Meet Takesia LoRusso of Pristine Natural Skin Care in Northlake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Takesia LoRusso.

Takesia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey in the skin care business started around the end of 2004. At the time, I worked with an amazing group of people at an animal clinic, but I felt I needed to make a career change and also wanted to be able to have something I would eventually call my own. So, I narrowed my choices down (as I have always had many hobbies and interests) to skin care or chef school. The minute I toured an esthetic’s school I knew that was what I wanted to do! I have always had an immense interest in human anatomy and physiology, and seeing what you put in/on your body and how that relates to your skin sparked my interest even more.

Ingredients are everything! I also loved how you can branch out from the title of an esthetician to do so many things. The business is forever changing, which excited me as well. I attended school and started my new career at a local spa. Life went on and I sort of forgot about my plans as a business owner. In 2009, someone dear to me became very ill. After a while, it prompted me to think about a lot of things in my life- my dreams and ambitions being among them. So, I started Pristine Natural Skin Care in 2012. My focus has always been on giving the best treatments to my clients, while providing a space for relaxation.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest issues I have faced is finding the right location. I have had to move twice. I do believe now that I have found my area and plan on staying and growing my business.

Also…time. The work/life/family balance is definitely compromised as running a service based business isn’t easy. It takes passion, hard work and discipline. I currently am the owner and operator of my spa. I do pretty much everything-services, inventory, receptionist, etc. I consider myself an organized person, but when it gets crazy-it gets crazy. I just try to remind myself to go down the list and do one thing at a time, but then I also remember I absolutely love what I do, it is important to me, I can say that I work for myself, and it’s well worth it!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pristine Natural Skin Care – what should we know?
Services offered are Facials, Peels, Advanced Facials with 5 different modalities, Custom Facials, and Waxing. More to come soon! I specialize in hyperpigmentation and acne. I perform these services with a professional skin care line, as well as custom blended products using powders, clays, hydrolats, essential oils and carrier oils. The most popular services are the Brightening and Pumpkin Enzymes, Microdermabrasion, and Chemical Peels.

I acquired additional training in 2014 with The Skin Care Therapy Institute for my Oncology Esthetic’s certification. This area of Esthetics addresses skin conditions and reactions associated with oncology medications and therapies such as mild epidermal dehydration, dryness, and a compromised acid mantle for those going through oncology medical treatments such as chemotherapy and/or radiation. This is what I am most proud of. It means a lot to me to be able to offer this, and I hope to do more with this certification in the future.

What sets Pristine Natural Skin Care apart from others is that because it is a one on one studio, I am able to thoroughly listen to each client and address their specific needs. I can also tailor each service to the individual. These two things alone give me the chance to create a more relaxing yet efficient service to each client.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest supporters I would say is my husband Steve and mother Marcia. In life in general, when it would seem that the whole world was against me, my mother would always be there to root me on. For my husband Steve, due to the time and energy it takes to start and maintain a business, has resulted in less time with my family. It was to be expected, but he has stood by me all the way. I definitely cannot leave out my clients. Thank you very much for coming to see me and encouraging me all these years!

Pricing:

• Pristine Facial-$65
• Brightening Facial-$80
• Chemical Peels (Lactic, Mandelic, Vitamin A, etc)-$90 and up

Contact Info:

• Address: 2100 Parklake Drive
  Ste C-1
  Atlanta, Ga 30345
• Website: www.pristinenaturalskincare.com
• Phone: 678-256-5890
• Email: info@pristinenaturalskincare.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pristinenaturalskincare/
• Other: https://www.vagaro.com/pristinenaturalskincare

Image Credit:
Trisha Marsh Oberhaus with Breezystyle Photography