Best in the Business

A licensed aesthetician and founder of Mia Skin Bar, Amada Taveras was recently named Face Reality’s 2024 Acne Expert of the Year.

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry? 

I have a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing and an aesthetics license, and I continue my education by constantly educating myself through the platforms of the brands I work with, reading educational journals, reviewing my aesthetics materials, and always being open to learning more.

How long have you been practicing and why did you choose this field?

I have been an aesthetician for four years, and what really encouraged me to join this field is my own battle with skin issues. I never suffered from acne but had my fair share of visits to the dermatologist and being on topicals and steroids for years for my chronic eczema and psoriasis. Without finding any alleviation to my issues, I decided to educate myself on my triggers, many of which were lifestyle and diet based. The desire to help others with their skin concerns stemmed from my own battle.

Why is Face Reality your ultimate go-to, and how has it helped you become one of the best professionals in the industry?

Face Reality is my go-to product line for not only my acne-prone clients but for individuals wishing to build a professional-grade skin care routine at an affordable price. It has helped me to provide consistent results, allowing clients to trust in my expertise and making me the go-to for all things acne.

A licensed aesthetician, Herbest is also the founder and CEO of Sugar Bar Spas. 

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I am a licensed aesthetician, and I am currently working to finish my communications degree at Ohio University online. It may take me five extra years with two kids, two dogs, and three businesses, but time will pass anyways! I recently took a series of facial massage courses, and I am taking my fifteenth chemical peel course next month. I also just brought on two new machines to both of my locations. Our training with those inspired me to learn more about the tools available beyond the art of the basic facial. I never want to stop learning!

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been licensed since 2010. When I was 19, I worked at Sephora and fell in love with putting makeup on all different types of women, talking to them about their problems or successes, and celebrating or crying with them. I knew I wanted to do something in the beauty industry for the rest of my life. It was the best way I could find to connect with people, and I was good at it. When I started doing Brazilians, I realized my true gift was making people feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations – that is what I teach my staff to do. When I see my long-time employees do and say things that I would to make clients feel comfortable, my heart is full. Amanda, Michelle, and Kelly are amazing and they put their hearts into their jobs every day.

A licensed aesthetician, Laynes is also the CEO of Smooth Skin Supply LLC and the creator of the Esthetician Summit.

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in kinesiology and have been a licensed aesthetician for 20 years. I am a huge ingredient junkie and educate myself weekly on skin care trends, new technologies, and ingredient uses for skin, specifically with eczema-prone skin.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been practicing for 20 years, and this field really chose me. I have acne-prone skin and

started seeing an aesthetician over 22 years ago who really helped clear my skin. I wanted to

help other people who suffer with acne-prone skin like I did, so I decided to go to beauty school at night to get my license. After getting my license, I started waxing to learn how to earn more money per client instead of one facial per hour. I self-taught myself the seven-minute Brazilian wax technique, started manufacturing wax and teaching, and the Se-Brazil Wax brand was created.

A licensed aesthetician, Kodirova is the owner of LAZ Skincare in New York, New York. 

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I graduated from Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics, and now, I am pursuing a degree in marketing management, which complements my expertise in aesthetics and assists me in managing and growing my business. I also attend conferences, workshops, and engage with professional organizations. Active participation in online forums and communities keeps me updated with valuable insights to best service my clients.

Dr. Anna Paré

A board-certified dermatologist with 25 years of experience, Dr. Anna Paré is a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and the president of Dermatology Consultants, P.C.

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I am a medical doctor and board–certified dermatologist. I continue my education through attending meetings, seminars, readings, and webinars, as well as networking with educators and industry contacts.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been practicing for 28 years. I chose this field due to my passion for health, wellness, and radiant healthy skin.

How does skin care fit into your overall practice?

Skin care has been a cornerstone of my therapeutic recommendations. It begins and completes the journey towards the best skin for life.

Why did you choose BIOJUVE, and how did you find out about the brand?

I have enjoyed adding BIOJUVE to my therapeutic regimens because of its unique ability to utilize living microbiome technology to optimize skin health. It is a perfect complement to other cornerstones of therapy such as peptides, retinoids, and antioxidants. I learned about the brand from core specialty meetings and our local pharmaceutical representative. 

How do you stay educated with this brand?

I read the book, “Rebooting the Microbiome” written by Dr. Doris Day and Dr. Thomas M. Hitchcock. This educated me on the microbiome and how appropriate changes result in improved skin texture and hydration, a decrease in inflammation, and optimized overall skin health.

What benefits do your clients see from using the retail of BIOJUVE?

Typically, within a few weeks, their skin texture improves, redness decreases, and their complexion’s glow is restored.

How do you promote yourself and the brand?

I use social media, live educational patient seminars, educational materials at clinic sites, and education of all dispensing providers.

Besides working with BIOJUVE, what else has helped you become one of the best?

Continuing education that leads to a deeper understanding of how the rebalancing of the microbiome results in better looking skin has helped me stand out in the industry.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

I give back through lectures, promotions, and offering continuing education within the practice but also through community outreach – supporting community causes with packages of products and procedures.

Dr. Paré Must-Have Products 

BIOJUVE Living Biome Essentials Duo

BIOJUVE Biome Support Complex

BIOJUVE Hydrating Barrier Cream

BIOJUVE Microbiome-Safe Sheer Finish SPF 50

@dermatologyconsultants

dermatologyconsultants.org/physicians

(404) 351-7546

Adrienne Shostak

An award-winning licensed master aesthetician, Shostak is the owner of Bespoke Aesthetics and Wellness in Washington, DC. 

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?

I actually studied theatre in college. Then around the age of 30, I decided to make the switch to aesthetics. I was living in London at the time, so I did my basic training at the London School of Beauty & Makeup. I opened my business straight after school and learned modalities from the companies I worked with. I started with intense-pulsed light, microneedling, and peels. Since then, I have continually worked on finding new product lines and modalities as I am always looking to better help clients. In the past 13 years of working in the industry, I have never not been in the process of learning a new tool. Learning is my passion.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?

I have been practicing for 13 years. I shudder to think of my early work, but you get better by trying new things. When looking for a new career in my 30s, I made a list of things I wanted in my work life versus what I did not. I wanted flexibility, an ever-evolving craft to learn, a relaxing environment, and something science based. I did not want to punch a clock, or do anything that was not tangible in its results. As I had my own skin issues for most of my life, aesthetics became a winning choice. I love empowering people to use nature to help themselves grow and heal.

Why is DMK your ultimate go-to, and how has it helped you become one of the best professionals in the industry?

They have helped us become so successful because their products are universally beneficial for all skin tones, types, conditions, and provide instant and lasting results. 

Why did you choose the brand, and how did you find out about them?

I found DMK by browsing social media and seeing the results of the many Skin Games’ contestants who used it. I am all about the before-and-after capability, philosophy, and mechanism of product lines. DMK’s concept just made sense to me. Using the body’s own capabilities to heal itself through reverse osmosis resonated with me and my own experiences with healing my own acne. But, at the end of the day, what really sold me was their enzyme therapy. After experiencing it for myself, there was no looking back; I was hooked.

How do you stay educated with this brand?

It is easy to stay educated with DMK as they invest so greatly in their representatives and provide consistent training. My representative regularly visits to help me train new staff and teach me more about the brand. DMK also has an incredible online library of videos to learn from. 

What benefits do your clients see from using the products of the brand?

One of the most satisfying aspects of the brand is how quickly clients see results – truly healthy skin from the inside out. With raised water levels and balanced oil production, clients achieve healthy glowing skin every time thanks to highly customizable routines that maximize potential.

How do you promote yourself and the brand?

We promote through social media and weekly newsletters and blogs. We are also regularly featured in the local culture and lifestyle magazine, DC Modern Luxury. This year I aim to expand our reach to teaching courses virtually for both clients and aestheticians.

Besides working with the brand, what else has helped you become one of the best?

Bespoke has grown the way it has due to a dedicated spiritual practice on my end. The business is an extension of me, like a child. It is vital that I protect and nurture my own energy and continue to grow as a person and leader. My spiritual practice is through yoga, meditation, and being part of like-minded community dedicated to helping other people. It is hard to balance all of it with motherhood, but the better care I take of myself, the better I can serve those around me through my work.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

We regularly donate our services to charity auction events. Also, Bespoke Aesthetics is a femininely empowered workplace. We give back in providing refuge for other women – a place where they can take care of themselves and be cared for by us. Similarly, I hope to provide a place for my aestheticians to grow and show them a clear example of what initiative, balance, and leadership can look like as a woman and mother.

Adrienne’s Must-Have Products 

DMK Skin Revision BETA GEL

MELANOTECH DROPS

skinbetter science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Osmosis Beauty StemFactor: Growth Factor Serum

@bespokeaestheticsdc

(833) 642-2542

adrienneshostak.com