“I’m In The Confidence Industry” 

Jill Hawkins, Our Aesthetic Experience Director, Featured On AmSpa’s Medical Spa Insider Podcast

In this latest episode, the American Med Spa Association’s membership relationship development specialist Michela Bailey sits down with our very own Jill Hawkins for an in-depth conversation about the importance of a dedicated skincare routine, who inspires her on social media, her own personal journey from salon to medspa and more.

Getting In On The Ground Floor With Pioneers In The Cosmetology World

“When I was in high school, I was thinking about ‘what’s next.’ Even though I was a good student and enjoyed certain aspects of school, I just really couldn’t imagine 4 to 8 more years of formal schooling. I started looking into more trade schooling and found cosmetology. I decided I would go to the Aveda Institute in Columbus, OH. By the time I was 18, I was licensed and had my career started. I was just running with it!”

How Covid Sparked A Stark, Surprising & Ultimately Rewarding Transition 

“I worked at Aveda for about 12 years. I never thought I could love a career as much. It seemed devastating at the time but turned out to be hugely impactful in a positive way in my life. With Covid, my job got eliminated with the shutdowns. Everyone was so insecure and unsure about what the future would look like – including me. With luck and a connection I had made through the Aveda world, I was able to join the team Donaldson Plastic Surgery and grow their medspa. It was shocking that I lost my job, but it really ended up being a blessing to be invited onto the team.”

Self-Care Is Critical For The “Insiders,” Too!

“We work in the medspa industry, so sometimes we end up being the last to treat ourselves because we are so inundated with that lifestyle. What we are experiencing is everyone else getting what they need and us making sure they’re getting their self-care in. Let’s focus on making sure I can get in the spa; I can get a facial or I can get a massage.” 

There’s More Power In Coordination Than Competition

“I follow a lot of local people to Ohio on my Instagram and I just love the idea of supporting each other. I want to get rid of the ‘competition’ idea. I would like to get a group of people together locally and just work together to create a better experience for our patients. I’m a huge believer in empowering the women around you. There are people around us doing it so well; I just want to applaud them and be one of their biggest fans.” 

Subscribe To The Medical Insider Podcast!

AmSpa’s prolific podcast routinely features some of the greatest minds the medspa industry has to offer. By subscribing, you can get a closer look at some rising aesthetic trends, learn about what inspires innovation and see what it takes to be successful in the industry.