A.P. Kaminsky
age 44 | divorced with two children | aesthetician | Denver, CO
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my two children, ages 17 and 14. They truly inspire me every day. I am also incredibly proud of my career. I have always wanted to study skin. I went back to school and opened my business during my divorce. It is a great feeling to achieve your goals, especially in the face of adversity.
What’s the one thing you want in your spa, but you don’t have? The one thing I would like to add to my skin care clinic is a barber chair in my skin bar room. It would be perfect for my micro zone treatments, especially since my clients do not need to undress for these quick specialized treatments.
If you suddenly found $1,000 spare cash, how would you spend it? If I suddenly found $1,000 spare cash, I would donate it. I believe in “pay it forward” big time!
How many hours do you work a week? My office is by appointment only. I work approximately 40 hours a week. If my clients need to get in on a Sunday, evenings, or holidays, I always get them in.
What’s your favorite treatment to give? My favorite treatment to give is a customized facial to someone who has sensitized skin. Those clients are usually a little more self-conscious due to the redness on their face. I always love seeing the end results after the treatment is finished and my client is happy.
If you could only have one product in your bathroom, what would it be? If I could only have one product in my bathroom, it would have to be Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Power Firm for the eye area and upper lip. It is silky smooth and I love how it firms up my eye area. It has really helped keep the crow’s feet away.
What networking strategies have been successful for your spa? Networking is so important in our industry. I am a member of AIA, and I try and meet and talk with other skin care professionals when I go to conventions, or when I take continuing education classes. Some of the most valuable lessons I learned have been from the other professionals I met.
What types of marketing give your business the best exposure for the money? I think the best type of marketing for my business is mass e-mail blasts. It is inexpensive and I feel most people these days, prefer e-mail correspondence.
How have you stayed motivated throughout your career? In my career, I stay motivated by learning new things and taking care of my clients. Nothing about my job keeps me happier than being in the treatment room. Sometimes I can’t believe I get paid to do something I love so much.
How many conferences/trade shows do you attend annually? I try to attend at least two conferences/trade shows per year. I tend to stick to the trade shows that target skin only. I enjoy looking at all of the new products, but I love the education that is offered at these big shows.
How do you feel about mandatory continuing education for license renewal? I feel like there should be mandatory continuing education for license renewal. I take my job very serious and have great pride in the commitment I’ve made to continued education. Unfortunately, I see a lot of clients that have had their skin damaged by aestheticians that are not that knowledgeable or well trained.
