With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, I know first hand that finding a quality skin care expert can be a daunting task.
Today we take the time to interview a local beauty expert that I personally know and trust, and that’s Atlanta Esthetician Sadie Colan :). Keep reading as Sadie chats about everything from skin product recommendations to her past life as a kickboxing coach!
Introducing Atlanta Esthetician Sadie Colan
So tell us a little about yourself 🙂
Hi everyone! I am Sadie. I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida but I’ve lived in Marietta, GA since I was five years old. I’m currently a licensed esthetician and laser practicitioner at ELLEMES Medical Spa in Atlanta, GA, which I’ve been at ever since receiving my aesthetics license from the amazing Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics!
What made you want to become an esthetician?
I have always loved skincare, ever since I was very young. I used to mix different lotions together and hand the concoctions to my mom saying that it was my own product i made..HAHA! My very first job was working for Ulta Beauty when I was 18 years old, and I worked there for four years. I was considered a “Prestige Beauty Advisor” and helped different customers figure out what makeup matched their skin type, as well as what skincare products would help them. What really gave me that “aha” moment was when I landed a job as Guest Services/Assistant Manager for Spa Sydell. I got to see the back end of how a spa works, and learned about different skincare treatments. I knew within weeks that this was my purpose in life…to fulfill what has always brought me joy, skincare.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to skincare?
How different products work for different skin types, and the drastic changes they can make when used the right way. The skin is a very complex organ-the largest to be exact! The technology changes every day, and there are always new things to try and introduce into homecare as well as in office treatments. We never get bored!
What do you love most about being an esthetician?
Helping people feel beautiful in their own skin, as well as allowing them that freedom to come in and escape from the outside world for their own personal self care time. There is no better feeling than watching a patient walk out the door with a smile on their face, and seeing how much they enjoyed their treatment. Seeing before and afters is also super rewarding…it’s like instant gratification that I helped change that person’s skin. I did that! Having someone look in the mirror and smile is all I could ever want! I know that they’re beautiful before their first treatment, but they need to feel it too. As someone who has suffered from hormonal acne I know how debilitating it can feel, and how it can bring down your self confidence. It’s important to me to let them know that their skin issues and concerns do not define their beauty or self worth.
In your opinion what characterizes a good esthetician?
Someone who continues to educate themselves, and is not afraid to seek help or guidance from others. When it comes to Aesthetics, every esthetician is different. Lauren for example, has been in this industry for 12+ years and I very much value her insight and knowledge. I may do something a little different than her, and vice versa. It is also important to me to follow up with my patients, especially when they receive a more advanced treatment. A good esthetician knows that they are a part of every patient’s journey, and there is no such thing as too many questions! I am all about educating my patients so that they have a better understanding of their skin and what it needs.
If you had one piece of advice to give to your clients what would it be?
Be consistent! As much as we all would like it to, skin does not change overnight. Homecare is what will be very important, and seeing me is what will maintain your great results. Also-please only follow skincare recommendations and advice that a licensed professional gives you. Just because it is trendy on TikTok, or an influencer tells you it works…does not mean it will.
If you had one piece of advice to give to new estheticians what would it be?
Do not compare yourself to others. When I first started school, I felt like I was so behind because my classmates were picking up on things faster than I was. You will pick up on things differently than others will, and you will find your niche and what you love. Some estheticians are incredible at waxing…it is not my forte. Some estheticians love body contouring, relaxing facials, or holistic skincare. The great thing about this industry is that there are so many options! It is okay to fail and make mistakes. It is all about how to turn those mistakes into lessons. Stay positive, and allow yourself to grow. Find what fuels your fire and run with it!
What do you consider the toughest aspect of this job?
Having to explain to someone that what they thought was a good skincare routine…is actually awful. It is my job to educate on why certain products are bad for your skin and why, and what you need instead. This just goes to say that just because it works for someone else, does not mean it will work for you too.
What is your favorite treatment?
That is a hard question considering I love them all, but if I had to choose it would have to be either the Hydrafacial or a chemical peel. The Hydrafacial always gives incredible results even after just one treatment. Seeing my patients leave looking like a glazed donut is so fun to see! The hydration this treatment gives is unlike anything else. Peels on the other hand-are life changing for anyone suffering from acne or hyperpigmentation issues. The downtime is 7 days, but the results it gives are worth it every time!
What is one thing that you’d like to see change about the esthetics industry?
Less competition! I see a lot of spas or estheticians bashing others and making it sound like they’re “better than”.
What’s something fun about yourself that you’d like to share?
I used to teach kickboxing! It’s my favorite way to relieve stress, and to get in a great workout. I don’t teach anymore, but I have been using it as my method of exercise for around four years now.
What’s your favorite skincare product?
Anything and everything Revision Skincare! If I absolutely had to choose…The C+ Correcting Complex 30%.
How to contact Sadie to schedule a treatment
You can contact Sadie on instagram at @sadiecolan, or you can book a complimentary consultation with Sadie at ELLEMES Medical Spa online!
