What prompted you to become an esthetician?  What kind of training and past work experience do you have in the field?

I started working in the beauty industry as a receptionist back in 2000 at a spa here in St. Louis. While working the front desk, I sat back and watched the estheticians form relationships and a sense of trust with their clients which I admired. I communicated with the estheticians often and “picked their brains,” in regards to their treatments.  Skin care has always been something that I was into keeping up with.  I always watched my mother do her Noxema masks. I integrated these rituals into my own daily life as a young girl, and they eventually became my own routine as a young woman. It wasn’t until February 2008 after the birth of my second child, that it was time to chase my dreams.

I decided that I wanted to start helping others with what I had learned over the years, and be able to perform my own treatments.  So, I went to Xenon International Academy, and graduated in May 2008, at the top of my class, and obtained my Estheticians License.  I have worked in salons, spas, and medical spas, performing a wide array of treatments.  These included, IPL laser hair removal, photofacial, skin tightening and high frequency laser treatments, peels (medical and natural enzyme), microdermabrasions, waxing, and dermaplaning.  I am also trained in microneedling, the newest, innovative anti aging treatment.  I performed these services at a medical spa outside of Scottsdale, Arizona.

What sets Bee Natural apart from other natural skin care lines? 

The use of game changing natural ingredients and Barbara’s exceptional understanding of cosmetic chemistry are what set Bee Naturals above the rest. Her 20 years as a nurse can be seen in her scientifically sound product formulations.  Many people don’t realize how important chemistry is when it comes to creating effective products.  Effectiveness goes well beyond simply combining a bunch of powerful ingredients, and it is refreshing to find a natural skin care company that understands this.

Based on your experiences with clients, how would you compare the effectiveness of natural products, like Bee Naturals, with conventional products lines, such as SkinCeuticles?

In Arizona, I was used to working with very high end “stem cell” products, that helped regenerate collagen and elastin fibers.  However, they were extremely chemical laden, and came with a heftier price tag than Bee Naturals.  I have noticed positive changes in my own skin with Bee Naturals, and my clients truly enjoy the natural, relaxing, therapeutic and noticeable results for their skin care concerns.  Bee Naturals products are mild, yet effective, natural and anti inflammatory.  I am an “ingredient guru” and do a lot of research on the effectiveness of certain ingredients for professional, as well as home care treatments for skin conditions.  I believe that these products treat the “root cause” and help heal skin conditions, rather than just masking the issues with chemicals for an instantly gratifying effect, without long lasting benefits.

What are some of your favorite Bee Naturals products?

I’m really into those geared towards anti-aging, so I would have to say the AA Serum which contains maximum levels of antioxidants-C, E, B5 and Hyaluronic acid, and has done wonders for the sun damage I got while living in Arizona for 3 years, and keeps on preventing further damage. 

I also love the Anti-Aging Blemish Crème, which contains some of my favorite ingredients, such as, sugar cane extract, glycolic acid, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid.  I have seen major changes in my own skin and my clients’.