Julie A. Starr
age 46 | single with three children | aesthetic educator/school owner | Abingdon, Virginia
What are you most proud of? I opened Starr’s Esthetic Training and A Time to Heal a few years ago. We teach the full spectrum of aesthetics but we focus on green and holistic treatments.
What’s the one thing you want in your spa, but you don’t have? I have always wanted a massage water/audio table. I have only seen one, but what a wonderful variety of treatments you could have!
How many hours have you dedicated to continuing education since you’ve graduated? Hundreds! I graduated in 1984 from Ron Renee’s school and I am a big believer in continuing education. You have to stay informed in our changing field to be excellent.
What’s your biggest distraction at work? My biggest distractions are goofy students that tell great stories. Because then I want to tell a story as well. I love good communication.
If you could only have one product in your bathroom, what would it be? I would pick Jojoba oil mixed with therapeutic grade Helichrysum essential oil. It is great for your skin as it is extremely nourishing and healing.
What networking strategies have been successful for your spa? I like being involved in the community. I am a member of the Rotary Club, I teach an adult education class on herbs and teas, and custom blending skin care for the Higher education Center in Abingdon as well as our community college.
In your business, where do your best referrals come? Ninety percent of all best business comes from client referrals. Word of mouth and working with excellence is everything.
How have you stayed motivated throughout your career? It is my passion; I love what I do for a living. I have been blessed with many wonderful teachers through the years. I love new knowledge.
How many conferences/trade shows do you attend annually? I can attend one maybe two trade shows a year. If they are somewhat close by I can go more often. I do a lot of webinars.
What information did you learn after you started working that you wish you had learned in school? I would have liked to better understand the need of touch and the healing effects it has on people.
Do you double dip? No way! I teach sanitation and disinfection is no place to slack.
Do you feel it is appropriate to perform bikini/Brazilian waxes in the spa? To each his own. It’s part of the business. I teach it, although it is not in everyone’s comfort zone. But yes, I think it is very appropriate. We are professionals!
What is your favorite treatment to give/receive? Hhy Mo’zen (Life Balance) is my favorite treatment. You are taking many healing modalities and incorporating them into one session for body, mind, and spirit, creating peace and balance.
