Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Bernard.
Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My skincare journey begin after my divorce; I was 39 and starting to notice my skin aging, my self-esteem was low, and I was in desperate need of something different in my life. I began getting monthly skincare services done and was so intrigued by the treatments I was receiving and the results that were achieved that I decided to go to school and learn more about skincare solutions to help other women and men feel more confident about their appearance. I graduated in 2013 and have been in the skincare business for 10 years now, opening my 1st location in New Mexico only two weeks out of school.
During the 4-year period, I was in business in Albuquerque, I started traveling to San Diego. I felt such a connection to the city that I knew in my heart this is where I belong; I then began the process of selling my house, everything in it and closing my business to move to The City I love.
I showed up to San Diego with a box of clothes, a couple aesthetic machines, my Chinchilla, and a dream of opening a skincare business here. Being that I had no job lined up, nor did I have San Diego friends or family to fall back on, I decided to pay 6 months’ rent up front because I knew that bill was going to have to be paid regardless, but by doing so, this left me with very little spending money. So, I set out to find work the old-school way by walking into many hair salons and skincare businesses and asking if they had any openings for an Esthetician. I started working on call for catering companies, I was a receptionist at a hair salon, and bartending at a local bar until I finally found an Esthetician job at a resort. Working for someone was not in my plan, but I thought that maybe I could build a clientele from the locals that came into the Spa. As time went by, I realized that I was going to have to find a location and start from scratch, being that most of the clients who came to the Spa were vacationers. I continued working both places until I felt comfortable enough to cut my ties with the resort and work full-time at my business. From that moment on, I knew that this was meant to be, as everything fell perfectly in place.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not always been smooth sailing, there’s a lot of days when I feel scared and doubt myself. When I first opened my business, I had no idea on how to run a business, I just knew that I did not want to work for anyone. I have made plenty of mistakes along the way and still do to this day, but with mistakes comes growth, so I’m ok with the lessons I’ve learned.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lavish Divine Skincare?
I am very passionate about not only providing excellent skincare services but also igniting positive energy. I’ve created a sanctuary for clients to escape from their day-to-day life.
I treat everyone with the utmost kindness and will go above and beyond for my clients, helping them navigate through any issues they might be dealing with. When someone leaves my sanctuary, I want to make sure they leave feeling the best version of themselves, less stressed with great-looking skin.
Being that I am in my 50s, I know the struggles with loss of collagen and how the skin changes due to age. That’s why I have made it my mission to always stay up to date with all the latest anti aging treatments and trends.
I offer a wide array of skincare services, custom facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydrodermabrasion, LED light therapy, oxygen infusion and my top favorite treatment that I am obsessed with is Micro channeling. This treatment is the next generation of Micro-needling. Instead of needles being dragged across the skin to tear and create damage as is done with Micro-needling, I am actually stamping the needles into the skin, creating clearer channels. The serum that I use with this treatment is derived from human stem cells and contains a high concentration of natural human growth factors. Micro channeling is great for Collagen renewal, hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne scars, enlarged pores, hair loss, and stretch marks. For those who are wanting instant gratification with minimal downtime, this treatment is the answer. Microchanneling will dramatically improve your skin’s firmness, smoothness, elasticity, hydration, sensitivity, and tone.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When I was a little girl, I use to boil water in a pot and put my face over the steam with a towel draped over my head, then after the steam would go away, I would then place my face in a bowl of cold water with ice cubes. At that time, I never would have imagined that these little steps I was taking would bring me to what I am passionate about today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavishdivine.com
- Instagram: @lavishdivineskincare
- Facebook: Lavish Divine
