Best in the Business

An industry veteran, Franco is the lead aesthetician at The Spa at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

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

When I was 14 years old, I told my parents I wanted to be a cosmetologist and hair stylist because I wanted to have an artistic and creative career. After a few years as a hair stylist, I decided to train in makeup and aesthetics and attended Christine Valmy’s school in New York, New York. Before long, skin care became my passion and is now my primary focus. I continue my education with courses, classes, and webinars. I also participate in classes and education at tradeshows, such as at the Repêchage classes at IECSC in Palm Beach, Florida. In addition, Repêchage CEO and founder, Lydia Sarfati has done extensive on-site training at the Spa at PGA, as well as co-partner Shiri Sarfati. 

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

I have been in the industry since 1976. Skin care truly is my passion, and I am so happy to be able to work in an industry that I love.

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

Repêchage is my primary brand because I see instant results. The education and support from the company is unparalleled, and I have had the great pleasure of training with Lydia Sarfati. For our clients who are active and frequently outdoors (for example, tennis champion, Venus Williams), Repêchage developed our signature treatment called “Facial of Champions.” This includes the iconic Repêchage Four-Layer Facial, Biolight Luminex Mask glycolic peel, and LED therapy to brighten skin, while an antiaging hand treatment and Sea Spa Glow foot and leg scrub restore hard-working hands and feet.

How do you stay educated with this brand? 

I frequently attend seminars and webinars where Repêchage is featured. The brand also offers extensive training courses accessible through the lydiasarfati.com educational website. This does not even begin to mention the in-spa training I have received from the Repêchage team.

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

They see hydration, firming of fine lines and wrinkles, and glowing skin!

How do you promote yourself and the brand?

I first create trust with my clients. I feel confident in my abilities as a professional skin care expert, and I know the brand will deliver great results. It is because of this that I am one of the brands’ top retailers at the Spa at PGA National.

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

Through the years of working in the field, I have kept education as my primary focus. I also personally try and use products before I use them on my clients. I feel it is my obligation to verify the products’ quality. I also feel it is important to look the part. I wake up every morning and prepare myself for the workday with a light, healthy breakfast and do not leave the house without my makeup and hair done. I have to feel that I look good if I am going to tell others how to improve their own appearance.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

I try my best to inspire my teammates on best practices and retailing. I am especially proud when the advice I give to new skin care professionals helps them grow in their career.

Belle’s Must-Have Products 

Vita Cura B3 Serum Complex 

Vita Cura Triple Firming Cream

Opti-Firm Eye Contour Cream 

Vita Cura Opti-Lift® Serum 

@labelleofpalmbeach

pgaresort.com/spa

(800) 863-2819

Judit Fuster

A licensed aesthetician of 27 years and certified laser technician, Judit Fuster is a service provider at the CONRAD Spa in Florida.

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

I am a master aesthetician and laser technician and have just received my electrolysis certification. I have always worked to stay educated about the skin care and beauty industry, and I am really passionate about every new thing. I continue my education through in-person classes and online courses.

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

I have been an aesthetician for 27 years. I began my career in Hungary, and then connected my work as an aesthetics instructor to work in Virginia eight years ago. I finally came to work in Florida two years ago. I became an aesthetician because I have always loved the beauty industry and wanted to make others feel more beautiful. I also loved studying and learning more about skin and how it functions as an organ.

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

Our spa is located at Fort Lauderdale, Florida and this skin care line, made with sustainably harvested seaweed, fits in perfectly with our location and brand personality. The brand also represents authority because the treatments provide such instant, visible results. Additionally, it is very important to work with a brand that is a CIDESCO associate member, with approved manufacturing standards and does things the right way. Repêchage has products that are dermatologist tested and plastic surgeon recommended. Our confidence in the efficacy of the products contributes to our success.

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

The CONRAD Spa is about empowering our guests to discover this destination and to make a positive impact. Repêchage aligns with this mission. We first learned about Repêchage at the IECSC show in West Palm Beach, and there was an instant connection. They are family owned, manufacture all their products in the United States, and are dedicated to excellence with their products. The cultivation and infusion of seaweed into every product, along with the way they ensure the highest quality, best ingredients, are all truly aligned with CONRAD’s dedication to excellence and integrity in everything we do.

How do you stay educated with this brand?

We are in constant communication with the brand owners. Shiri Sarfati, the executive vice president, visits us for one-on-one training anytime we ask. I also attend the online master classes once a month, and their educational portal at lydiasarfati.com is always up-to-date. If I have any question pertaining to protocol or need to find out more about a certain ingredient, it is readily available. We get monthly reminders so we can stay informed about what is happening and can immediately translate new techniques in a practical way in the treatment room.

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

After the professional treatments, we always consult on what would be the best products to help maintain the effects of the facial. Repêchage now has starter collections that work alongside all the professional facials. With products available in travel sizes, our clients can continue nourishing their skin and enjoying the results. 

How do you promote yourself and the brand?

We have events for our community once a quarter, which we promote on social media. These events help us reach out beyond our clients to new people in the area. We also have monthly promotions geared towards our clients that we promote throughout the property on reader boards, in the guest suites, through concierge services, and in the restaurants.

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

I take the clients on a journey through education and consultation so that they will not only receive the instant gratification of the visible results but will also be able to retain the benefits at home. It is so important to educate my clients on the proper skin care, from cleansing to moisturization to especially protection because of the weather in Florida.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

I give back to my community through the positive energy I bring to my work, which affects not only my clients but my co-workers. It is what we give each other that is important. Here at the CONRAD I am always giving skin advice – how skin can be maintained, how to be diligent, and the steps clients need to take to have beautiful skin. I give back by always educating. This creates a domino effect.

Judit’s Must-Have Products 

Repêchage Hydra Dew Pure™ Gentle Foaming Cleanser 

Repêchage Algo®  Mist Hydrating Seaweed Facial Spray 

Repêchage Hydro Complex®  PFS Moisturizing Cream 

Repêchage Mineral Face Shield®

@conradftlbeach

hilton.com/en/hotels/fllcici–conrad-fort-lauderdale-beach/spa/

(954) 414-5100 

A celebrated entrepreneur, China Wong is the founder and owner of SALON SPA W.  

What is your educational background, and how long have you been practicing? 

After graduating from Iowa State University, I began my career in the finance industry. As a client of up-scale Chicago salons and spas, I was mesmerized by the innovative environments, skilled service providers, and superb customer experience. I aspired to join their ranks and attended the prestigious Aveda Institute Chicago. Following completion of my program, I had the opportunity to work at the internationally renowned Van Michael Salon in Atlanta, Georgia. I eventually returned to downtown Chicago as an educator and department lead for a large salon and spa. After honing my skills in some of the most competitive markets in the country, I opened Salon Spa W in 2005 to bring my experiences, education, and up-scale service to Des Moines. 

My client list is extensive and has included Barack Obama, Arianna Huffington, supermodel Emme, Michele Norris, and NFL cheerleaders, to name a few.  

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

We have been in business for 18 years and have had the honor of receiving some exciting awards, like being named one of the Top 100 Salon & Spas in the United States by Elle Magazine and receiving industry recognition from Salon Today Magazine as one of the Top 200 Salons for 10 years in a row. Bringing in Ultraceuticals helped our spa flourish and do just as well as thr other parts of our business. Empowering our professionals with products and services with proven, personal, and powerful results made all the difference!  

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

After years of trying countless over-the-counter products and pharmaceutical topicals for my acne and rosacea, an industry friend recommended Ultraceuticals. After just one month of a simple four product regimen, I saw major improvements in my skin. I was so excited by my results that I started purchasing products for co-workers, friends, and clients to try. I was shipping the products from Australia, but I quickly realized, I needed to find a way to get these products to all of our clients in the United States. The rest is history!  

How do you stay educated with Ultraceuticals? 

The access to global education resources from leading experts in clinical research and skin science with Ultraceuticals is extraordinary. Our best education experience was the Ultraceuticals Global Beyond Business conference in Sydney, Australia. Skin professionals from around the world gathered for top-notch education, motivation, and celebration. It included interactive research and development experiences, wellness initiatives, the latest in skin science, breakthroughs in skin care services and some great fun.  

How do you promote yourself and the brand? 

Our nearly 1,600 Google reviews and 5-star rating, combined with a strong SEO strategy, drive our new business development. We feature skin success stories with amazing before and after images on our social media channels, web profiles, websites, in print, and throughout our space on digital screens. One of our most successful initiatives features before and after images of our staff showcasing their Real Visible Results with Ultraceuticals. Our clients were thrilled to see images of people they knew personally, building confidence and increasing purchasing. 

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

Our commitment to developing top professionals has been key to our success. We combine significant career development opportunities through technical and business education, financial fitness, self-development, wellness initiatives, and benchmarking. This includes everything from hosting staff wellness events with massages, manicures, and pedicures to team yoga, rock climbing, river tubing, running or walking races, and training seminars. My greatest professional joy comes from seeing our team thrive in their careers and lives – a high tide floats all boats. 

How do you give back to the industry or community? 

SALON SPA W and our incredible team members provide volunteer and financial support to over 100 charitable causes. Each year, we create and sponsor programs that provide services to combat homelessness, help children, support women, and preserve our environment. Two of our most significant initiatives have touched the lives of over 5,000 members of our community – our seven year-long initiative to provide haircuts and grooming services to people experiencing homelessness and our nine year-long programming to host and support mentoring programs for children. 

China’s Must-Have Products 

Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum Mild  

Ultra DNA³ Complex Recovery Night Cream 

Ultra Granule-C Microfoliant  

Ultra Brightening Foaming Cleanser 

@salonspaw 

salonspaw.com 

(515) 280-5358 

Cara Dempsey

A licensed aesthetician, Cara Dempsey is also the 2022 Face Reality Acne Expert of the Year and the owner of SKINCARA. 

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

I dropped out of traditional college to pursue my passion for aesthetics. Learning does not stop once you get your license – it is just the beginning. I love listening to podcasts, taking advantage of continuing education courses, and finding good mentors to keep me motivated to grow in this industry.

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

I have been a licensed aesthetician for just over five years. I originally wanted to do makeup but quickly realized that it was not for me. I am so happy I found my niche treating acne instead!

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

Face Reality Skincare is my ultimate go-to brand because it truly is the industry leader when it comes to treating acne. Their protocols, continuing education, and results-driven products have helped me clear hundreds of clients and pushed me towards success.

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

I first heard about Face Reality through Instagram back in 2019. I remember seeing before and after photographs from other Face Reality Acne Experts, and I knew this was the line I wanted to work with because their results are unmatched.

How do you stay educated with Face Reality?

They offer continuing education, live video training, and have an Acne Expert success team that I take advantage of frequently. All these things allow me to be at the top of my game when it comes to treating acne.

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

Face Reality Skincare retail products assist in clearing their acne and help them maintain clear skin. My clients are obsessed with these products!

How do you promote yourself and Face Reality?

I take advantage of social media apps like Instagram and TikTok to share acne-specific content with people all over the globe. Before and after photographs have also been a game changer because they allow people to see what I can do with Face Reality Skincare.

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

Being truly passionate about what I do each day makes the job easy. I am so passionate about acne and educating clients on how they can achieve clear skin. I have always wanted to be a student; I want to learn and keep educating myself as much as possible.

How do you give back to the industry or community?

I am so grateful to be a Face Reality Ambassador. That platform has allowed me to educate other Acne Experts and skin care professionals to help them grow in this industry. There have been so many people who have helped me along my journey, so it is important for me to do the same with others.

Cara’s Must-Have Products

Ultra Gentle Cleanser

Daily SPF 30 Lotion

Hydrabalance 

8% L-Mandelic Serum

@weloveacne

weloveacne.com

(865) 622-8331

Specializing in clinical holistic skin care at Premier Med Spa, Elizabeth Brasher is a licensed aesthetician, laser technician, and instructor with over a decade of experience under her belt. In addition, she serves as DERMASCOPE’s lead in-house aesthetician and co-hosts The Aesthetic Report podcast.

Why is Revision Skincare your ultimate go-to, and how has it helped you become one of the best professionals in the industry?
Revision Skincare utilizes the best possible ingredients mixed with no-nonsense packaging which makes me trust what I am going to get.

Why did you choose Revision Skincare, and how did you find out about them?
Coming into a medical aesthetics space, I ran into many overpriced, underperforming products. Once we tried Revision, we knew they met our need for quality products and education. Also, their privately owned laboratory is local, and their facilities are available to tour.

How do you stay educated with this brand?
Revision’s representatives are well-versed, educated, and speak directly to the brand’s formulators, making them able to provide accurate information. Clinical data is always impressive. They also hold events for product launches and combination protocols, boosting their performance.

What benefits do your clients see from using Revision Skincare products?
The straight-forward approach makes the routine less overwhelming, even for the newest skin care user. They feel the difference in quality immediately. The cost is attainable, so they can keep up with the results long-term.

How do you promote yourself and the brand?
In-spa, we utilize in the brand in the treatment room and build out a custom routine to work on at home, making clients come back for more. And, of course, there is always social media.

Besides working with the brand, what else has helped you become one of the best?
My focus on education extends beyond just learning protocols. I make sure I am well versed in everything I do (and even some things I do not offer). My clients see me as a go-to resource for skin health and well-being.

What is your educational background, and how do you continue your education in the industry?
I am a wannabe graphic designer turned aesthetician. I love creativity, expression, and making an impact.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?
12 years and counting! I love getting to lead a client from start to finish. Often, creating an approach to a particular skin goal is like hunting down the clues in a client’s skin and health to find answers.

How do you give back to the industry or community?
I often answer questions on professional forums, admin the Texas (A)esthetician Circle Facebook group, perform live interviews with industry leaders, present webinars, give lectures, and later this year, I will launch my first fundamentals minicourse.

Elizabeth’s Must-Have Products:
DEJ Daily Boosting Serum
Nectifirm Advanced
C+ Correcting Complex 30%
Intellishade TruPhysical

@theskingal
premiermedspatx.com

Voted Favorite Aesthetic Influencer in the 2022 Aestheticians’ Choice Awards, Choate-Bewley is a licensed aesthetician of over a decade and the owner of Skin By Lexie. In addition, she was named Aesthetician of the Year by Cosmedix in both 2017 and 2018.

How long have you been practicing, and why did you choose this field?
I have been an aesthetician for 13 years. I went to beauty school when I was in high school through the Regional Occupational Program. I had acne and wanted to learn how to fix my skin and help others who had the same issues.

How do you continue your education in the industry?
I attend IECSC Las Vegas every year and love how they provide classes on every subject. Throughout the year, I do online education or in-person classes locally as well. The latest completed classes and certifications that have ended up as new services for my spa menu are dermaplaning with DermaplanePro and eyebrow tinting.

@skinbylexie
skinbylexie.glossgenius.com