Douglas Preston’s career spans over 30 years in professional aesthetics, spa management, and skin care career mentoring. His business articles appear in many of the top trade journals and magazines. He is past-president of Aesthetics International Association and former committee chairman for The Day Spa Association. His recently published book, An Esthetician’s Guide to Growing A Successful Skincare Career, is a top-seller among ambitious working skin care professionals. Preston leads The Inspired Esthetician, a membership-based resource for professional education and career/business mentoring. He also practices aesthetic skin care in his prestigious Los Gatos studio, Preston Skin Center. theinspiredesthetician.com, prestonskincenter.com, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. In one word, describe yourself!
   
   Witty
   
   

2. Who is your role model and why?
   
   I’ve never met a role model that I know of. Are they like fashion models?
   
   

3. What’s your personal mantra?
   
   OOOOOOOOHHHM going to make that sale today.
   
   

4. What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
   
   My wife, but I’m not certain she feels guilty about it.
   
   

5. How do you spend most of your time?
   
   I’ve never tried to pay for a purchase with time but thanks for the tip!
   
   

6. Favorite type of skin care product? Why?
   
   Profitable ones.
   
   

7. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
   
   Most people don’t know anything about me.
   
   

8. How would you describe your leadership style and how has it benefited you throughout your career?
   
   I’m an honest, straight-talker, especially in business. This has mostly worked against me.
   
   

9. What’s most important to your business: mission, core values, or vision? Why?
   
   Happy customers. Without them other details are meaningless.
   
   

10. What’s one characteristic you believe every leader should possess? Why?
    
    Credibility, although in today’s world that could now be a liability.
    
    

11. What are the biggest trends in the spa industry?
    
    Business mistakes. Well, you asked…
    
    

12. What is the biggest challenge facing the industry today?
    
    Time.