IAAS Reflections

Aromatherapy Training Now on Curriculum

2012-01-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

Aromatherapy, the use of “aromatic oils in a therapeutic manner,” can be traced back to first being used in Egypt in 3000 BC. Essential oils, if used correctly, can help both enhance and improve the overall well being of a person both physically and emotionally - helping to lift depression and soothe nerves.

Essential oils have numerous applications. They can be used in massage - one of the oldest and most beneficial uses of essential oils when blended correctly. In baths, compresses, or in a diffuser or vaporizer. To get the most benefit from using essential oils it is vital that the best quality oils are used.

IAAS has added Eve Taylor essential oils to its curriculum and now offers them for sale and as an enhancement to their menu of client services. Both clients and staff enjoy the benefits of these amazing oils.

Brazilian Bikini Waxing Class a Success!

2011-12-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

Sharon Cohen, Diana Kelly, and Laura Schreiner learned Brazillian Bikini Waxing during the post graduate education session taught by IAAS graduate Allison Adamiak, owner of Balance Day Spa in White Plains.

Treating Mature Clients

2011-10-24T10:42:00.001-07:00

Trish Green returns in November for another in-depth Advanced Education program for licensed, practicing aestheticians. In this two day program, Trish will discuss understanding the various stages of menopause and how that impacts the skin. Day 2 will review treatments and options for the needs of this important clientele. Click on this image to learn in more detail about the event and how to reserve your space.

Flourishing in Florida

2011-06-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Dalia Diaz has written to let us know she is working 6 days a week at a Massage Envy in Florida where she recently relocated with her family. She is servicing facials & massage and tells us "I love my job, money is good, the hours are great. I do think of you often ... So grateful to have been your student. Thank you always." We teach our passion and it means so much when our students feel as strongly about what they learn. We enjoy hearing their feedback and hear so many positive stories as our graduates head off to pursue careers that they love.

IAAS Summer Newsletter Hot Off The Press!

2011-06-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

IAAS Summer 2011 Newsletter has just gone out via e-mail. If you would like to catch up on current news for the school, graduates and the industry, click here to read the newsletter. Want to get news direct in your e-mail box or on your phone, click here to sign up!

Graduates Receive Advanced Training

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

IAAS graduates had the distinction of attending two recent advanced training sessions with Trish Green who "touched on" Oriental Analysis: Reflexology & The Skin and Aromatherapy and in a second class Essential Oils and Drainage Massage. The remarkably in-depth classes taught attendees advanced techniques to enhance the facial or spa experience and to enhance manicures, pedicures and other "traditional" spa services to generate more revenue. The reflexology session taught how to identify the zones and reflexes of the feet and their connection to the face and the treatment of aging skin. The aromatherapy class discussed incorporating specialized spa treatments into skin care, peels, and treatment blends.

Trish Green is a CIDESCO Diplomat, has been a teacher for 30 years, is a doctor of homeopathy, an instructor of aromatherapy and a registered bach flower practitioner. She is the owner of the Balnea Institute in Ontario, an educational facility dedicated to holistic esthetics and complementary therapies.

Thanks Trish for sharing so much great insight with us - we can't wait for your return in the fall! Graduates be sure to sign up for the newsletter on-line so we have your e-mail address to notify you of future programs.

Pomperaug High College Fair

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

The second annual College / Post Secondary Option Fair was held at Pomperaug High School in April and Lorie was there to talk to region-wide high school students and their parents who are all facing the daunting task of what is next for their soon-to-be graduate. The most important factor in making this important life choice a successful one is understanding and accommodating the student's interests and aspirations. Students with an affinity for all things beauty, make-up, and skin care have completed their IAAS training and gone on to build exciting careers in an assortment of areas including working at salons, owning their own salons, doing make-up application for fashion shows and even video shoots. IAAS can be the first step to a great future!

IAAS at Vocational Fair

2011-06-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

You are seeing more and more of us speaking to classes at area high schools and attending vocational events where we are being invited to tell students about alternatives to what is considered a traditional college education. College is not for everyone for either financial or educational reasons - or both! IAAS offers students an opportunity to learn a trade, in a shorter period of time, with much less debt, all resulting in a satisfying career to last a lifetime. Over 5,000 students and parents attended the Danbury High School College and Vocational Fair held at the Danbury Fair Mall and many stopped by to visit with Julie.

Crystal Clear Oxygen Part of Princess' Preparations!

2011-05-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

According to British newspapers, Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa underwent a series of beauty treatments prior to the royal wedding, including Oxygen Therapy. Check out the attached clippings to learn more about the princess's preparations!

Oxygen Therapy replenishes lost oxygen and the active ingredients in the serum restructure the skin, visibly plumping out the lines and wrinkles. The results are immediate and a Crystal Clear Oxygen facial continues to work long after the treatment, stimulating cell regeneration. It is also an excellent choice for acne conditions due to the anti-bacterial effect of the serum used. Potential scarring is reduced and the build up of bacteria within the skin is diminished.

We experienced this treatment in London 9 years ago and were the first to offer it in the US. This put our students on the cutting edge of training in the industry and our clients were the first to enjoy the results!

You don't have to be a princess to enjoy such royal treatment ... just give us a call!

Beauty Industry Jobs Continue to Grow

2011-05-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

According to the Associated Press, in an article published April 22, recent economic challenges have been especially hard on young people trying to start their working lives with a high school education or less. Only about a third are working full time. Most study participants say money was a major reason they bypassed college and the vast majority plan to continue their education someday. According to the article, four in ten of those surveyed in the AP-Viacom telephone study whose education stopped at high school are unemployed, less than a quarter have part-time jobs.

Statistics from the beauty industry contrast with that gloomy outlook. In 2010, the beauty industry experienced a quick recovery in skincare, followed by a gradual upturn in makeup" over 2009 said Karen Grant, vp and sr global industry analyst, of The NPD Group who does industry analysis. Individuals who follow their dream by becoming aestheticians and make-up artists at IAAS can do so for a minimal investment of both time and money (vs a college education) and, depending on where they become employed, can recoup those education costs within the first 6 months or year of working. Our graduates are proof of what is possible!

Catching Up With Eve Taylor

2011-03-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

School director Kathy Shingara (right) caught up on the latest industry news with her friend and mentor Eve Taylor (OBE, MBABTAC, IFA, FHT, ATC) Managing Director of Eve Taylor Professional Aromatherapy Skin and Body Care based in England at the International Esthetics, Cosmetology & Spa Conference at the Javits Center in NYC March 6-8. Students at IAAS have heard many Eve Taylor quotes from Kathy since she began the Institute, and have been taught Eve's face mapping and aromatherapy. Institute graduate Irene Gonchorava imports Eve's essential oils through her business in Russia. Eve is an amazing woman who, at the age of 79, travels the world still loving what she does. Kathy looks forward to hosting her as a special guest in Connecticut for a few quiet days of R & R after the upcoming Toronto Trade Show.

Alex Georgescu Announces Engagement

2011-03-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

We received a surprise visit from IAAS graduate Alexandra ("Alex") Georgescu the other day who stopped in to let us know that she is engaged. We are so pleased she came by to share this exciting news with us! Congratulations Alex and Andrew!

Behind the Scenes at Fashion Week

2011-02-16T04:55:00.000-08:00

Just heard from Gina Daddona who read our blog entry. She is busy working behind the scenes at Fashion Week in NYC. She shared this photo with us: "here is my kit backstage at Marc by Marc Jacobs...I am part of the team that assists Dick Page who creates the look that we execute on the models." Sounds really exciting Gina - thank you for sharing!

Graduate's Spa Celebrates 10 Years!

2011-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

Melissa Wasik graduated from IAAS in 1998. After two years of working in a salon and learning the ropes of running a business, she opened her own salon. Aroma Beauty & Wellness Spa, Melissa's business in Wilton, CT, just celebrated its 10th year! Melissa credits Kathy for always "being there" for her to lend support and advice throughout her early years of developing her business. She states that she "loved IAAS not only because we learned about products and beauty treatments but also about health and wellness and how that effects the skin." Visit her facebook page to learn more!

Graduate Called New York Brow Goddess!

2011-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

IAAS graduate Gina Daddona has been receiving a great deal of publicity lately! See her referenced in an article on the January 2011 issue of Allure Magazine. As if that were not exciting enough ... this month CBS New York has designated her "NYC's Brow Maven"! Gina works at the Stephen Knoll Salon on Madison Avenue in New York City - not a bad address! Check back for a more detailed entry on Gina as she shares with us the career path that brought her to such exciting results!

Aesthetics: A Career That Suits Any Age

2010-11-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

In the October 2010 issue of Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa, Marion Dove wrote an article discussing how older students are better equipped to work compassionately with clients who are experiencing the effects of aging. Whether driven to the industry because of skin issues they experienced themselves or seeking a more flexible and satisfying career, older women can relate to the issues of this ever increasing audience seeking their help. Dove states that, according to the California Employment Development department, "A primary force in driving the growth of the esthetician occupation is the increase in maturing baby boomers seeking skin care services to forestall or hide the aging process." Dove goes on to state that the US Department of Labor predicts a marked increase in jobs in the industry through 2014 resulting from an increase in baby boomers looking for help improving their skin and minimizing the effects of aging. At IAAS we have trained students of all ages, and have found that you are never too old to learn something new, especially if it is something you love. And as women, we often are happiest when helping others feel good about themselves.

Graduate Opens New Salon!

2010-10-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to graduate Allison Adamiak who opened her new salon, Balance Day Spa at 280 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, New York. Allison opened her doors October 10th and reports that all is going well. Click here to visit her website to learn more about her offerings. If you live in the Mamaroneck area, make an appointment and experience first-hand the difference an IAAS education makes.

Congratulations Julia and John!

2010-10-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

IAAS Graduate Julia Ramos married John Critelli on September 5th at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull, CT. The couple has relocated to Redmond, WA where Julia is studying for her skin care license and looks forward to continuing her career in Washington state. We look forward to an update to post here on our blog. Congratulations Julia and John from your entire IAAS family!

Instructor Highlights Skin Care on Cable Show

2010-08-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

School instructor (and graduate) Lorie Krol (left) on the set of Practical Talk Time, a new cable television show on Comcast 23 serving Danbury, Bethel and Ridgefield, CT. Lorie was interviewed by show producer Usha Kumar on topics regarding skin care. Lorie's interview aired in two segments - the first on Tuesday June 29th and again July 1st, the second aired Tuesday August 17th and again August 19th.

Graduate Appointed Spa Manager at AAA Four Diamond Resort and Spa

2010-08-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to IAAS graduate Candy Senn Howe who was recently appointed Spa Manager of Snake River Lodge and Spa, a FABULOUS AAA Four Diamond Resort and Spa in Teton, Wyoming! Be sure to click on the spa's name to tour their website and see all that the property offers.

Candy included the following kind words in her note: "IAAS is not only top notch training, but Kathy (IAAS Director) in my estimation, sets the standard for what all aesthetic schools should follow. Integrity - in product, in curriculum, in knowledge, in health-related issues and personal hygiene concerning the aestheticians themselves. Her standards are high, as they should be, in personal representation of the industry. I am proud to say I graduated from IAAS."

And we are proud to say Candy graduated from IAAS too. Congratulations Candy on this well-earned career opportunity, we look forward to hearing updates.

Congratulations Irene and Alex!

2010-07-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to IAAS graduate Irene Kundin and her husband Alexander on the birth of their daughter Victoria on July 15! In this photo, the family leaves the hospital together: from l to r Michael, Alex, Victoria, Andrew and Irene. Irene and Alex own and operate MegaSpa, a spa management and training company based in Russia now in its 11th year. We look forward to Victoria's first visit to the school!

Welcome to IAAS Reflections!

2010-07-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

The small class size at the Institute of Aesthetic Arts & Sciences not only allows us to provide intensive one-on-one training to our students, it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to create a bond with our graduates that endures when they leave. Here in this blog we will reflect upon our graduates and students - talking of their successes, sharing experiences of getting set up in new careers and relaying current information of the industry. There are so many amazing graduates who have completed our program and gone on to do really interesting things, it will be a pleasure to be able to tell their stories. We look for this blog to be a source of community and connection for our graduates and clients and a glimpse into the personal connection that is possible for anyone considering enrolling with us. Thank you for stopping by to "visit" with us on our blog, please come back often.