In 1976 I started doing skincare after graduating from Craig’s College of Beauty here in Lansing, Michigan, my home town.
What drew me to my work 46 years ago is the same things that draws me to my work today: the ability to help people feel great about how they look, and the positive impact self-esteem can have on people’s lives.
A lot has changed in 46 years. I like to tell the story that when I first started doing facials in 1976, the most powerful tool in my aesthetician’s arsenal was a Honey & Almond scrub.
Fast forward almost five decades and my equipment seems futuristic and unrecognizable. Every day I come to work and I get to improve people’s skin with the most advanced laser and ingredient technologies on the market. And can you believe that I still have some of the same clients I met when I first started? Talk about loyalty!
It’s hard to imagine retirement after so many years of doing work I love, but I’m thrilled for my next chapter. My husband Ramiro (@rayelpintor) and I have an Airstream trailer that we are actively preparing for cross-country journeys with our cat Dill. We can’t wait!
As for staying in contact, don’t worry!
I may not be doing services every day, but I know I’ll stay in close contact with my colleagues and clients. Here are 2 things you can do right now to make sure we don’t lose touch:
Sign up for my mailing list!
Follow my Instagram @greatskinbyolga
Throughout my career, people have believed in me in ways that have opened doors to career-shifting and life-changing opportunities. Most recently, in 2016, I came to MSU where I’ve had a chance to be part of a great team and give my clients state-of-the-art treatments. I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had. But none of those opportunities would have been successful without the loyalty of my clients. I am deeply indebted to my clients who have trusted me, followed me, and supported me. Because of you I got to do what I love for 46 years. Thank you.
I also want to thank my former and current colleagues that I have worked with through the years (@beautifulskinbybeth, @loveyourfacebyrobin). I’ve learned valuable skills and important lessons from each of you.
This also includes my daughter Veronica Briseño (@letstalkskinofficial), a former colleague and fellow medical aesthetician and industry educator. I never could have imagined that you would follow in my skincare footsteps, or how much fun we would have endlessly talking skin!
To the next generation of skincare professionals, I want to share two guiding principals that have helped me find success:
Skill is necessary, but it’s not sufficient on its own. What will set you apart is outstanding customer service, which requires patience, curiosity and hard work.
Value education. Don’t stop seeking out what’s best for your clients. Be courageous in your evolution and humble enough to know that there is always more to learn.
Lastly I want to thank God for my many blessings. As well as my husband Ramiro, without whom my career might never have started or been successful for so long. I’m so excited to be retired together. Let’s go!
-Olga Briseño
Medical Aesthetician