Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Russell.
Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been in the medical esthetics field since 2007. I originally aspired to become a dermatologist but quickly realized the focus was a lot of skin diseases and disorders. I connected with the beauty and vanity aspect of skincare. I attended the accredited school in Atlanta, the International School of Skin in 2006. It’s always difficult to find a job after the year-long program. Establishments want you to have experience before hiring you but it is tough to gain experience when no one will hire you straight out of school! I was motivated, humble and hungry for whatever I could absorb in the field from whomever would offer it to me. I very, fortunately, landed at Skincare by Gabriela in East Cobb. A very well know modified medical spa that was established in 1998 by the amazing Gabriela Voiculescu and now Natasha Griogorian. I began learning from the best. More importantly, they instilled into me the ethical way to practice in this competitive industry. Honesty first. Never salesy, never taking advantage of clients’ insecurities and upgrading them to products and services they do not necessarily need. I’m talking about women in the field who are absolute GOLD and I looked up to them so much. I would carry these lessons with me in my entire career but quickly realized how rare that ethical practice was when I branched out. You see, in this field, it’s up to the individual to seek out continuing education. There is no four-year college or university program from medical esthetics.
Even though you can spend and entire year studying just lasers… (in my next life, I would love to be a part of changing that!). Then began my journey a few years into my career to branch out! Making a very long story short, I found opportunities that would take me on for a couple of years to experience different things. Louisville, Dallas, Houston, and Raleigh. I was able to gain experience lasers, injectables, plastic surgery assistance, and much more. Working with the latest and greatest technologies at the time which are everchanging. It was also my experience that I was beginning to be pressured into meeting certain sales goals or quotas in order to make a livable wage. The experience would last me a lifetime but these establishments worked us to the bone while encouraging us to sell things we did not need to sell and taking most of the profit. It is also worth mentioning here that there was competitive nature amongst female co-workers everywhere I went. Working in a mostly commission-based industry, there was a lot of territorial cattiness all around. I continued to love everything about medical esthetics. I crave mentorship and quality relationships.
After all my endeavors, I was ready to get back to my roots in Atlanta and goes without saying I couldn’t wait to get back to my Skincare by Gabriela. I got permanently settled back in Atlanta and back at Skincare by Gabriela in 2017. Currently, I service clients as the lead Premier Esthetician three days per week at SCBG and underneath my stellar boss and owner, Natasha. I am the Spa Manager of the two locations overseeing a steady and amazing group of estheticians. I am responsible for the marketing and social media of the company creating content for the team and the business as a whole. I am the company trainer for all hands-on treatments, even though we are always learning from each other. I have great working relationships with many reps in town and all over the southeast region. Providing us with many continuing education avenues so that my quality team does not have to spend too much or travel to gain extra knowledge. I am proud to say that we are a non-competitive atmosphere and we build each other up and encourage each other. Making for an excellent work culture. There are no sales quotas or goals that need to be met. We are able to flourish naturally. This bleeds into our client’s relationships building major trust in such an intimate and vulnerable setting.
We are celebrating 25th year anniversary this year! Many reasons that separate us from others and why we have made it through all the challenges over the years (recession 2008, COVID) and why I couldn’t wait to come back. After all these years, I am fulfilled and excited every day about the industry. Practicing the original way that was instilled in me years ago. Creating the atmosphere and life that we want through authenticity and women supporting women in action. Outside of Skincare by Gabriela, I offer esthetician guidance and mentorship. This industry can be overwhelming with career options. There is so much one can do with a basic esthetics license. I meet with many new or upcoming graduates and discuss with them their passions to assess which direction they should go. I keep up to date as much as possible with companies that are looking for quality individuals to hire and I can assist in that placement recommendation! I ultimately want to pay it forward, daily, all the opportunities that were given or NOT given to me. I don’t want the main character’s energy, rather receive the “supporting actress award”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Esthetics is an extremely challenging road. Seeking mentorship, hands-on experience and continuing education is entirely up to the individual. All while needing to gain a clientele in order to make a living. I treated my first few years in the industry as an extension of my license. I observed, practiced self-development, and remained steady in my passions while I was slowly gaining a following. If I had given up at that time due to not making a lot of money and impatience, I would not be where I am today. It takes an extreme amount of commitment and patience to begin. Again, that first experience at Skincare by Gabriela with ethical practices taught me what I needed to know and was able to build my following 5 times over and over again within the last 17 years and five different cities. It is also common in this profession to work weekends. It was not until recently that I was able to remove weekends in order to have a healthy work-life/family-life balance. It’s almost initiation to commit to weekend work to meet new clients and have consistent, lucrative revenue.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Skincare by Gabriela?
I believe I mentioned most of this info in the beginning about was sets us apart from others. Treatment-wise, I would consider us a modified medical spa. We fit this incredible pocket where we offer treatments and services that most others are not offering. We feel like a spa, practice like physicians. We customize every client’s needs to offer results-oriented treatments without breaking the bank, without causing extreme inflammation or downtime, and of course who can deny the relaxation. Our SCBG team is highly educated, beautiful soul individuals. We believe that beauty begins from the inside out. We like to educate clients about health and hygiene of the skin and the beauty naturally comes along with it. All other enhancements are just that! We are relationship-building estheticians while remaining professional. We are honest and take great pride in the products we onboard and the services we offer.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
We love to absorb any content that can educate us and encourage our self-development! Lori Crete and Tess Zolly podcasts. Books by Dr. Whitney Bowe, up-to-date cosmetic ingredient lists and labels.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.skincarebygabriela.com
- Instagram: @skincarebygabriela, @rachelrussellskinscience
- Facebook: @scbg1998
- Linkedin: Rachel Russell
