical Aesthetician M.A. along with taking College courses took me down a different path.
Working within the Beauty field in many Salons and Spas it took almost 25 years working for other establishments, educational institutes, being an Intern in Physician’s offices to finally decide to go out on my own.
Having been a Skin care author and Educator working with and teaching those new young professionals getting their credentials, when questioned what they want to do with this career within this industry the majority said “they wanted to open up their own salon or spa”. To that answer, I told them it is better to work within a couple of establishments, develop your skills, find a special niche or specialty that sets you apart from this very competitive industry. I told them my story, and tried to drive home the fact that it takes awhile to be able to open up a business that you are ready for, have the financial resources, or have the background and experience within the field. Along with that, you must be able to have a great personality, people skills, and customer service expertise. Even with all that, you are never going to be able to please everyone, all the time!
Even with waiting 25 years to go out on my own, it is an overwhelming task to overcome the obstacles, and challenges of dealing with the public, employees, and your competition. Even now, there are always the behind the scenes things that go on that no one, not even your staff really know that has to transpire in order to have everything appear smooth sailing from a staff or client perspective.
Looking back, I would have probably established myself to be a Dermatologist in the field of correcting Acne issues for Teens and young adults.
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 got into the industry by many years of various steps of constant education, studying the latest technology and cutting edge techniques within the Skin care and Beauty industry by going to a famous Skin care Institute of Valmy in New York , and then working in the same Valmy School and Salon/Spa on the West coast in San Francisco.
Starting out by being a Commercial Fine Art major, which morphed into the Make-up Artist field and then to designing and teaching Make-up and Skin care courses to students. Entering Make-up Artistry competitions, designing costumes and make-up designs for Theatre was a fun and exciting addition to the career.
By continuing my education and getting more licenses and certifications within the industry, I worked with a famous Dermatologist who invented RetinA and who was also the Guru of Acne. I learned everything from this Doctor about treating the worst skin you can ever imagine. Patients who couldn’t leave their house because of the horrifying effects extreme Acne, and extreme burns had on their appearance, along with their self-confidence. Doing skin transformations is the most rewarding aspect of this part of the industry I’m proud of what I can contribute one happy face at a time.
Naturale Touch SpaTique in Newport Beach offers many various services, packages and treatments to guests at the Spa, from 2 to 8 Guests for a Spa party for those wanting to have a fun, relaxing experience. Bridal groups, Couples, or Girls Night/Day out creates a fun and relaxing way for Guests to escape their daily routine. every package we offer is served with some type of appetizers, or dessert, and beverages. We offer Body treatments, Infrared / Himalayan Salt Sauna sessions, Massage therapy, Permanent Make-up, and most every type of facial experience from express treatments, to Gentlemen’s grooming, Microdermabrasion, Hydro Aqua facials, and Teen skin treatments. We have various theme treatment suites such as the Glam room, the Mermaid’s Lounge, and the warm Infrared Sauna/Himalayan Salt room.
Along with all that, we have a boutique section with an array of products, vintage jewelry, cosmetics and skin care items.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
First of all, there are not too many Professionals in this industry that have 50 years of experience and that are still working within this industry. The challenges of surviving the test of time, the changes within the industry, the by-laws, the constant change in the economy, and the change in the dynamics of the current clientele, and the overwhelming competition throughout the State and right here in our neighborhood.
The first Spa I opened in Newport Beach, the opening day was the day of the 9/11/ 2001 disaster. We could not believe our eyes and ears of the tragedy we witnessed on television, and the overwhelming disaster of the lives lost and how our country was forever changed. The trickle down effect of the following years led into the housing crisis and economy disaster in 2006/2007 which changed the way clients spent their income. Shortly after that, we ended up selling the Spa to new owners and within a year they lost the business. I went into the corporate Educational field writing curriculum and designing courses for Beauty schools, and teaching the courses for the State Board of Cosmetology throughout the State of California.
The next step, was designing a Retro inspired cosmetic line featuring packaging designs with the Pin-up models of a by gone era and bringing it back to life. The cosmetic brand Stiletto Pin-Up features upscale ingredients and products all made in the USA. We showcased the cosmetic brand by having display booths at IMATS Make-up Artistry 3 day events for several years, along with other various venues on the West coast.
After the being in the corporate arena for a few years, I made the decision to rebuild a new Spa in 2012 again from the bottom up. Creating a unique relaxing place with an underwater Mermaid type decor and a place to come unwind by yourself, as a couple, or a small group to celebrate life. We did many events such as Bridal Faires, various fun events as Tiki Oasis, BurlyCon with our special line of products.
Then, as everyone knows the CoVid 19 Pandemic struck with devastating consequences for the world as we know it. Our beloved SpaTique was mandatory closed by the State of California for over 6 months on lockdown. I can’t begin to tell you how devastating that was for all small businesses, our clients, and the world in general. So, I survived 3 major world events and still operating on a full time basis.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Our reputation within the industry and the turn around that had to be done was to take lemons and make lemonade. The industry has changed, our clientele has changed along with the economy. The thing that makes our SpaTique unique and sets us apart within our competition is that we have created something totally different that no one else in the area or anywhere that we have seen.
We offer a unique environment that you can come in by yourself or with a couple or loved ones and experience an array of packages to relax, and renew with food and beverage served in a comfy and relaxing atmosphere. Along with that, everything we offer is affordable for most anyone, and the staff is always welcoming, and creating a friendly and place to learn about their skin issues, and offering solutions in a non-threatening and informative way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturaletouchspatique.com
- Instagram: @naturaletouchspa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturaletouchspatique
Image Credits
Sean D. Jones/ Knite Studio- www.knitestudios.com