Rachael Pontillo: L.E., creator of Holistically Haute™ and president and co-founder of the Nutritional Aesthetics® Alliance

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Rachael Pontillo is the bestselling author of "Love Your Skin, Love Yourself" and co-author of "The Sauce Code." She is an AADP and IAHC Board Certified International Health Coach, licensed aesthetician, certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner®, a natural skin care formulator and educator, and a holistic business mentor. Pontillo is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Holistic Life Counseling and holds additional certifications in metaphysical science, detoxification, acupressure, Reiki, Chinese facial diagnosis, and Ayurveda. She is an avid herbalist, self-professed skin care ingredient junkie, and lifelong learner.

Is there a particular moment or procedure where most skin care professionals go wrong?
Assuming there is nothing new to learn is a huge mistake. This industry is changing so fast, it will pass us by if professionals do not keep up and be part of the forward movement. Professionals should always keep learning. I also do not like seeing negativity, gossip, and cattiness among aestheticians on Facebook. It lowers the professionalism of the entire industry and that negativity ultimately spreads to the client. Aestheticians should act as if their mother, clients, teachers, and children are reading their posts. Show respect to other aestheticians and clients and do not spread bad news or participate in gossip, shaming, or online power struggles.

Why do you think people are loyal to certain brands?pic1
I think sometimes it is out of comfort or out of fear of change.

What is the toughest decision you have had to make at your company?
To outsource and delegate. I like doing things myself and being in control of everything from inception to execution, but we are better and faster and achieve more with collaboration instead of isolation.

How did you come up with the name of your business?
I focused on what I was trying to communicate, how I wanted to feel doing my work, and how I wanted my audience to feel consuming it. I made lists, asked for feedback, and voila.

Which honor or achievement are you most proud of?
I won the Institute for Integrative Nutrition's Health Leadership Award. My #1 Amazon Bestseller ranking in the skin care and skin ailments categories was pretty cool too!

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Here's more of our chat with Rachael:

How did you decide that skin care was the right industry for you?
Once I experienced how life changes once you heal from a skin condition, I knew I needed to help others who suffer experience that change.

What characteristics or skills distinguish you from your peers and enabled you to be successful so quickly?
I am innovative. I look for gaps and missing links in current modalities and approaches and I either fill them, link them, or find new solutions to solve problems. I also come from a sales, marketing, and editorial background and was able to use these skills to create a brand and a platform that resulted in industry support and a widespread reach.

What adaptations have you made over the years to stay relevant in the industry?
I have taken it upon myself to learn technology, further my business and marketing education, and work with amazing coaches.

What has been the biggest change in the skin care industry?
The rise of nutritional aesthetics and the influence of all the other industries that have led to it, including green beauty, organic food, health coaching, wellness, nutrition, naturopathy, and herbalism.

What do you see as an upcoming trend in the industry?
More of an integration of nutrition and wellness into aesthetics.

What is your biggest hope for the industry going forward?
That aestheticians will continue their education and learn to support each other's efforts on a more global scale, as well as learn to work effectively with practitioners in other supporting fields.

Is there a particular ingredient that you feel is a "super" ingredient? If so, why?
No. There is no single ingredient that is super for every person, since everyone has different bio-individual needs.

Other than your products, what are the greatest assets and strengths your company offers?
Our core philosophy, and care for people – clients, members, and co-workers – as inherently decent and worthy human beings.

As you grew your company, did you have any significant moments of clarity that helped shape its future and course?
Writing my first book, "Love Your Skin, Love Yourself," gave me the opportunity to share my story and allowed others to connect with me and see themselves both in my struggle and my success. I have gotten more clients from the book than any other marketing initiative. It also clarified my why, which, in marketing, is the start to many great things.

What advice do you have for someone planning to start a career in this field?
Be creative, think outside the box, never give up, and always prioritize your own self-care.

You wear so many hats in this industry. What is your secret to keeping life in balance and enjoying the journey?
Knowing how to schedule myself efficiently, asking for help and delegating when needed, allowing myself to rest and refresh, and knowing when to let go and when to move on.

Can you share something that most people wouldn't know about you?
I am a ballerina and a homeschooling parent.

How and where do you find inspiration?
Nature, my children and colleagues, music, art, dance, and books.

Who does it right in Hollywood?
I have always been a Jennifer Aniston fan, but, overall, I do not believe in idolizing celebrities.

If you could treat one person, who would it be?
Anyone who truly values our exchange.

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