Esthetics & Nails

Esthetics Graduate Judy Drew Creates Comfort and Careers at Atlantis Day Spa

When Blanche Macdonald Esthetics graduate Judy Drew opened Atlantis Day Spa in Tsawwassen, BC back in 1994, she knew she was creating something special. Today, Atlantis is double its original size, and still the town’s best and busiest spa. 

Judy’s unwavering standards of excellence have made her an iconic figure in British Columbia’s esthetics community. She’s continually reinvented Atlantis with the introduction of new treatments and technologies, which is just one of many reasons why the spa has been the starting point for a generation of successful estheticians, including Blanche Macdonald grads and current Atlantis employees Laurie Watt,Jen Clarke and Jacqueline Bruce.

Judy never planned on becoming an inspiration. It just came naturally. 

“Before I went to Blanche Macdonald I was working for a company managing cosmetic departments,” she explains. “I wasn’t able to provide the hands-on quality of service that I really wanted. I decided to open a business at home teaching people about makeup and skincare. I started seeing salons offering esthetics and I realised that I could do more. 

“I did a lot of research before I went to Esthetics School and Blanche Macdonald had a real commitment to the industry. The other schools I spoke to didn’t seem to have the same passion. The program gave me what I needed to move forward in the industry. I knew what I wanted to do but didn’t know how it was going to look. At Blanche Macdonald my knowledge was extended to the point that I was really confident moving forward.”

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Esthetics Graduate Anu Varma Provides Couture Care as Chanel Skincare Specialist

Anu Varma didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in the esthetics industry. She came to Blanche Macdonald because she thought it would be a solid investment for the future. Instead, what she learnt at Vancouver’s top Esthetics School ignited a passion, changed her life and led to a coveted position as Chanel’s Skincare Expert across British Columbia.

“I often get asked where I went to school,” she smiles. “As soon as I say Blanche Macdonald, it’s like, ‘Aaah’. Everybody knows Blanche Macdonald. It’s a well-respected Esthetics School and has a really good reputation.

"As a single parent, financial independence is of great importance to me. And my investment in the Esthetics Program at Blanche Macdonald has allowed me to achieve that. I was always taken care of, first by my parents and then by my husband while we were married. I never had to worry about paying bills until my separation. Prior to my divorce, I consulted with a lawyer, which is a service provided by the provincial government. She blatantly said that I would have to rely on spousal support because I was not going to be able to support my daughter and myself. The first thought that crossed my mind at that time was, ‘Just watch me’.”

There’s far more to Anu’s success than just financial rewards. As a Skincare Specialist for Chanel, she has the honour of being part of the team for arguably the most famous luxury goods brand on the planet. And on top of that, she loves every minute of what she’s doing.

“The ongoing satisfaction that I get from my job is incredible,” she explains. “Knowing clients are having a great experience is so important to me. It doesn’t feel like work. I’m very proud to be a part of the Chanel team that’s always welcoming and caring for each other.”

Anu doesn’t believe she’s a natural born esthetician. Her family moved to Vancouver from Fiji when she was 14. Her first love was fashion and she managed a chain of retail clothing stores for nine years. Her family became her priority once she married, and during that time she worked part time in the cosmetics department at London Drugs. It was that entry into the beauty industry that first brought Blanche Macdonald to Anu’s attention.

“Initially my interest was in studying makeup artistry,” she explains. “My brother, who is a hairdresser, encouraged me to do the esthetics program. He was familiar with Blanche Macdonald and knew that there were so many opportunities for esthetics graduates. He offered me a room to rent where I could do treatments. It sounded like a good plan.

“I visited other esthetics schools but Blanche Macdonald stood out straight away; both the ambience and the friendly and knowledgeable staff.”

That initial optimism about coming to Blanche Macdonald was replaced by unbridled enthusiasm once Anu started learning.

“I loved the program and really applied myself. I was so driven, so energized. I just loved it. Debbie Nickel was always around and so helpful. As women we should be supportive and encourage strength and independence in each other. Any concerns we had were always addressed. It was a lovely place to learn.

“As we progressed into the skin module, I became fascinated with the anatomy and physiology of skin. At that point I knew that I wanted a career in medical esthetics.”

It was not long after graduation that desire became reality.

“Upon completion of my board exam, I was hired by a dermatologist. As a medical esthetician and laser technician, there was extensive ongoing training involved. To be able to treat skin at a deeper level and achieve results is amazing.

“Following my separation, I started working for another doctor, Dr. Mathew Mosher, as a part-time clinical esthetician and laser technician. As a single parent I knew I needed a second source of income, and I began searching. Thanks to a past connection I contacted the Chanel representative and an interview was scheduled. After a couple more interviews, I was hired as the Skincare Specialist for British Columbia.”

Anu provides an elite level of service across British Columbia’s Chanel counters, from Victoria to Kelowna, which carry skincare products.

“The clients who are booked for treatments enjoy a unique skincare experience. I’ve met some amazing women who have inspired me, and clients who say I’ve inspired them. I can honestly say that the level of gratification achieved is very rewarding.”

After almost a decade as a clinical esthetician and laser technician, Anu decided to focus completely on being a skincare specialist with Chanel. She’s also found the time to develop and pursue new passions and opportunities. She was certified as a yoga instructor in August 2010.

“When I graduated I didn't realize the wide range of opportunities that would arise from the Esthetics Program,” she smiles. “The possibilities are endless with a program like the one at Blanche Macdonald.”

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In just a few weeks, the corner of Robson and Homer will be transformed into Vancouver's newest go-to store for the best Makeup, Skin, Hair and Nail products. Introducing Blanche Macdonald's very own Beauty Boutique, CurliQue! 

We invite you to follow CurliQue Beauty on Facebook for Facebook-exclusive offers, invites, contests and opportunities you won’t want to miss. Plus, learn about the hot celebrity lineup of brands we'll carry and be the first to know about special guest appearances and free seminars!

Nail Parlour Grad Steph Berry Creates Masterpieces Fit for Queens

The great artists always find their medium. Michelangelo had his marble. Hendrix had his guitar. For Blanche Macdonald Nail Parlour graduate Steph Berry, her mini-masterpieces come to life on clients’ fingers on a daily basis. She is, by any definition, a true nail artist.

“People often say that my work is different to the nail art they’ve seen before,” she smiles. “I’m constantly thinking of something that’s different or hasn’t been done yet. That’s important to me. Women who get what I’m doing come looking for me. I get women from London, New York and all over asking where I’m located because they want to get their nails done.”

Granted, not many of history’s great artists promised ‘Boss Bitch Nails’ on their business cards. Steph is a true original. Her cutting edge artistry is matched by an easy-going personality and her dedication to the very highest standards of cleanliness and professionalism. It’s that combination that goes some way to explaining why she caught the eye and is now represented by top Artists Management Company, Nobasura. The career potential for one of Vancouver’s leading high fashion nail artists is limitless.

“There are people like Sophy Robson and Jenny Longworth in London who have their own lines and are working with celebrities,” she explains. “That’s the dream for me. Perhaps I’m more nervous when I’m doing nails for a fashion shoot but I still approach them like I approach every client. I want to make sure I do a good job whoever it is.”

Blanche Macdonald Esthetics Grad Julia Linford Creates Great Experiences, Products at J spa and J naturals

Facials make up 90% of Julia Linford’s business at J spa, the light-filled space she owns in Vancouver’s fashionable Kitsilano neighbourhood. Julia understands that for a spa to become known for its speciality, it really has to be special.

“You have to go above and beyond,” she explains. “You have to give so much more than a facial. You have to create an experience. You do that with the music, the feeling, the vibe, the sound, the smells, the products, the textures, the hot and cold, the massage techniques, using your intuition and feeling what your client needs. It’s about working with people’s energy. Estheticians are givers. It can be exhausting but it’s so rewarding. It’s the only job where people leave loving what you’ve done. It’s super positive!”

Perhaps it was inevitable that Julia would eventually return to her hometown to start J spa and its exclusive product line, J naturals. It’s where she began an esthetics journey that took her to England, the South of France, the Caribbean and Brazil.

“I was always into pretty things and caring for my skin as a kid,” she continues. “I wasn’t really into the makeup side of things. More natural beauty. I’ve always been good at massage and I knew a lot about skincare just by reading about it. I got a job in Whistler selling skincare products by Lancôme and Estée Lauder, and decided to take the course at Blanche Macdonald a couple of years later.”

Once Julia had decided to make esthetics her career, she chose Blanche Macdonald to begin her formal education.

“I knew I wanted to travel and that taking the course at Blanche Macdonald would help me do that,” she recalls. “I went on line and did some research. And one of my friends had taken the program already, so I knew it was one of the best esthetics schools in Canada.”

Amanda Erickson: An Esthetics Icon

Amanda Erickson, Director of Esthetics at Icon Salon Systems, enjoyed a straightforward interview process before she started work at one of BC’s major distributors of spa and salon supplies. It was the family business after all.

“When I was in high school I never really thought about working for Icon,” she laughs. “It was never forced upon us to get involved. We were encouraged to do our own thing and find our own way. We worked here weekends and summers, but I never thought about doing this for a career.”

It’s a good thing that Amanda changed her mind. She came to work full time at Icon after graduating from Blanche Macdonald’s Esthetics School and has helped grow the Surrey-based company to where it is today, working with 3,500 accounts in BC and another 100 across Canada on top of that. As Director of Esthetics Amanda is a saleswoman, a stock handler and a liaison with manufacturers. But above all, she’s an esthetician.

“I took a semester off from university and started working here at Icon running the wholesale store,” she continues. “One day I was given the job of entertaining a woman who ran a spa in New York. She spoke about her job and her spa and I fell in love with the industry. She told me about the treatments she offered, and how she helped people and changed their lives. Back then Icon was really only focussed on the hair industry. We didn’t carry much for esthetics and we didn’t know much about the spa industry.

“She was so inspiring I told my Dad I wanted to work here full time. He said I could either become a hair stylist, an esthetician or get my business degree: something that could benefit the Company. I had a week to decide. The time I had spent in the industry meant that I already knew Blanche Macdonald’s reputation.”

Executive Program Director Debbie Nickel: Alchemist of Dreams

Who is Debbie Nickel?  

She is a wise woman.  Teacher.  Mentor.  Mother.  Comedian.  Her electric blue eyes hold the profound gaze of a philosopher, reflecting years of stories and students – a million moments of inspiration, wonder, laughter.  The woman of a thousand hats who wears them all with grace and magic, she is the alchemist of dreams, the creative genius and the passionate spirit behind Canada’s best Esthetics Program.  

For 20 incredible years, Debbie has been one of the key visionaries of Blanche Macdonald’s internationally renowned Esthetics and Spa Therapy Program – a program that has inspired thousands of graduates to become the next generation of industry leaders. 

From her small town beginnings in Ponoka, Alberta, Debbie has been an esthetician, salon owner, instructor, director, consultant, spokeswoman, judge and chair.   Today she is an internationally respected esthetics expert, heading judging panels, auditing competitions, lending her expertise to provincial and national organizations, and leading the Blanche Macdonald Esthetics Team as Executive Program Director.  

But she wasn’t always a guru of the esthetics world. 

“I didn’t know anything about esthetics,” Debbie reminisces. “I moved to Vancouver and did a number of jobs. One day my mom said ‘Okay, are you ready to grow up yet? I’m going to pay for you to take a course and I think you should take esthetics.’”

Debbie soon became a star student, and even before she had graduated, the school’s director had offered her a teaching position. She declined, recognizing that she needed to go out into the world and apply her newly acquired skills first.  

Esthetics Graduate Heather Blundell Tames the Frozen North at Mosaic Spa and Laser

Winters are long, hard and very, very cold in Fort McMurray. 

“It was minus 40 this morning,” laughs Heather Blundell. “That’s ok. It’s good for business.”

If you’re out and about in a sub-arctic, Northern Alberta oil town like Fort McMurray, there’s a fair chance you’re going to experience some skin problems. Which is why its population is eternally grateful to Heather for opening Mosaic Spa and Laser. How grateful? Heather moved her spa and laser treatment business from her home to its store location in October. Since then she’s had to recruit a staff of 17. You can almost hear her business booming.

“The main skin problem here is dryness,” continues Heather. “There are a lot of skin issues with the extreme temperatures.” 

Defrosting the citizens of Fort McMurray comes naturally to Heather. Since she made the decision to come to Blanche Macdonald and make esthetics her career she’s been facing and beating challenges on a regular basis.

“Things were changing in my life around 2005 and I needed a career change,” she explains. “I was living in Shuswap at the time. I packed my children and some belongings into a U-Haul and made the five-hour drive to Vancouver. We moved to Yaletown and I started Esthetics School at Blanche Macdonald. 

“My Mum had started me on facials when I was 12 years old. I used to go to the one spa in our small town and I loved it ever since then. My cousin and aunt had studied at Blanche Macdonald. I knew the name and I knew that girls that went there for esthetics were always hired first. That was important for me!

“On our first day of class we all had to introduce ourselves and tell everyone why we were there. I said I was there because I wanted to open up my own business. Now I’ve done it!”

Introducing Blanche Macdonald Centre's Atelier Campus: Beauty Boutique & Salon launching Summer 2011

My, how things have changed. Just a few months ago, we were ramping up to do our anticipated renovations of our Uptown City Square Campus and lo and behold, like the law of attraction, some gifts came in really BIG packages. Who would've thought that we would be taking over our own Robson block? The Blanche Macdonald Block. Now, that sure does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Right beside our Downtown Robson Campus, we've landed the deal of the century or dare we say, millennium? Blanche Macdonald has started the build-out of our third campus, Atelier, including our first ever student-operated Hair Salon - Q & A, and our own beauty boutique - CurliQue. Racking up over 25,000 square feet with a huge retail presence on the ground floor, flagship corner space and the entire second floor, watch for the launch in the late summer, early fall!

Already, the celebrity line up of brands has left us breathless.