People look at me, and they may say “oh, she’s pretty” but when they discover my age- then they are shocked!
I am not what they think of when they think 50+ in their heads. I am not what they think of when they think of a grandmother. They ask me, “where are your wrinkles?” or they say, “black don’t crack”. And I just laugh.
The Lord is very good to me and my family. An extra portion of youth serum may be in our DNA. Having said all that, though, we also know we should never take it for granted. It requires WORK.
My mom and granny Hillary always took great care of their skin. Cleanse twice a day, sun in moderation, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
My mom was going to skin care therapists and spas before I knew what they were.
‘Everything in moderation’ was the mantra in our household. I was never aware of how well all of this would serve me.
When I was a teen, I had self-esteem issues like everyone else. I didn’t like my hands, my feet, my teeth, my eyebrows, my hair. The list was extensive at times.
Instead of hiding behind my insecurities, I worked on my issues with myself. I always made sure my nails were done, always filed and polished. My feet were clean, smooth and as soft as I could keep them. I kept my eyebrows and hair neat and groomed.
Even as just a teenager, I understood that I had some power over the way I looked and maintained myself.
I paid close attention to my appearance and my hygiene. Once I learned how to manage what I didn’t like about myself-I learned to embrace them and eventually love those things about myself.
I didn’t know way back in 1985 that there was a career for me to do the things I loved so I followed my mom’s advice and took the safe path. I began in healthcare as a desk clerk, then a medical assistant, then a medical transcriptionist and back around again.
I worked for a hospital as my full-time. I had been in the medical field for about 30 years. Never really loved it but it is where the bulk of my work experience was, so it was all I knew (and bragging rights, I was good at it); but I also knew it was not going to always be all I knew.
I went to nail school in 2008, esthetics school in 2014 and began my own skin and nail care business in 2016.
It was hard work to balance a full-time and a business and in 2021, I quit the full-time to pursue my passion.
I know that I am on a path that is going to sustain me for a long time to come. I like learning and beauty-care is quite challenging. Every person and their needs are different.
I didn’t forget the lessons and I have always shared my tips and tricks with anyone who wants to listen. I love when clients say, “you taught me or showed me so much”.
I love the to see the bare canvas where hair USED TO be, the lash transformations and the glowing skin. The client that sits up relaxed and centered.
I want my clients to enjoy their experience. I want them to feel pampered and nurtured. I want them to feel prepared for their day. I want them to feel good about themselves. I want them to know that even if they can’t physically change something- they can manage it, improve it and embrace it.
God gives us all many talents. It is up to us to use them and by doing so pay homage to the Creator and giver of all things.
To whom much is given, much is required.
I am grateful that I am where I am. This is more than what I do---it is WHO I am.
One Body. One Mind. All Connected.
Toni
Love's Haven
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