Just a few blocks from downtown Asheville, North Carolina and its cutting-edge galleries, indie boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants, Evolve Skin Studio is located in a historic 1920s brick building on Merrimon Avenue. Many of the original features are what give the space its charm, including two fireplaces, hardwood floors, and natural lighting throughout. {mprestriction ids=”3,4,26,18,6,7,8,9,14,18,43,44″}
Having visited some of the best-known spas around the world, Evolve’s owner, Aomi Richter, knew the feeling she wanted to evoke for her clients. She brings a light, airy, and serene overall feeling to the studio, focusing on natural elements and fibers whenever possible. Soothing neutrals fill the entire space, with gauzy white curtains and natural sheepskin at the side of every treatment table.
Richter was featured in DERMASCOPE’s 2020 “Skin Saviors: 45 Faces of the Industry” and has been mentioned in HuffPost, Bella Magazine, Vital Proteins Lively Blog, and Spirituality & Health Magazine. She is continually researching ingredients, modalities, and techniques to complement and enhance the services at Evolve. Evolve’s aestheticians are carefully selected and extensively trained by Richter to meet her standards of an exceptional facial – including phenomenal facial massage.
Giving back to the community is an important part of what Evolve stands for. Having suffered from acne as a teenager, it is important to Richter to help other teenagers struggling with their skin. Many teenagers do not have the means to pay for regular facials or treatments like microneedling and LED therapy, so Richter created a program where she works with young adults focusing on skin care treatments, proper homecare products, and diet guidance, providing them with lifelong knowledge of their skin and how to care for it. Prices on these services are adjusted as needed to make them accessible to any income level.
How long have you been a licensed aesthetician, and what made you join the industry?
I have been licensed for 13 years. I have had an interest in skin care since the age of 12 when I got a natural beauty book as a Christmas gift from my mom. I started making my own salves, face masks, and herbal steams. My deep love for skin has been going strong ever since. I have always been passionate about health and diet as well, as it plays such an important role in skin health. I obtained my holistic nutrition specialist certification in 2015 to better serve my clients with truly integrative skin care.
What pushed you to open your own spa, and at what point in your career did you open it?
After working at a spa for three years, I started my own business. It has always been about the level of quality and experience for the client. I want all details to flow seamlessly. When I have control over all aspects of what goes into a facial, whether it is communication when booking or how the client is greeted when they walk in through the door, I know I can create a unique and memorable experience for each person. By using and retailing skin care products that I truly believe in, everything I represent can come from a genuine place.
What is your favorite treatment to receive?
My favorite treatment is our Stem Cell Facial, which combines microneedling with AnteAge growth factor serum and LED therapy. It includes a neck, shoulder, foot, and leg massage, so it is really the best of both worlds – an incredibly effective skin treatment merged with all the relaxing elements of a spa facial.
What product do you try to retail to every client?
I try to retail a high-quality sunscreen to every client. If someone is looking for a change in their skin but is not protecting their face every day from ultraviolet damage, they will not see improvements.
Bedside beauty essential?
My bedside beauty essential is Le Mieux Eye and Lip Cream. I layer it over my Priya Illuminating Eye Essence, and it locks in the moisture all night long. And I cannot go to bed without something on my lips, so it is a perfect two-in-one combination.
Favorite skin concern to treat?
I like treating mature skin. I have a lot of clients that regretfully have gotten too much sun exposure in their lifetime or that have not yet developed a good skin care routine. When they really commit to regular treatments and my recommended regimen, the results that can be achieved are so rewarding. It is never too late to improve the health of one’s skin.
You can only take three products to an island…
I would take TiZO Ultra Zinc Non-Tinted, Truth Treatments Transdermal C Balm, and Priya Radiance Dew Toning Mist.
Where do you see your business in the next five years?
I see my business in the same location I am now and if I can find the right people, an additional aesthetician or two. But I want to be very mindful with my growth so that the quality of our services is never compromised. I would sooner not grow and keep the outstanding experience I have now.
What is unique about Evolve Skin Studio?
Education and creating an outstanding experience are at the heart of what I do. I spend a great deal of time researching ingredients and how they work. This deeper delve into the science of skin care really sets us apart from the average spa. While having that deep appreciation for science, I also believe in energy work, bringing spiritual health into the mix as well. Every mirror in the studio has an affirmation card on it, and each client receives a chocolate with an affirmation attached. I want everyone to leave with glowing skin and a lightness in their heart.
Brands Carried
AnteAge PRO System
Priya Apotheca Velvet Mud Refining Cleanser
Truth Treatments Transdermal C Balm
Contact Information
@evolveskinstudio
evolveskinstudio.com
(828) 318-9066
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