Donna Lee Tetsell
age 60 | single with two children | Lawton, OK
What are you most proud of? I am very proud that I successfully changed my career path at the age of 55. I’m a former flight attendant who continually sought out excellent skin care advice. Working at 36,000 feet with less than two percent humidity, is a very harsh environment. You can only imagine the challenges airline crews face to keep skin well balanced and healthy. It took passion for the field of aesthetics, ambition to succeed, and a strong work ethic. Now I find myself helping my “baby boomer” clients look and feel their best and it is truly very rewarding.
What’s the one thing you want in your spa, but don’t have? I would love a motorized facial table. I currently use a hydraulic facial table and find it a bit difficult for the client and myself to change upper body height or leg position. Just imagine, with the push of a button, finding the perfect height either seated or standing.
If you suddenly found $1,000 spare cash, how would you spend it?
I would most likely use the cash to attend workshops and classes. It’s so important to stay current. We read about new technologies in equipment and products every day. I never want to stop learning new techniques to give my clients the excellent service and advice they deserve.
How many hours have you dedicated to continuing education since you’ve graduated? Actually I spend about 10 hours every month actively involved in continuing education. I so look forward to every issue of DERMASCOPE, as well as attending webinars and personal research. I’m often invited to speak at a local cosmetology college demonstrating various facial techniques. The students motivate me to stay current.
What networking strategies have been successful for your spa? Networking with other aestheticians has been very beneficial. Let’s face it; we can’t offer everything. I know a lovely aesthetician who does an amazing job with eyelash extentions so I refer those clients to her. She in turn refers clients searching for “sugaring” services to me.
What helped you understand how to effectively retail your products? I ask a lot of questions post-facial, and offer explanations regarding the use of products. I will also offer samples from my back bar products, so the client can try before she buys. That strategy has worked well for me. Time permitting, I may also apply a quick makeup look, she may make an impulsive purchase.
How many conferences/trade shows do you attend annually? The economy has played a major role in the number of conferences I can attend. I can travel to Dallas by car so it’s easy to attend that conference in the spring. Hopefully things will change; I would love to attend the Las Vegas conference.
What information did you learn after you started working that you wish you had learned in school? School simply can’t teach you life experience. I got the basics and started attending conferences and workshops while still a student. Being proactive in my education was invaluable.
Do you double dip? I am a certified sugar practitioner. It is my opinion that sugaring is the most sanitary method of hair removal aside from laser. Guess the answer to your question is a resounding NO. If wax was my preferred method of hair removal I would not, under any circumstances double dip!
Do you feel it is appropriate to perform bikini/Brazilian waxes in the spa? It is a service in high demand. Some women are said to require the service for religious reasons. We are professionals and I feel totally confident in my ability to offer this service in a clean professional atmosphere. My clients wear a facial gown and using a towel I expose only the area I’m working on.
