Dream job finally comes

[attach]1321[/attach]Jennifer Lee said working in aesthetics had always been her dream but for a while she was unable to follow it. As a little girl she loved doing facials and nails and makeup applications on her sisters and friends, it was a passion for her.

“I was held back because of the business my husband was doing,” said Lee.

She explained that she ended up working with her husband, an entrepreneur, but aesthetics were always in the back of her mind. Finally her husband told her to go for it.

And so she did.

Lee enrolled in the aesthetics program at the Champlain Institute in 2002, even though she was a lot older than most of the students in the program. She then worked for a number years in the industry before deciding to open up her own spa — A La Spa & Nails on Bayview Avenue at Merton Street.

“It was time for me to move on and venture out to doing my own thing,” said Lee. “This has always been something I wanted to do.”

The spa offers various services such as skin treatments, hair removal, and manicures and pedicures but one thing you will not find is acrylic nails.

“We do not do acrylics because of the chemicals. I am trying to do it all natural and healthy,” said Lee. “We have to focus on health. It’s not just about selling, money comes after.”

Lee said another big concern in a spa is sanitation and gaining the trust from clients that they will be in a clean environment. The spa has new pedicure chairs with a cleaning jet system built into the basin to ensure cleanliness.

“Bacteria and fungus is a major issue,” said Lee. “If (clients) don’t trust you then what’s the point?”

Trust is important for Lee as she recognizes that without it, her business can’t succeed.

“My motivation is to leave an excellent impression on a client,” said Lee adding that the best part about her job is making people happy.

“It’s really rewarding when I see the results (on clients).”