Darker skin does have a form of “anti-aging” properties. We have been blessed with more collagen fibers in our skin. Collagen fibers are found in the second layer (dermis) of the skin. It acts as a “bridge” to hold up the layer above (epidermis). Collagen can be destroyed with too much sun (causing wrinkles in European Americans), or it can become lax with age causing sagging of the skin. As we age, those with darker skin tones look 10 to 15 years younger than those with white or lighter skin.

On Saturday, April 25^th the Skin & Makeup Institute will be hosting a Spring Fling to celebrate Mother’s Day.  Dr. Larry Leverett FACS, a board certified plastic surgeon, will be speaking about the latest advances in facial and body procedures.  There will also be drawings for spa treatments, makeup applications, and a spa basket.  Please call 623-334-6700 to RSVP for this event!!  Bring a friend and you both will receive a $25 gift certificate.  It is the perfect time of year to be fabulous at any age and to celebrate your inner goddess which is why Mother’s Day was started.

According to Mother’s Day Central (www.mothersdaycentral.com), the Egyptians were the first to celebrate the Mother figure.  They held an annual festival honoring the goddess Isis, who was “mother to all pharaohs”.  It was the Romans who then also celebrated Isis but to commemorate the beginning of winter.  In Greek tradition, it was Rhea who was the mother to most of the major deities including Zeus.  The tradition was brought to America from its English settlers who celebrated Mothering Day back in their home country.  But it was not until some years later that Julia Ward Howe is credited with starting the official Mother’s Day celebration back in 1870.  This day was proposed to celebrate peace and motherhood.  After that point Anna Reeves Jarvis, along with her West Virginia women’s group, began to celebrate an adaptation of Howe’s holiday.  In 1908 there was a proposition to make Mother’s Day a national holiday.  By 1909, forty-six states were holding Mother’s Day celebrations.  Finally in 1914, Mother’s Day became an approved national holiday. 

Some fun “mother” facts:

There are 82.8 MILLION mothers in the United States

The youngest mother was Lina Medina of Peru.  She was just 5-years-old back in 1939 when she gave birth!

The world’s oldest mother is Adriana Iliescu who gave birth at 66-years-young. 

69 is the record for most children born to a couple.  This honor goes to a Russian couple during the years of 1725 and 1765. 

More and more people are hopping on the beauty bandwagon these days.  However, with the current economic situation they may be putting themselves in danger looking for the best deals.  The cheapest service may not always be the best.  It is important for the consumers to do their homework and make themselves as knowledgeable as they can so they are able to look out for number one. 

In the aesthetics world, spas and medi-spas host several dangers that people must be aware of.  MSN profiled these dangers in a recent online health article (for the complete article, visit MSN Health).  At the spa, the biggest danger comes from waxing blunders.  The State of New Jersey is looking to outlaw Brazilian waxing because of these dangers.  First and foremost, make sure to speak up if the wax is too hot.  Burns to the face may scab.  Also, do not use any type of numbing product before a waxing service.  You will not be able to gauge the temperature that way.  Lastly make sure your technician is not reusing the wax applicators. 

At the medi-spa the dangers arise from injections such as Botox or fillers like Restylane.  The first concern comes with inexperience.  Research the training and credentials of those you are turning to for such a procedure.  Cost-related concerns lead the consumer to find the best deal.  Botox should run on an average $363 for an area.  The consumer needs to make sure that the packaging is unopened and the product is as promised.  There are many counterfeit Botox products that are circulating.          

Armed with the proper knowledge and understanding, these environments can be and should be a relaxing, stress-free occasion.              

Has anyone had a chance to check out the March 22, 2009 edition of People magazine?  Featured within the pages is Tahlia Brookins, an Arizona resident, who is currently seen on this season of “America’s Next Top Model”.  What you may not know is that Tahlia was one of the many who auditioned for the show right here at The Skin & Makeup Institute back on July 19, 2008. 

 A burn survivor, Tahlia, received second and third degree burns over 25 percent of her body when she was just eight months old.  Enduring multiple surgeries, Tahlia has come to terms with her imperfections and learned to love her body.  She’s definitely a breath of fresh air.

 Another contestant on the show who auditioned at The Skin & Makeup Institute is Felicia “Fo” Porter.  “Fo” recently relocated to New Mexico to attend school.  Both girls visited the set of Channel 3’s Good Morning Arizona to share their aspirations. 

Around the video’s 1:19 time line, you can get a glimpse of the audition pictures that were taken that day at the Institute.

 http://www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=333420&shu=1

If you would like to follow their journey, they are still being featured on CW6, Wednesdays at 7pm. 

This morning I received a call from our Director of Operations, Michaela Stipek, with a heartwarming story.  There is an aesthetician (she is also a cosmetologist) who has been trying for many months, to secure funding from Sallie Mae to attend our Permanent Makeup Program.  We got a call today stating that she could attend and she had the cash to pay for the program.  In her excitement, she revealed that the cash was given to her by one of clients who had known of her struggles and wanted her to pursue her dreams.

This story hit home for me.  I remember when I started the Scottsdale school in 2002; I did not have the funds necessary to hire employees.  So, I was teaching, returning phone calls, interviewing prospective students and a myriad of other duties that comes with running a business.

Previously I had owned a skin care center and had acquired quite a fabulous clientele.  My clients were very supportive of my new adventure.  They believed enough in me to use their time to volunteer as a receptionist, admissions coordinator and assist me with the paperwork necessary to keep the doors open.  Many of them continued to support me by having weekly services by the students.  This helped me immensely because I had immediate clients for the students to gain hands-on experience which we all know is necessary for their career.  Clients still support the school by continuing to come for services even though the drive is over 30 miles.

During this economic downturn, it so nice to have a positive story that can reach one’s spirit and feel joy.  I am sure there a lot of stories like our new enrollee but we tend to be mired in the fear that the media insists on spewing.  Let us try and find the bright spots during these times. I am confident that whatever your struggles may be, thinking in the positive will lighten the load.  There is always someone out there that will give you the encouragement to move you through your struggles; you just have to have the “happy” spirit within.  Like attracts like.

So today, no matter what you are carrying, know that there is something you can do for someone else to lighten his or her load.  I have seen the remarkable outcomes with paying it forward.  Giving has a way of repaying you with a multitude of benefits.

Let me hear some of your incredible stories.

Until next time,

Don’t let stinking thinking keep you from the rewards that are really waiting for you.

Pamela

I’ve been procrastinating writing a “blog.” I’m told that you just write something you want to say. I have a lot to say but writing it is quite intimidating. Everyone keeps saying, “Just do it!” Well, I’m doing it – only because I found something of interest that I am passionate about.

Today, I logged onto Yahoo for the purpose of obtaining my emails. Just as I was about to click on the “Mail” option, the caption “Hot Jobs” caught my eye. Generally I wouldn’t look at this information because in the past, the information listed only applied to left-brainers. For those who are not familiar with the term left-brainer, it is a term used to describe one’s way of thinking. The brain is divided into two parts – the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. Left-brain thinkers are more focus on logical thinking while right-brain thinkers focus more on feelings, and creativity.

Anyway, back to the reason I am writing. I opened this site, Hot Jobs, and saw Wanted: You! 10 Jobs Where Employers Come Looking For You. Initially, just as I suspected, the jobs were for left brainers – accountants, computer software engineers, environmental science, protection technician, etc. I scrolled down a little more and to my surprise there was SKIN CARE SPECIALIST! As a right brainer and a skin care (aesthetics) school owner I was ecstatic.

There has been such growth in the aesthetics field. When I obtained my license 14 years ago your options were limited to working in a salon or spa. Today, there are facilities marketing skin care on almost every corner – spas, medi-spas, laser centers, plastic and cosmetic surgeons, salons and even gyms. There are physicians, whose non-related specialties are incorporating skin care services within their practice – chiropractors, gynecologists, podiatrists, and even hospitals. My mother’s ophthalmologist offers not only skin care but also injectables (Botox) and laser services all of which increases his income potential. There is a need for qualified licensed professionals. More women and men are seeking skin care to either slow down the aging process or correct a skin disorder with non-invasive treatments. This is an exciting time for right-brainers.

Below is the link to Yahoo’s hot job article.

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/jobseeker/tools/ept/printallept.html?post=668&eptTemplete=careerarticles

Check out our new video and tell us what you think?

For anyone wanting to know more, we hold monthly Career Information events. Go to http://www.smi-a.com/events.html and select category – Career Nights.

Look no further than The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona, where we train the Aestheticians of tomorrow. The Institute was founded on commitment and passion. Our educators and staff understand the dedication it takes to become a competent professional. The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona is committed to train qualified students the marketable tools necessary to obtain employment in the aesthetics industry.

The career possibilities are endless with training that students receive at The Skin and Makeup Institute. Make an appointment today. Our team of knowlegable professionals are standing by to introduce you to a new and rewarding career in Skin Care. Give us a call or email us at info@smi-a.com for more info.