Appearance is everything

LILY POTGEITER, 26, is a licenced aesthetician who now lives in Kenya courtesy of her Dallas encounter. She spoke to TRICIA WANJALA

What is your background and profession?

I’ve lived in Kenya for two and a half years now. Originally, I am from a?city full of Mexican culture in Texas  — El Paso.  When I was 22 and tried every major in?college, I?decided on a career?and then?attended Aesthetic?School?in Dallas, Texas.?

Why did you choose your particular career?

I became an aesthetician because I loved the idea of helping people feel more confident. Many people have?low self-esteem?because of skin problems. Since your face is what is seen?and remembered the most when meeting?people, I have found that this is something that really bothers many people. I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I am able to help them feel better by improving their skin health and appearance, without changing anything.?

How is your profession different from that of a beautician?

The difference is the actual training we go through.? Beauticians do the basics but aestheticians are also required to learn a lot of technical knowledge and to undergo a certain time period of practical experience before getting a State license. I did additional courses after getting my license because I wanted to unite the medical world with the spa feel.? So I applied only at Medi-Spas and did several skin care courses.?

How did you end up working here?

In Dallas I met my husband, Marcus, who was there as an international student. I was intrigued to learn that he was from Kenya. We were friends for a year before?he moved?back to?Kenya then we dated for two and a half years over Skype. Let’s just say it took me a long time after getting married to want to go near a computer. We got married in 2010.  Five days?later, I had four suitcases full of?my skin care products to hold me over for?a year, clothes and a few other items to make me?feel?‘at home.’

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

Gaining the trust of all my clients. I care about my clients and I want the best results for each. Unfortunately,?everyone’s skin is different, so I can’t guarantee any specific results. I use different medical-grade products, which I import, and advise my clients on the best methods of at-home maintenance so they can maintain the same good results.

What advice would you give girls and women about the basics of skin care?

Young skin is the best time to start your skin care regimen. From your late teens and 20s, I would recommend a cleanser, serum, and moisturiser. Here in Kenya, you must wear a sunscreen of at least SPF30 always! If you are good to your skin in your youth, your skin will be good to you in your older years.

Since the beauty industry is dynamic, how do you keep up to date?

I constantly learn new things.  To?keep my license current, I keep up?with my?Continued Education Courses from the US.??Whenever a client comes in with a?unique challenge, I also learn something new from their skin.

Advice you would give to aspiring aestheticians?

I am afraid I don’t know of any institutions locally. If someone were interested in Advanced Skin Care, I would recommend several courses including?business, customer service; biology; chemistry and communications.?

What are your hobbies?

I love to try different foods and new restaurants. I love music, dancing, watching comedies?and spending time with my husband doing all of the above.? I also like interior decorating.??

When I am not working at Nothing Like It Spa, I keep busy as a volunteer minister in my community, giving free Bible education to all who are interested.        

Describe your beauty regimen.

Every morning I use a cleanser, Vitamin C serum, moisturiser?and I always put on a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. I only wear mineral make up since it is natural. In the evening, I wash my face with cleanser and finish off with night cream. I regularly chemical peel my skin every three to four weeks,?and use Retin-A to help smooth out any upcoming spots or wrinkles.