Aleks Vranicic
age 31 | spa co-owner, aesthetician | married with one son | San Jose, California
What are you most proud of ? I’m most proud of the good reputation I have established with my clients, employees, and business partners throughout my career. A reputation built on hard work, honesty, and trust takes time to establish. I take those qualities seriously and work hard to maintain positive working relationships; and having that credibility with those I work with is a huge accomplishment.
If you weren’t an aesthetician, what would you want to do with your life ? 
I would want to coach. Whether it be a sports team or business, I find great joy in helping those I work with achieve their goals.
If you suddenly found $1,000 spare cash, how would you spend it ? I would do something very nice for my A+ clients… The ones that have grown with me and my business. I think it’s important to recognize them for all their support they have given me throughout the years. I wouldn’t be a success without them.
When you wake up each morning, what makes you want to work ? My drive comes from wanting to provide for my family. It is important to me to be a good role model to my son so as he grows he understands that in order to achieve his goals he must be willing to work hard. My wife is very encouraging. She continually challenges me to push myself to achieve the goals I set for myself – even those goals that seem audacious to others.
How many hours have you dedicated to continuing education since you’ve graduated ? At this point the hours have turned into days, weeks, and months. I continually challenge myself to experiment and develop cutting edge skin care treatments as I want to be able to provide my clients with unique experiences that provide the results they desire. On the business side, I constantly read and consult with other business owners to get a broader perspective on how to improve my spa business.
How many hours do you work a week ? My weekly hours vary, but on average I would say between 50 to 60 hours per week. It is not unusual though for me to work seven days a week if there is a lot going on.
What’s your biggest distraction at work ? My biggest distraction would be organizing my time in order to accomplish all the things I want to do. It is sometimes difficult to get to all the things I want to do because of all the small things that come up during the day that tend to be time suckers.
What’s your favorite treatment to give ? My favorite treatment to give is our Ultimate Decadence Experience. It takes about three hours and it really does transform the skin, body, and mind. In involves a banana pineapple enzyme mask followed by microdermabrasion, micro-current, LED light, exfoliating and hydrating treatments for the hands, feet, and décolleté, finishing with a guided visualization journey. I created it one day when a new client came in for her first appointment and basically said, “Give me the best of everything you have… I have all day if that’s what it takes!” So, I did everything I could possibly think of before my next client. Now she comes in every four weeks for the same treatment!
If you could only have one product in your bathroom, what would it be ? Easily it would have to be a product from the JOI OrganicLicious Skin Care line called the Organic Chamomile Sugar Cane Exfoliant. It tingles but when you wake up in the morning it looks as if you’ve had an overnight facial!
What’s the one thing you didn’t learn in school that you wish you did ? I really wish I had learned how to perform a truly personal client consultation. A good client consultation sets the tone for the experience they are about to receive, and when I make product recommendations throughout the service I don’t come off as pushy, but helpful. A personal consultation shows you are genuinely interested in your client’s needs, and demonstrates that you are there to work with them to achieve the results they desire. This is very important if you wish to build and retain your clientele.
