Educate yourself. If you’re passionate about something, you should be willing to study and work night and day.
Joanna VargasINTRODUCE YOURSELF:
I’m Joanna Vargas and I’m the founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare in New York City and my new, second location in West Hollywood, California.
WHAT I DO
I own and operate two exclusive skin care salons — New York City and West Hollywood. I have a background in photography and women’s studies and thought those would be assets within the beauty industry. I started that career as an esthetician at one of New York City’s first organic spas, and I was a specialist in celebrity dermatologist’s office until I was ready to open my own studio. After more than decade, I’m now known as celebrity facialist, and I’m the product developer for Joanna Vargas Skincare.
WHEN YOU START YOUR DAY, WHAT WEBSITES DO YOU CHECK FIRST?
Instagram, Facebook, Byrdie, Well and Good
WHAT IS A TREND YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF SPA AND WELLNESS SERVICES OR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?
I see technologies playing a bigger role in the non-invasive, results-oriented skin care field. I own a patent for the LED light I use in my New York salon, but I’m already updating its design and functionality based on newer technology.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
Know who your client is and what they are looking for.
AND ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO OTHERS?
Educate yourself. If you’re passionate about something, you should be willing to study or work night and day.
WHAT DO YOU DO, FOR YOURSELF, TO ASSURE YOUR OWN HEALTH AND WELLNESS?
I exercise daily eat a very balanced diet, and I also get facials twice a month.
When an expert esthetician gets facials, do you use your own team, or do you go outside your studio to experience others' work?
I always see my own team — I think my staff are the most talented facialists in the world so I have no need to go elsewhere, plus I am constantly reading up on the latest technology and treatments, and whenever I want to try something new, I ask the companies to share their innovations with me, which I share with my team. That said, I visit many spas and skincare salons in my travels to constantly measure and evaluate standards. I’m friends with many experts in my field, such as celebrity dermatologists, makeup artists, nutritional experts and even estheticians.
WHERE IS YOUR NEXT DREAM VACATION OR TRAVEL DESTINATION?
I just returned from Turks and Caicos for the New Year.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE OR WORDS OF INSPIRATION?
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. — Anais Nin
