Hello hello! I am Shelby Hopkins, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta!

I currently work at the beautiful Reign Med Spa location in the south of Calgary. I provide everything from traditional Esthetics such as pedicures and lash lifts all the way to Medical Esthetics such as Dermaneedling and Laser Hair Removal to name a few. I consider myself very fortunate to have acquired the skills that I have, as I love the variety each spa day provides me. When I am not treating my lovely clients, I am also the South Store Supervisor at the Beauty Depot, one of the top Spa Distributors in Canada. In addition, I assist with CIDESCO Section Canada, CESA, on their marketing and social media. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring different dance styles and attending Pilates classes for my body, mind and of course skin! Visit me in person or on my IG page @shelbynoellebeauty!

What first drew you to esthetics, and what has kept you passionate about the industry?

I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to take a cosmetology class outside of my designated high school, which ultimately led me to enroll in an Esthetics program. It was during this time that I fell head over heels for the beauty industry. From the collective and supportive energy amongst classmates, to the sense of fulfillment with each client I served, I knew I had found my calling. I vividly remember going the extra mile, quite literally, traveling an additional 20 to 30 minutes to another high school to pursue my passion for learning within the field.

The joy I experience when a client walks out feeling pampered and cared for is unparalleled. There's something incredibly rewarding about being able to gift someone with a sense of love and self-care that most people neglect for themselves. I feel very fortunate to complete each spa day with a feeling of fulfillment from providing this level of care to my clients. 

As my love for esthetics and the beauty industry continued to flourish, I stumbled upon the Esthetic Institute. Instantly, I knew it was the perfect environment for me to grow both professionally and personally. From the moment I drove past the school to the day I stepped into its beautiful classrooms, I felt welcomed and inspired. The nurturing atmosphere not only enhanced my skills in esthetics but also contributed to my personal growth in a positive way.

Looking back, how has your training or education shaped your confidence and career path?

I will forever appreciate my time at The Esthetic Institute. The ways in which I have grown within this company on a personal and professional level cannot be fully expressed. My journey began with the completion of the CIDESCO program at TEI. The experience during the 9-month intensive course not only shaped who I am today but also taught me valuable lessons in self-love, confidence, and supporting others. Entering as the youngest student in the CIDESCO class, I approached with a mix of timidity and uncertainty. I have so much gratitude for the educators, Meredith Thompson, Stacy Causier and Julie-Anne Des Roches and my fellow classmates who have taught me skills not only in Esthetics but also guiding me to confidently shine as my true self in which I continue to this day. Additionally, my educators equipped me with the best of esthetics training through the CIDESCO Diploma, recognized as the highest standard not only in Canada but worldwide. This comprehensive education empowered me to confidently advocate for myself, acknowledge my worth, and uphold exemplary standards as both an employee and a service provider.

What has been one defining challenge in your journey so far, and what did it teach you?

Working as a contractor in the spa setting offers numerous advantages I’ve discussed above, and notably the flexibility it provides in my schedule. However, I've encountered and continue to work on establishing healthy boundaries both with clients and within my various professional roles in the industry over the years. One of the most significant challenges I've learned is the importance of self-care and granting oneself grace while striving for excellence and growth.

The beauty industry naturally attracts driven and entrepreneurial individuals, and it's common for us to struggle with avoiding overexertion. Personally, finding this balance remains an ongoing journey for me. However, over time, I've become more adept at advocating for myself and achieving a better balance between work and personal life.

How do you approach building a sustainable career in esthetics while managing balance and wellbeing?

With my involvement within Beauty Depot, Reign Med Spa, CESA, as well as running my own Beauty Instagram page, it is definitely difficult at times to balance my personal time with my work. Through the trials and errors of overcommitting myself to my work, I have been able to balance my jobs and personal life a lot more effectively. I have found setting realistic goals for myself and allowing myself to ask for help when needed has aided me in creating a healthy work-life balance throughout this process. I am happy to say that providing healthy boundaries for myself, clients and my employer has allowed me to continue that balance. I advocate working hard and continually growing; however, I think being able to enjoy life with friends, family and hobbies outside of work is just as important.

Share a moment where something didn’t go as planned—what did you learn from it?

Throughout my journey in the beauty industry, I've encountered numerous opportunities for growth. Each misstep has served as a stepping stone, guiding me to where I am today, for which I am very grateful.

One crucial lesson I've embraced is the significance of celebrating each other's unique beauty and encouraging mutual support for one another. In our industry, there's often a pressure to conform to certain standards of perfection, which can be challenging. Personally, I've struggled with acne, an ongoing journey that has taught me acceptance and resilience. While I've been fortunate to have access to the best and most effective treatments, I've come to understand that imperfection is natural and should be embraced.

What advice would you give to future estheticians who want to build a long-term career in this industry?

For anyone considering a career in the beauty industry, my advice would be, it's what you make of it. The potential for fulfillment is infinite along with the effort you decide to invest. Within this industry, the options are limitless, offering endless possibilities for growth and exploration. Personally, I've discovered that maintaining a dedicated commitment to growth and embracing the opportunities that resonate with me has been instrumental in providing exciting opportunities and ensuring ongoing fulfillment in my pursuits.

My experience with this dynamic industry has not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to forge invaluable relationships within the esthetics community. The sense of mutual support, where ideas are exchanged freely, advice is readily given, and discussions about new products and techniques is truly something to cherish. 

There are many benefits to entering into the beauty industry. In particular, being able to infuse your business and services with your personal touch is immensely gratifying. I adore the creative freedom and the opportunity to spread my love of esthetics and enhance one’s beauty among both friends and clients.

My name is Amanda Hendrickson, and I own Rhapsody Spa & Salon alongside my sister, Amber Sundine, in Grand Forks, ND.

We are a full service salon and spa offering many different types of facials, body waxing, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, scalp therapy and all salon services. Our skincare line is exclusively Repechage which allows us to customize our facials and body treatments to meet our clients needs.

What first drew you to esthetics, and what has kept you passionate about the industry?

I began my career right out of highschool by becoming a licensed cosmetologist. I have always been a caregiver and wanted a career where I could pamper people and make them feel valued and relaxed. I used to say, “if I could give the whole world a pedicure this world would be a much more peaceful place”. This industry is full of possibilities, and over my 25 years I have been able to attend many advanced education classes at places like The Conservatory of Esthetics in Chicago as well as travel as an educator for a skincare line and makeup line. I love our industry because we can have a lasting impression and truly make a difference in people's self-esteem and self-worth.

Looking back, how has your training or education shaped your confidence and career path?

The Beauty and Spa Management program is absolutely amazing! I wish that I would have taken this course at the beginning of my career in order to prepare me for opening my business one day. It would have saved me a lot of stress because I would have had a set plan from the very beginning. However the struggles I endured really made me appreciate the information and stay dedicated through the course.
I have to say that meeting Vanessa a year ago at the Repechage Day of Empowerment was life changing. I had just been looking for a program or class I could take to really take my dream to the next level. Vanessa was so kind and helpful in telling me about the program that it made me want to attend TEI in person! I was so grateful there was an online option as I live in the states.

Recently I had the opportunity to thank her in person at this year's Day of Empowerment. Also, my instructor Meredith, was so helpful in so many ways. When I informed her I was dyslexic, she immediately gave me solutions to help me with all the reading assignments and never made me feel uncomfortable. She was kind, thorough and very professional. Her knowledge of our industry is absolutely amazing, and if she did not know the answer she would always check on it and get back to me. Because the course was online I didn’t have the opportunity to really get to know my fellow students or teacher assistant Brittany, but they were all very kind and easy to work with. Lastly, I would have to say that having Beverley Crowther as my examiner was a pleasure. Throughout my exam, which can be very hard for those with dyslexia, she was so calm, and I felt as though I was just sharing with her about my dream spa.

What has been one defining challenge in your journey so far, and what did it teach you?

One of my biggest challenges has been finding the balance of boss-employee relationship. I have always cared so much and oftentimes got too personally involved with people who worked for me. I would try to give them everything they needed instead of focusing on what the business needed. It was an ongoing challenge for many years with a lot of ups and downs and a lot of soul searching, reading leadership books and talking with a business coach. Over the years I have been able to find a balance where I am able to show that I care and make the Business successful. I am not perfect, so it is still a challenge at times, however I do believe I am improving every day.

How do you approach building a sustainable career in esthetics while managing balance and well-being?

I now come into the salon everyday at 8:30 after the kids go to school and work in the office until my first client, which depends on the day, 10, 11, or noon. I have an office day every Wednesday which becomes fluid if clients have to move around. However, I do spend about 8-12 hours a week on the business.
Balancing work life was a challenge for a long time. I often felt that I was failing at the role of being a wife, mother and a business owner. Through the coaching and leadership books I have read, I have been able to understand that I can leave work at work and be present at home. Doing that meant setting boundaries with my schedule, clients and staff as I had always felt that I needed to be available all the time. I still work very hard, just in a different way.

Share a moment where something didn’t go as planned—what did you learn from it?

The biggest mistake I made is not taking the time to work on my business from the very beginning. I thought if I worked really hard and made as many clients as I could happy that I would be successful. I ended up working 6 days a week, most of them 10-11 hours a day for several years with not much to show for it. My sister so graciously told me I needed to have an office day once a week, but I felt trapped thinking I had to bring as much in as possible. I tried and tried to find the time but felt the money coming in the door was more important. I found myself drowning in paperwork, bills and employee drama. I found a company called Strategies and hired them to be our business coach. They taught me how to make a cash flow plan and showed me the importance of working ON my business instead of IN my business. It was a long road, but eventually the fog cleared, and I had a new vision of where I wanted to take Rhapsody Spa & Salon.

What advice would you give to future estheticians who want to build a long-term career in this industry?

This industry is ever changing and ever evolving, however what it all comes down to is serving others. If you do not enjoy people or serving people this isn’t the industry for you. If you do have a passion for serving others and making them feel like their best self then the sky's the limit!

Work hard, stay humble and good things will come! Most importantly take time right away to work ON your business, so that you can be present IN your business.