Alumni Spotlight: Karla Prosperi, Esthetician at Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa
Alumni Spotlight on Skin Care grad, Karla Prosperi! Karla discovered her passion for skin care after working for Clarins and as a freelance MUA and Beauty Advisor for Nordstrom. She shares her personal skin care struggles, and how they inspired her to enter a field where she can help others facing similar problems with their skin. Karla also discusses the importance of knowledge, constantly working to improve your skillset, and trust when it comes to building relationships with clients.
- What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? I graduated from the Skin Care/Esthetics Course.
- What year did you graduate? I graduated in 2017.
- What are you doing now? I am working as a Licensed Esthetician at an Award Winning Salon and Spa in Montclair, NJ named Bangz Salon & Wellness Spa.
- What was your journey like to get to your current role? It wasn’t easy. Before I went to Christine Valmy, I was a freelance makeup artist and beauty advisor at Nordstrom. I worked for Clarins for a few years and it was there I discovered my passion for skin care. I personally had problematic and acne-prone skin, which led me to think that I can help people with similar skin care concerns and other skin conditions. I quit my job as a beauty advisor and enrolled full-time at Christine Valmy to enhance my career. I learned so much from Miss Mellissa and Mr. Vic about protocol, product ingredients, how to analyze the skin properly, and client consultation. Christine Valmy also trained us on how to properly wax a client and proper sanitary conditions, such as to never double dip and other ways that can cause cross-contamination – which is extremely important in this industry. When I graduated from Christine Valmy, I wanted to work at a high-end salon. I went to an interview at Bangz Salon & Spa and the managers told me they weren’t hiring people without experience, but they were looking for a makeup artist. I feel that I had some luck because I am also a makeup artist and told them. This gave me the foot in the door. Even though I wasn’t going to be hired as an Esthetician. I had hope that down the road, maybe they would give me a shot. Three months later a position opened and they gave me a three-month trial period. I worked so hard to prove to them that I was ready to be an Esthetician. I pushed myself to learn all the protocols of the Spa and all the different skincare lines that they carry in a short period of time. I always remembered Miss Maria in the treatment room, explaining to us how important it is to build trust with your client and to be knowledgeable in your craft for your client. If your clients trust that you are knowledgeable then they will build a relationship with you!
- What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? Hands-on training! I wanted to practice, practice, practice…which they allowed. Ask Mr. Vic. lol!
- What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? Protocols and consent forms. The most important thing is that have an extended consultation with your clients to address all of the concerns that the client has, and also if they have any allergies or medication that they are taking.
- Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? You have to make sure that you love skincare. You have to always continue to further your education with seminars and other training, never stop learning!
- Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? The first thing is to not get discouraged. You have to work hard for what you want, and that is life. You might not get your first job after an interview, but have to keep trying and never give up. Also, don’t be afraid to take a different position in s Salon or Spa to get your foot in the door, it worked for me!
- What CV product is always in your inventory or on your shelf? Lotion X.
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.
