April 24, 2017

Meet Teri Eastin of Atlanta Acne Specialists in Decatur

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teri Eastin.

Teri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I honestly could not figure out what I wanted to “do” for the rest of my life. The pressure of choosing a career that I would enjoy for the next 30+ years was daunting. After a conversation I had with my husband, who told me I could change careers anytime I wanted if I didn’t like my first choice, I felt liberated. Sounds crazy, but I had no idea I could do such a thing. Esthetics fell into my lap shortly after. Now I couldn’t think of doing anything else.

After graduating from ISSN (International School of Skin and Nail Care) in 2001, I worked in a luxury day spa in Buckhead. I loved that I could help clients relax under massage, mask and steam, but I also felt like I was in a cave all day since the rooms were kept dark so our clients could fall asleep.

After working at the spa for a few years, I received an offer to work for a Dermatologist. I was so excited! Shortly after working there I realized I had found my dream job. I performed a lot of extractions (pimple popping), which happens to be my favorite part. I worked in Dermatology for 8 years. I learned a lot. However, I was frustrated because clients were still breaking out even when following their doctor’s advice. I just didn’t have all the answers yet, but knew there had to be a better way. That frustration paired with cajoling from a long-time client led me to become a certified Acne Specialist and open my own practice. After helping her get her skin clear in under 3 months I knew that opening an acne-only skincare practice was exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

Today, I have a successful skincare practice where I teach my clients all about acne; what it is, what to avoid, and what the right products are for their acne and skin type. It has been a life-changing experience for sure! I am so thrilled to own Atlanta’s first Acne-Only skincare practice.

Has it been a smooth road?
I am fortunate in that it has been a fairly smooth ride. I started from the basement in our townhome on a shoestring budget and just made baby steps each time I felt like I was ready to grow. I have had a lot of love and support getting to where I am today and I really feel like that carries over to my clients. I might practice “tough-love” with them sometimes, but it is with the best intentions and a strong desire to help them succeed in achieving their skin goals. Because everyone deserves to enjoy clear, beautiful skin.

My biggest hurdle has probably been my own fears; Do I have enough money for that larger space? How will I get new clients? Is it time to hire someone? etc. Being a solopreneur is difficult because, in the beginning there was no one to help share the workload. In the beginning, I was the treatment provider, receptionist, plumber, cleaning lady, laundry lady, bookkeeper, bottler, AND mailroom operator… Now, I have a client coordinator to help keep my work much simpler. I don’t know what I would do without her. She keeps me sane!

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Atlanta Acne Specialists story. Tell us more about the business.
What sets me apart most is results. I am a Licensed Esthetician and Acne Specialist. I teach men, women and teens all about their skin and how to get rid of their acne in under 6 months. We take the guess work out of getting rid of acne.

I would say that I am most proud when a client tells me that they are so thrilled they have clear skin after struggling for years, or even decades, with acne. It’s frustrating to try so many things that just did not work. For many, coming to me is the first time they’ve achieved clear skin. It truly can be a life changing experience for them and that fills me with such joy! I literally vibrate inside I get so excited for my clients.

Just to clarify, we are not a spa. We specialize in the management and prevention of acne. Our treatments are clinical in nature with a focus on extractions. Many other places offer anti-aging, relaxing facials, laser treatments, etc. And as I mentioned before we are Atlanta’s FIRST acne-only skin care clinic. If you are serious about getting rid of your acne we’re glad you found us.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see our industry moving more online. 10 years ago, most people wouldn’t dream of banking or shopping online. Now, when you look at Amazon and a large percentage of retailers offering online shopping and many big names are closing their brick and mortar locations, I think a vast majority of business will move online. While there is a lot to be said about hands on treatments and my clients achieve results faster with our products and treatments combined, they can still receive the same great results without them.

That’s why we created our Virtual Clear Skin Program and offer Virtual appointments. This way clients can get the same great results and save time and money by not driving to the office, scheduling and rescheduling appointments because of other conflicts.

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