Alumni Spotlight: Julia March, Owner of Julia March Skin Care, LLC.
Alumni Spotlight on Esthetics alum, Julia March! After immigrating to the US, she decided to follow her passion for helping people by becoming an esthetician. Julia describes how encouragement from her instructors set her on a unique professional journey, and as well as the insight she’s gained from owning Julia March Skin Care, LLC for 19 years!
- What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I was enrolled in the full esthetics course at Christine Valmy. It was an exhilarating time with students from all walks of life and several different countries. I myself am an immigrant and I had to work really hard to improve my English and pass the tests during the course of education. It made me focus on the work even more and I am grateful for that. The instructors at CV wisely led us to improve our skills and feel confident in the professional fields we have chosen, whether it was make-up, waxing, facial, pro-machines use, etc. They inspired us to do our best by their own example of doing their job with utmost focus, kind guidance, and unending inspiration to do better and succeed in becoming a professional esthetician.
- What year did you graduate? I graduated in 2000, and all these years later I still absolutely love my profession! I was in the practical part of the program when my dear teacher, Mr. Elias, observed my work on a client and sent me for an interview at a high-end spa in the city that was frequented by celebrities. I was hired on the spot! I came into the interview prepared with everything I needed to perform a facial as I was taught. It was a dream come true and I credit that to the excellent education I received at CV.
- What are you doing now? Currently, I am the owner of Julia March Skin Care, LLC. For the past 19 years I had my practice in Manhattan and just recently moved to Boulder, CO. I am planning on continuing my practice in colorful Colorado as well as still seeing my clients in NYC.
- What was your journey like to get to your current role? I mentioned a little before that I was truly fortunate to be hired before I finished school or passed my license written and practical exams. I always wanted to become a skin care therapist and everything was aligning effortlessly for me, which is always an indicator that one is on the right path. After few years of working on editors, models, celebrities, professionals, and women of all walks of life I decided to create my own treatment plan that would treat the client as an individual and as a whole. I didn’t want the facial to be cookie-cutter treatment. I wanted to look at every person through an individual lens and treat them as unique individuals based on their skin condition and its current state. That component was immensely important to me each and every time I would see a client. Even the same client would not receive the same treatment in a different season, if they traveled, were sick, or changed their product regimen. Everything was taken into consideration, their diet, stress levels, physical wellness, ancestry, product use, medications, procedures received, etc.
- What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? I really enjoyed the camaraderie between students and how incredibly open, helpful, and inspiring our teachers were. They gave us absolutely everything that they had on their sleeves. We could come to them with any questions and they would answer and give advice that would help us understand how to treat the skin in the best way possible with many variables. We had laughs and serious learning combined into one incredible experience.
- What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? I will never forget these words of my teachers at CV: “If something falls on the ground, never pick it up. If the mask splatters on the chest or neck of a client, clean it up immediately. Talk about your clients’ needs, not religion or politics. Pay absolute attention to your client from the beginning to the end. Always give your absolute best.”
- Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? The beauty industry is a service industry. If you love people and genuinely want to help and serve them, consider esthetics. It is a truly diverse and rewarding profession that can satisfy you for a lifetime. There are many sub-specialties to choose from. Choose the one that you are truly passionate about and learn as much as you can about it. Always follow your heart, not just a dollar sign. People feel where your focus is. Choose wisely and you won’t ever regret it.
- Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? Don’t get intimidated by another spa around the corner or another practitioner. You are unique and will attract the right client who resonates with you. If your heart is in the right place, with giving your clients your full attention and the best service you can each and every time, you will succeed. Be imaginative with your services, but also real. Never stop learning nor lose your passion. If you do, move on to something else. Wishing you the best of luck in your endeavors. You can do it! One more thing, always be prepared to do a facial at the first interview (bring your cotton with you!).
- What CV product is always in your inventory or on your shelf? Why? The Vegetal Peeling Mask is my favorite from the CV line. The gentle yet efficient enzyme exfoliation brings an immediate glow to any complexion. Bromelain enzymes from papaya and pineapple ‘eat’ up dead skin cells while arnica, marigold, cucumber, and elderflower soothe and balance the skin resulting in a smooth complexion that is ready to absorb all the other good ingredients one will apply after. This is a must-have in anyone’s daily regimen!
Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a “root system,” and it’s why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a Christine Valmy graduate about their educational and professional journeys.
As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated Insights homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.
