It is my honour to introduce our August Clinic of the Month, the wonderful Maarisa Bastien of Spa Luxe from Iroquois Falls, Ontario! 

What did things look like for you and your business before Dermaviduals? 

Before I decided to align with Dermaviduals, I had a few skincare lines that I loved, but I started to feel like certain clients were plateauing. I couldn’t get them further. I really wanted to focus on just one line that would do it all. I started to do a little more digging and I ended up doing my Pastiche Training which honed me in on the Corneotherapy approach, which led me to Dermaviduals. 

What made you decide to bring in Dermaviduals, especially during a lockdown? 

I had a client who I had had for years, and we were only able to get so far with her acne, nothing seemed to help. I was grabbing things from different lines and putting them together to help her out the best I could, and that was my moment where I decided that I need a whole new approach, I need to go to the Corneotherapy network to help her out. 

I started to read your blog, and I found Meredith Hanson. I picked her brain, and that was really, really helpful, because she had already worked with you for about four years. Once I decided to bring it on, within days, people would message me with their reviews of it and how their skin felt so different. 

I had some time during lockdown to learn all the ins and outs, I did the Dermaviduals training, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

That’s one thing I really enjoy is the community that we have. We’re all happy to share and support each other. 

What do you think the impact has been on your business since bringing in Dermaviduals?

Where I live, facials were not a skincare thing. It felt more like a relaxation thing, and I would only get maybe one facial a week. I had a really hard time with that. Dermaviduals and the Corneotherapy approach, however, has really allowed me to focus on the skincare side of things, and still include the relaxation part, which is my favourite. Fast forward to today, and I now have up to a three month waiting list for my services.

What has the impact been on your clients? 

After doing the Corneotherapy course, pastiche training, and speaking with yourself and Meredith, I had a lot more confidence in the line when I brought it in. Having that confident mindset made it a lot easier for my clients to transition to it. 

When they were running out of the previous products they were using, it was really easy to say, “Okay, now you’re done that and you want more from your skincare, let’s switch over to Dermaviduals.” Once they started on it, within days, they were messaging me saying they couldn’t believe the results that they were getting in such a short amount of time. 

Since you were located in Ontario with some of the worst COVID lockdowns, I’d love for you to share a little bit about the virtual home facial spa parties that you were having with your clients. 

It all started because I really missed my clients. I love seeing them and hearing about what’s going on in their lives, and we needed a way to stay connected. I advertised the at-home facial and it was a great opportunity to give my clients the products to try even though we couldn’t do it together. I gave everybody a balanced kit, dropped it off with a bottle of wine, and met on Zoom to reconnect, teach them how to do a proper facial at home, and they had a ton of fun! It also made it super easy for them to transition to Dermaviduals because they already started with the products. 

Were there any surprises that came up for you that you did not expect after working with Dermal Systems, Dermaviduals, or the world of entrepreneurship in general?

I was very surprised with how well it sold. The line that I had carried for eight years was a lower price point, so I was nervous. Once I switched my mindset and I had the confidence to be able to explain to clients that this is what they need, the clients just took it all in and started it without batting an eye. Now they’re all coming back and are refilling their products.

What advice would you give to somebody who is thinking about bringing Dermaviduals into their business, or thinking about starting their own business? 

If you ever feel overwhelmed with the noise of the beauty industry, and if you don’t want to follow the blanket approach because it’s no longer working for you or certain clients started plateauing, call René. That’s the best advice I can give. 

In terms of going into entrepreneurship or owning your own business, read profit first. My biggest regret with my business was to not start with that. I would feel a lot more ahead today had I read that eight years ago.

What do you do to stay balanced and grounded that you think every business owner should do?

Hands down, hire a virtual assistant. My business would not be where it is without her. She does that all behind the scenes for me, and my cleaning lady allows me to be off when I’m off. Hiring those two positions has allowed me to focus on doing the work I love, as well as saving time for my family and myself. 

What do you think your business will look like 10 years from now?

This might not be a common answer, but I’m so content with where I’m at right now. I feel like I am where I wanted to be 10 years ago, so for the first time in my career, I truly do feel content. I hope to continue to do well, and I hope to know even more about the skin than I already do. But for right now, I feel very content.

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

For anybody reading this, or tuning in, book a call. I remember looking back on these interviews before I started with you, and I almost wish I would have started sooner. The team at Dermal Systems has been an incredible experience for me. They are so helpful, even though I brought them on during these uncertain times. They’re willing to work with you so that you are successful. So just call Rene!

Thank you so much, Maarisa. It’s been such a joy working with you and watching you grow during this crazy year, you’re such an inspiration! 

To learn even more about Maarisa’s clinic Spa Luxe, be sure to check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

This blog was originally posted on dermaviduals.ca.