I met Karen Terranova, NYS licensed aesthetician and General Manager of Great Jones Spa, at a tradeshow in New York City in 2006. I had been to Great Jones Spa, one of the best spas in the Big Apple, and of course pitched Alchimie Forever to her. This summer, she added my products to her skin care assortment. During the 8 years in between, we got to know each other, speaking often about ingredients (what she likes the least about the beauty industry is also what I like the least about the beauty industry), about the benefits and challenges of both organic and medical skin care formulations, and about family business. We became friendly, then friends, and now are finally working together. And still on my bucket list… experiencing a Karen Terranova facial!
AP: What city were you born in? KT: Beechhurst, NY.
AP: What city to do you live in? KT: Bayside, NY.
AP: What is your middle name? KT: Anne.
AP: What is your astrological sign? KT: Virgo.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? KT: I am a Reiki Master, Crystal Practitioner, and when my schedule allows me, I study Botany at the New York Botanical Garden.
AP: What is your most prized possession?KT: A small curio cabinet that holds treasures of the past from my parents and grandparents.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? KT: My Mother.
AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. KT: NYC Black, Casual, Chic.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? KT: Both – why discriminate!
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret?KT: Exfoliate, mask, moisturize.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? KT: Since 21 I have been wearing Quelques Fleur by Houbigant, I have recently purchased Elie Saab and love it!
AP: Botox or not? KT: Not.
AP: Hair color: natural or not? KT: Some of it is natural and some of it is not.
AP: What do you do for exercise? KT: Cardio, weights and dance.
AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? KT: Arugula, fruit, and a yummy french cheese.
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? KT: Lately, Vanilla Martini.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? KT: Reiki and meditation.
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. KT: Album ” Mai Dire Mai” by Anna Tatangelo.
AP: What book are you reading right now? KT: Vibrational Medicine by Richard Gerber, MD.
AP: Quote to live by. KT: “When the student is ready, the master appears” Buddhist Proverb.
AP: What is your worst pet peeve? KT: Being late.
AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? KT: Rise and shine at 5:20 am. I usually get 7.5 hours of sleep.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? KT: Overwhelmingly, I hear how people in this industry want to help others; there is such passion and compassion towards humanity.
AP: Least favorite thing. KT: Misinformation regarding ingredients in products.
AP: Who is your mentor? KT: My Mother and my Grandmother.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. KT: Be patient, listen and learn from everyone.
