Meet our April TEI Alumni… Sarah Marion
Hi I'm Sarah Marion, Certified Clinical Esthetician & Electrologist at Essem Medical Aesthetics in Calgary. You can find me on Instagram: @essemaesthetics. I offer laser hair removal, electrolysis, and advanced clinical skin treatments, with a focus on safe, results-driven care in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Why did you choose to get into the esthetic industry? Was it a big change from your previous industry?
I chose to get into the esthetic industry because I’ve personally struggled with both excess hair and acne for much of my life, and I know how deeply skin concerns can impact confidence and self-esteem. Experiencing firsthand how treatments like laser hair removal, electrolysis, and clinical skincare can truly change how someone feels about themselves is what sparked my passion for this industry. I wanted to become the practitioner I once needed—someone knowledgeable, compassionate, and focused on real, results-driven care.
While it was a change from my previous career in aviation, many of the skills translated seamlessly. Working as a flight attendant taught me professionalism, attention to detail, safety, and how to connect with people from all walks of life. The transition felt less like a complete career change and more like a shift in how I serve others—still centered on care, trust, and confidence, just in a more personal and long-term way.
How long has your business been open or how long have you been employed?
8 months.
What was your biggest challenge; is it still an ongoing challenge?
One of my greatest challenges has been building a business from the ground up while balancing family life and transitioning from a previous career. Starting my own practice meant learning not only the clinical side of aesthetics, but also marketing, booking systems, client education, and business operations—often all at once.
I overcame this by staying consistent and focusing heavily on client experience and trust. Word-of-mouth referrals, clear communication, and delivering safe, results-driven treatments helped my business grow organically. I also learned to give myself grace, set realistic expectations, and build systems that support both my clients and my family. Over time, those small, intentional steps created a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
What is a mistake that turned into a lesson?
Early on, I underestimated how important clear communication and boundaries are when running your own business. I tried to be overly flexible and accommodate everyone, which sometimes led to overbooking, burnout, or confusion around policies. While my intentions were good, I realized that consistency and structure are just as important as compassion.
That experience taught me to implement clear policies, improve client education, and trust professional boundaries. Once I did that, both my stress levels and client experience improved significantly. It reinforced that running a successful practice isn’t just about technical skill—it’s also about systems, communication, and sustainability.
How much time do you spend working on your business each day/week? How do you prioritize work life balance if you are self employed?
On average, I dedicate about 30–40 hours per week to my business, which includes client treatments, administrative work, continuing education, and content creation. Some weeks are heavier than others, especially during growth periods, but I try to stay intentional with how I structure my time.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been a learning process. I’ve learned to set boundaries around my schedule, block off time for family and personal care, and create systems that allow my business to run more efficiently. Being present both at work and at home is important to me, and finding that balance has helped prevent burnout while allowing my business to grow sustainably.
What is one piece of advice you wish to share with someone who is interested in starting a career in esthetics or even a fellow beauty industry individual?
My biggest piece of advice would be to focus on building trust and mastering the fundamentals before chasing trends. Invest in education, understand the why behind each treatment, and never underestimate the value of consistency, safety, and client communication. Results matter, but how you make clients feel matters just as much.
Also, be patient with yourself. Growth in this industry doesn’t happen overnight. Stay true to your values, set healthy boundaries, and build your practice in a way that’s sustainable for you—not just what you see on social media. Long-term success comes from authenticity, professionalism, and genuine care for your clients.
How did your training at TEI impact, influence or inspire you to succeed in business? Are you glad that you made the choice to do your training at TEI? Are there any special memories, moments or people of influence who made a difference in your education at TEI.
My training at The Esthetic Institute had a major impact on both my confidence and my success as a business owner. TEI provided a strong foundation not only in technical skills, but also in safety, professionalism, and client care, which are essential in medical aesthetics. The hands-on training and emphasis on real-world application helped me feel prepared to step into the industry and eventually open my own practice.
I’m absolutely glad I chose to train at TEI. The education I received gave me the confidence to trust my skills, continue investing in advanced training, and build a business rooted in ethical, results-driven treatments.
I have very positive memories of my instructors and classmates, who were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Having educators who were passionate about the industry and genuinely invested in student success made a lasting impression on me. Their guidance and encouragement played a meaningful role in my growth and helped shape the professional I am today.
Keep an eye out for our next TEI Alumni, it could be you!
Meet our March TEI Alumni… Angeline Doyle
Hi! I’m Angeline, my business name is Glam Gal Esthetics. I currently work at Reign Med Spa & Wellness as the spa coordinator and Lakeside Spa as an esthetician/receptionist. I offer a mix of basic esthetic services—including facials, manicures, pedicures, lashes, and brows—as well as advanced clinical treatments such as laser hair removal, IPL, chemical peels, dermaplaning, and dermaneedling.
Why did you choose to get into the esthetic industry? Was it a big change from your previous industry?
I entered the beauty industry straight out of school after only working in fast food, but I knew I wanted a career that felt purposeful and aligned with who I am. I was drawn to esthetics because it offered the chance to help people feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin, while also providing care, relaxation, and relief from daily stress.
Living with chronic pain has deeply shaped my passion for this field. I understand firsthand how much physical discomfort and tension can affect someone’s quality of life, and that understanding fuels my desire to help others feel supported and at ease. Whether it’s through a relaxing facial or a results-driven treatment, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client leave feeling lighter, cared for, and more confident than when they arrived. Esthetics has become more than a career for me—it’s a way to give others the comfort, confidence, and relief I know can make such a meaningful difference.
How long has your business been open or how long have you been employed?
I graduated from the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Program in 2024 and started working at Reign in November of the same year. I have been working at Reign ever since. I started at Lakeside Spa in January of 2025 to broaden my experience and I am still working there and learning more about types of spas and management methods. I started doing esthetics back in 2018 with nails, I only did my family and friend's nails, but it brought me into the industry.
What was your biggest challenge; is it still an ongoing challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the industry was stepping into the role of a contractor immediately after graduating. Transitioning from school into self-employment required me to quickly adapt—not only by refining my technical skills, but also by learning the business side of esthetics. Navigating responsibilities like managing my own schedule, finances, and professional growth was both overwhelming and empowering. Although challenging, this experience pushed me to become more independent, resilient, and confident in my abilities early on in my career.
What is a mistake that turned into a lesson?
After receiving an advanced treatment, I didn’t follow the post-care instructions as closely as I should have and developed some hyperpigmentation as a result. While it was an unfortunate experience, I’m grateful for it because it allows me to show clients firsthand why post-care is so important. I now use those areas to test and evaluate different treatments on my own skin, helping me better understand their effectiveness and better support clients with similar concerns.
How much time do you spend working on your business each day/week? How do you prioritize work life balance if you are self employed?
I generally dedicate about 30-40 hours a week to my business, outside of these hours I am taking new courses such as BSM. I don't have much of a work-life balance, spending more time for growing in my career than spending time out socializing.
What is one piece of advice you wish to share with someone who is interested in starting a career in esthetics or even a fellow beauty industry individual?
Take the advice that experienced estheticians give you. Estheticians who have been in the industry for longer than yourself have so much knowledge that will help you save time/money/resources and piece of mind. Do not assume they are telling you things because you know nothing, they are just trying to help you grow.
How did your training at TEI impact, influence or inspire you to succeed in business? Are you glad that you made the choice to do your training at TEI? Are there any special memories, moments or people of influence who made a difference in your education at TEI.
My experience in the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Program has helped me so much in this industry. CIDESCO taught me how spas function and the esthetician's role in the spa, it also prepared me for the stress of actually working in a spa. The Beauty Therapy course was a very intense and in depth course that taught me all the body systems as well as electrical physics and organic chemistry, these subjects are not the type that can just be completed they have to be understood and brought into treatments. I am very glad to have gone to TEI for schooling, they are so friendly and accepting, they treat everyone as family and everyone belongs.
During my Advanced Clinical Diploma, I had some really great experiences with other students. I remember doing the dermaneedling class with my classmates who had also done the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma with me, and they made me feel so comfortable getting the treatment done. I have a terrible fear of needles near myself, but my classmates made the treatment a positive experience by checking in on me lots, talking to me and just being physically there while I got the treatment done. We all supported each other, whether we were supporting the student doing the treatment for the first time, or the model who was frightened. The teachers are also such amazing supports, all the teachers at TEI that I have come across were fantastic. They are down to earth humans with a great abundance of knowledge and I appreciated all the information I was given by everyone.
Keep an eye out for our next TEI Alumni, it could be you!
Meet our February TEI Alumni… Hamida Virani
Hello, I’m Hamida Virani, the founder and licensed clinical esthetician behind The Skin Craft Esthetics — where beauty meets science and self-care. We provide a wide range of medical esthetic services, which includes laser hair removal, laser treatment for vascular and pigmented lesions, microneedling, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and personalized medical-grade facials tailored to each client’s unique needs. You can connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under the handle: skincraft_esthetics.
Why did you choose to get into the esthetic industry? Was it a big change from your previous industry?
Before stepping into the esthetics field, I spent 15 years working in the hospitality industry, gaining experience across India, the United States, and Canada. Over time, I realized the demanding nature of hospitality left me with little work-life balance. Wanting a healthier lifestyle—and determined to pursue my long-time dream of owning a business and building my own brand—I began exploring different industries.
My lifelong fascination with skincare, dating back to my teenage years, naturally drew me toward esthetics. Ultimately, it was my desire to help people feel confident, comfortable, and cared for in their own skin that inspired this career change..
How long has your business been open or how long have you been employed?
My business, Skin Craft Esthetics, has been running for about six months, and I’ve absolutely loved every moment of helping my clients feel confident and cared for with treatments tailored just for them.
What was your biggest challenge; is it still an ongoing challenge?
I firmly believe that determination always leads to a solution. Launching this business was not easy and came with numerous challenges. I took the time to thoroughly research each stage of the process, and whenever I encountered difficulties, I looked for support — whether through online research, advice from classmates who had already started their own businesses, guidance from my instructors, or encouragement from my parents and husband, who stood by me throughout the journey. My greatest obstacle was securing the initial funding. With very limited savings, I remained committed to my goal and chose to self-fund by working a part-time job while completing all the necessary business requirements.
What is a mistake that turned into a lesson?
I believe the initial years are full of learning and valuable experiences. I recall a time when I underestimated the importance of proper treatment procedures and etiquette, which could have led to a serious mishap. Fortunately, the outcome wasn’t too severe and was corrected thanks to the training I received at TEI. That experience taught me why it’s essential to follow certain protocols carefully and precisely.
How much time do you spend working on your business each day/week? How do you prioritize work life balance if you are self employed?
Skin Craft Esthetics officially operates four days a week, from Sunday to Wednesday. On the remaining days, I focus on the administrative side of the business, including marketing, accounting, and inventory management. Since the business is still in its early stages, these tasks don’t take too long, but I dedicate at least four hours each day to ensure I stay connected to my goals and keep my plans aligned for growing the business. In addition, to keep healthy work- life balance, I often try to work around the schedule, keep myself organized.
What is one piece of advice you wish to share with someone who is interested in starting a career in esthetics or even a fellow beauty industry individual?
My advice is to stay curious and dedicated to learning. The esthetic industry is always evolving, so it’s important to keep up with new techniques, treatments, and technologies. Equally important is listening to your clients and understanding their individual needs—building trust and providing personalized care will truly set you apart and help you grow both professionally and personally. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid procrastination; there’s never a perfect time to start, so the best time is now.
How did your training at TEI impact, influence or inspire you to succeed in business? Are you glad that you made the choice to do your training at TEI? Are there any special memories, moments or people of influence who made a difference in your education at TEI.
Choosing The Esthetic Institute as the stepping stone to change my career path has been one of the wisest decisions I’ve ever made. Every faculty member has influenced me in some way, and I can confidently say that without TEI, I would never have been able to establish Skin Craft Esthetics. I also appreciate how they continue to support their alumni even after completing the course. A few faculty members who had a particularly meaningful impact on me include Vanessa, Tamara, Rochelle, Betty Ann, Mel, and Nadia.
Keep an eye out for our next TEI Alumni, it could be you!
Meet our January TEI Alumni… Maria Bawkovy
Hey, I’m Maria, the face behind Glow & Grace Esthetics! You can also follow my journey on Instagram @glowgrace.esth I graduated from The Esthetic Institute in June 2025 as a CIDESCO Beauty Therapist, and went straight into building my own brand because this has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Taking the leap was scary, but bringing Glow & Grace to life has been the best decision I ever made. I specialize in full body waxing, brow and lash services, and body treatments, all done with care and intention. My space is all about comfort, confidence, and feeling good in your own skin. When you leave my treatment room, I want you to feel soft, refreshed, and taken care of, every time.
Why did you choose to get into the esthetic industry? Was it a big change from your previous industry?
I’ve always had a passion for beauty and skincare. I first started out in cosmetology back in high school, but eventually discovered that my true love lies in skincare, brows, and helping people look and feel their best. Before pursuing esthetics, I was working as a waitress, but deep down I knew I wanted to do something creative and meaningful in the beauty industry—something that really fulfilled me. Making that change has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
How long has your business been open or how long have you been employed?
I started in June of this year right after graduating as a mobile esthetician, then in August of this year, I proudly opened up my very first studio at The Esthetic Institute in their rental rooms. Thanks to them this was all made possible.
What was your biggest challenge; is it still an ongoing challenge?
My biggest challenge so far has been growing my social media presence and building a consistent clientele. On top of that, I had no experience running a business when I started, so I had to learn everything from scratch—branding, budgeting, marketing, and more. It took a lot of late nights, research, and trial and error, but every step has taught me something valuable. I’m still learning every day, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
What is a mistake that turned into a lesson?
In the beginning, I struggled with putting myself out there enough. I was so focused on perfecting my skills and studio setup that I didn’t promote myself as much as I should have. I realized that even if you’re talented, people can’t book what they don’t know about. That experience taught me the importance of self-promotion, confidence, and consistency in showing up online and in person. Once I started being more visible, things began to grow.
How much time do you spend working on your business each day/week? How do you prioritize work life balance if you are self employed?
I’m physically in my studio 3–4 days a week, but the work behind the scenes is truly a full-time job. From marketing and managing finances to following up with clients and planning content—it’s constant dedication. I’m still working on finding the right balance between work and home life, but I’m 100% committed to my business and to growing it the right way.
What is one piece of advice you wish to share with someone who is interested in starting a career in esthetics or even a fellow beauty industry individual?
My advice would be to never stop learning. This industry is always evolving, and staying open-minded and passionate will take you far. Be patient with yourself, take pride in your craft, and remember that consistency builds success. Believe in yourself even when things move slowly—every client and every lesson adds up to something bigger.
How did your training at TEI impact, influence or inspire you to succeed in business? Are you glad that you made the choice to do your training at TEI? Are there any special memories, moments or people of influence who made a difference in your education at TEI.
My experience at The Esthetic Institute was incredible. The education went beyond just learning services—it really deepened my understanding of the science behind skincare, problem-solving, and especially client care, which is the foundation of everything I do. I had an amazing teacher who explained everything so thoroughly and always made us feel comfortable asking questions. This was all in the CIDESCO course, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way, because CIDESCO goes so far into detail. TEI also gave me great memories and friendships, including a lifelong best friend I met during my training. I’m truly glad I chose TEI—it shaped not only my career but also my confidence as a professional.