Sonia Boghosian has been involved with the spa industry since 1984. It is due to her continuous support of the aesthetics industry that cell therapy, DNA therapy, and the use of ultrasound and microneedling are now available to aestheticians and their clients. Boghosian is the president and CEO of Bio Jouvance Paris, Europro Equipment, and the International College of Beauty Arts and Sciences. She has also owned and operated many spas. She conducts yearly conferences and expositions for skin care professionals and is a guest speaker for multiple industry-leading tradeshows worldwide. Boghosian is also an active contributing editor to industry magazines and co-editor of many informative articles.
For over 30 years, I have been an educator, contributing editor, spa consultant and an owner of a spa, an aesthetic school and multiple businesses in the aesthetics industry. However, being owner of Bio Jouvance Paris has had the most impact on my life as it has provided me with the opportunity of getting to meet a lot of aestheticians nationwide. Being able to hear their stories and be a part of their business’ growth and success makes me very happy. I have been pleasantly surprised by the kindness of people during my professional journey, especially during natural disasters like the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Many of our clients called and left messages concerned and worried about our well-being making us realize that, even though we are miles away, we are one big family! It is that very feeling of camaraderie that transcends into the spa and creates a welcoming environment for clients. People choose a particular spa or skin care clinic, not because of its décor or product, but mostly because of the staff’s professionalism and customer service. Our industry is based on the fact that an increase in high-technology also increases requests for high-touch – that is, a sincere, personal connection with another human being. The best clinics and spas stand out among the rest because their employees are friendly, first and foremost, however the facility is clean and sanitary. Even with an established clientele, things can go wrong. In my years of experience, one such example is when an aesthetician fails to provide their client with an intake form before their treatment. I always suggest that the best way to a good facial is providing an intake form so that the aesthetician will know about the client’s skin type, lifestyle, medication, et cetera – all of which are important in determining the optimal treatment. Conducting a skin analysis is something else that most aestheticians skip, which is also very important in determining the type of skin they are going to treat. The use of a magnifying glass is very common, but most aestheticians fail to use an ultraviolet lamp, which gives an aesthetician a clear view of what is going on underneath the skin. Personally, my favorite skin care treatment is a good old-fashioned European facial. This basic facial includes an ampoule, a mask, a facial massage, and finishes with the application of a serum and cream compatible with my skin type. With my heavy workload and extensive traveling, this facial becomes a very relaxing time for me.
Sonia Boghosian’s secret to keeping life in balance and enjoying the journey:
“My secret to keeping life in balance and enjoying the journey: my faith, my family, and loving the work I do. Spending time with friends and making time for reading, cooking and traveling helps me stay balanced as well. In general... living life day by day!”
More from our interview with Sonia Boghosian:
DERMASCOPE:
Which of these roles taught you the most or had the most impact on you and how? continued…
Sonia:
As the owner of Bio Jouvance Paris, I get to meet a lot of aestheticians nationwide. I have been happy to hear their stories and be part of their business growth and success. I am also happy to be able to make a difference in their businesses by offering a skin care line that will benefit their clients as well as their business.
DERMASCOPE:
Has there been a constant theme that has led you from one point to the next throughout your training and career?
Sonia:
I have always been committed to transcending the boundaries of skin care in the spa industry with exciting new products that are developed in Europe and around the world. This commitment has led me to constantly search for excellent products that will make a difference in the overall appearance of skin.
DERMASCOPE:
What has surprised you most during your professional journey? continued…
Sonia:
I have been pleasantly surprised by the kindness of people, especially during natural disasters such as the 1989 San Francisco earthquake and the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Many of our clients were calling and leaving messages of concern and worry that really made us realize that, even though we are miles away, we are one big family. Our company did the same when other natural disasters struck other parts of the country.
DERMASCOPE:
Do you have any regrets, or is there any one thing you can point to and think, “I wish I would have done that differently” or “if only I had known then what I know now” that you can share with the readers?
Sonia:
I do not have many regrets, because I believe that even when we do things wrong, we learn from our mistakes and move forward.
DERMASCOPE:
What adaptations have you made over the years to stay relevant in the industry?
Sonia:
Our company, Bio Jouvance Paris, takes special pride in bringing and introducing the latest European skin care ingredients and product developments. Bio Choice (an alternative to Botox®) and Bio Matrix (an alternative to Restylane®) have been our top sellers for the last six or seven years. Recently, we have introduced the EMA Clinical line, which brings skin peeling to another level by including post-peel treatments as an integral part of the process. Post-peel treatment is most needed after peels but has always been neglected. Our motto is Peel and Heal – that is what we believe, and that is what we promote.
DERMASCOPE:
As a manufacturer, is there a particular ingredient that you feel is a “super” ingredient? If so, why?
Sonia:
“Super” ingredients change as the industry develops. In our ever-changing industry, one product cannot stay “super” forever. There is always a new ingredient or a new formula that surpasses other formulas and ingredients. For now, I believe encapsulated nanosphere-based products are the latest trend and are going to stay around for a long time because they keep the main ingredients intact and free of preservatives and additives.
DERMASCOPE:
Do you or your company support any particular causes or charitable organizations? If so, who and why?
Sonia:
Bio Jouvance Paris is proud to support breast cancer awareness because so many women die from breast cancer and it is one of the main causes of women-related deaths each year.
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