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“Problems are opportunities in work clothes…” and other wisdom from Lynelle Lynch, Owner, Bellus Academy

November 21, 2016April 27, 2018All, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

Lynele Lynch, Owner of Bellus Academy, is a renaissance woman. Our paths crossed at an International Spa Association event, and I was captivated by all of the hats she wears. At Bellus, she started a wellness program for cancer patients; she is also involved with the Professional Beauty Association; and she is President of the foundation Beauty Changes Lives. How does one woman do it all? She shares some of her secrets below.

AP: What city were you born in? LL: Copperous Cove, TX. My father was in the Army and I lived there for 6 months.

AP: What city to do you live in? LL: Rancho Santa Fe, CA – near San Diego.

AP: What is your astrological sign? LL: Taurus.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? LL: My major in college was Chemistry with a minor in Fashion Merchandising – which was my career passion. Also, I was Miss Colorado 1978.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? LL: Having a positive attitude and working out every day.

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? LL: Love your fish and vegetables!

AP: What do you do for exercise? LL: Elliptical, Pilates, skiing and weights.

AP: What is your favorite thing to eat and drink? LL: Caviar and champagne

AP: Botox or not? LL: Yes!

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? LL: LOVE what you do – both work and charity – and it is never work. Also schedule fun times with friends, like spa days.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? LL: Too many! I probably take 30 trips a year – from short trips to cross country jaunts, and occasionally I travel overseas. In September 2015, I traveled to Paris to accept the Intercoiffure Mondial Best Continental Academy award for Bellus Academy. It was a whirlwind trip completed over the Labor Day weekend.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? LL: First, identify projects you can work on while on while en route to your destination and travel time will fly by. Second, drink lots of water. Finally, use the Uber app – it is much better than taxis internationally and within the US

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? LL: Individuals who do not have passion and will not lead.

AP: What professional beauty/fitness/wellness experts do you have on your speed dial? LL: OH my – I have so many! All of the Beauty Changes Lives Board of directors are on speed-dial for work-related projects. And for personal needs, my Pilates trainer, nail pro hair specialist and favorite spa for massage and facials are all on speed dial.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? LL: 5:30 am – I get about 7 hours to 7.5 hours.

AP: Who is your mentor? LL: My husband who is a brilliant, visionary entrepreneur.

AP: What is your skincare routine (products, facialists, etc.)? LL: I try to have a facial / oxygen / microderm every month – I use the Clarisonic daily and as far as products – at Bellus we have a number of brands and I am always trying something new – so I am not very brand addicted.

AP: What do you do to relax? LL: Go to a spa!

AP: Quote to live by? LL: Problems are only opportunities in “work clothes”. I only see the positive in every situation and focus on learning and growing each day. It is important to share your passion and change lives.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today? LL: Always ask questions and be open to learning. Go above and beyond in everything you do and set high aspirations. You will move towards your dreams when you are clear on your goals.

AP: Describe your dream day. LL: Making a difference in the lives of my family and those that I touch.

AP: What makes you feel beautiful? LL: Making a difference and changing lives.

Taking a look into the life of Joanna Vargas: Celebrity Facialist and Founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection

July 22, 2016April 27, 2018All, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

Coaching and mentoring young women is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job, and our fabulous Alchimie Forever interns give me the opportunity to do just that. A couple of years ago a lovely young woman named Elizabeth walked in to my life as an Alchimie summer intern. She thought she was interested in fashion, but decided after her internship to pursue aesthetics. She became an aesthetician, and with her skills, personality, and overall drive began working with one of the very best celebrity facialists in NYC, Joanna Vargas. This is a happy ending if I ever heard one – especially as getting a facial from Vargas herself is on my bucket list. Before then, and thanks to Elizabeth, I was able to catch up with this amazing woman and learn more about some of her life and beauty secrets.

AP: What city were you born in? JV: Chicago.

AP: What city to do you live in? JV: Just outside of NYC.

AP: What is your astrological sign? JV: Leo.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? JV: Fragrances are just as much a passion of mine as skincare.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? JV: I always tell clients who come to my salon in NYC that in truth, the biggest beauty secret the stars have is that they take time for themselves every day. It’s a luxury that really pays off as we grow older and anyone can start now! I have had clients start for the first time in their 60’s, and even they can achieve great skin!

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? JV: I find that the best skin diet is one that involves eating veggies of different colors for every meal and a green juice every day. There is really no substitute and it works on everyone!

AP: What do you do for exercise? JV: I always make sure I exercise- I love soul cycle – to burn off stress and to restore my energy levels.

AP: What is your favorite thing to eat and drink? JV: Sashimi and sake are my favorite things to eat and drink!

AP: Botox or not? JV: I never judge a woman for seeking injectables. I tend to attract women who are seeking alternatives to that. I don’t think they are for everyone and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about them to try a results oriented facial first. You might be surprised at how much you get out of it.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? JV: I make sure that I take time for myself- exercise is a big part of that, eating right so I feel happy with myself, and also spending lots of quality time with my kids. My daughter is really into art right now, so I am capitalizing on that- it’s so relaxing to draw and color with her. It’s what makes me whole again.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? JV: Well over 100,000- like 130,000.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? JV: Travelers generally get dehydrated, starting on the airplane. I encourage my clients to take my Rejuvenating Serum on board. Using it mid-flight will rehydrate the skin with skin softening Olive Oil, Rosehips Oil and Neroli Oil for increasing circulation. The Jojoba Oil in it will ensure that your pores won’t be clogged once you arrive at your destination. I also have clients pack rosewater toner in a spray bottle. Rosewater is incredibly hydrating, so if you spray it directly on your face, it gets moisture into the skin immediately. If you’re traveling overseas, I recommend doing it twice mid-flight and your skin will be refreshed when you get off the airplane.

When you arrive at destination, exfoliate to get dead skin cells off the skin. It helps you to look refreshed for a business meeting or to go out. My Exfoliating Mask contains Lactic Acid and Volcanic Ash to draw out impurities, dirt and oil from your pores, as well as Galactoarabinan, which is derived from the larch tree and causes mega cell turnover and skin lightening. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for even the most sensitive skin. I’m a big fan of multi-tasking with products anytime, and especially while traveling. A good cleanser and a serum are the two must-have essential products you can’t leave home without. Nothing throws your skin off like substituting your cleanser with a bar of soap. Facial cleansers are made for the delicate skin on the face, the formulas are pH balanced. My Vitamin C Face Wash is great as an exfoliating cleanser that even removes make up. All the products in my line do multiple things for the skin to make it easy to pack and run!

Drinking water on board is essential. I also tend to bring Dr. Lipmans Recharge for a mid-flight boost – all the greens help keep me hydrate and replenished more than just plain water.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? JV: People who use drugstore products because they think it’s all the same. It isn’t. I wish I could teach classes on this subject!!

AP: What professional beauty/fitness/wellness experts do you have on your speed dial. JV: Amanda Topaz is my trapeze instructor. She’s amazing and her class is so empowering. Dr. Frank Lipman is my go-to for everything health and wellness related. He is a genius and his acupuncture is like a vacation. Pati Dubroff is a great friend to discuss new products, treatments and of course trends in makeup.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? JV: I get up at 6am. I like to have some time to myself before the kids get up. I usually get about 7 hours sleep a night. I honestly can’t function without sleep.

AP: Who is your mentor? JV: I feel like everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting in this industry has had an influence on me. I’m inspired by so many people and other facialists like Renee.

AP: What do you do to relax? JV: I see Dr. Lipman once every two weeks for acupuncture. It’s like a vacation!

AP: Quote to live by. JV: “Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Most of my rebellions are against mediocrity.” – Anais nin

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to ones courage.” – Anais nin

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. JV: Never stop learning. The best thing that I have done for myself in my career is continuing to educate myself. I have always made time to read new books, research new tools, new technologies and most importantly, I never think I know it all already! I have always kept myself in the know when it comes to new technologies in my industry, which keeps my clients happy with my work, but I like this rule because it can apply to every part of life.

AP: Describe your dream day. JV: My life is a dream come true. I have an amazing family and an awesome career. Nothing could top that.

AP: What makes you feel beautiful? JV: I think women always feel best when they take care of themselves. My daughter and I do masks together at home. It’s both great for my skin and just wonderful to share my life with her.

Get to know Victoria Levitan, Beauty Blogger and Owner of Viciloves

June 20, 2016April 27, 2018All, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

Meeting a DC-based beauty entrepreneur is always a pleasant surprise – we are a small

community. Meeting one who was born in Switzerland is even rarer, and even funner! So when

a common friend suggested I meet Victoria Levitan, owner of the beauty blog Viciloves, I could

not wait. We hit it off immediately over two Nespresso espressos (no American-sized coffees

for us!), sharing skin care tips, DC gossip, and laughs.

AP: What city were you born in? VL: Zurich, Switzerland.

AP: What city to do you live in? VL: I live in Alexandria, VA and love it because it has a European

flair and is very historical.

AP: What is your astrological sign? VL: Cancer.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? VL: I started my career in banking

and worked in the industry for three years.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? VL: Keeping my skin hydrated at all times.

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? VL: Eat in moderation, no fast food/soda and drink

plenty of water. I also make sure to balance out my diet throughout the week if I know I have a

special event coming up where I may eat more than usual.

AP: What do you do for exercise? VL: I do Pilates 3 times a week and alternate between

running, cycling and Zumba for my cardio exercise.

AP: What is your favorite thing to eat and drink? VL: I love to eat and try out new cuisines so

this is very hard to answer! My favorite protein is duck so any time I see something with duck

on the menu, I will order it. I love Elderflower so a St. Germaine Cocktail is right up my alley.

AP: Botox or not? VL: Not for me but I don’t mind other people getting it done.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? VL: I’m still figuring it out but as long as your work

is something that you enjoy, it’s a lot easier to achieve that balance. Your work should blend in

with your personal life in a healthy way and not have a negative effect on it.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? VL: Flying home to Europe at least once a

year plus any work trips and vacations round up to be at least 13’000 miles per year. This year

I’m going to Australia so it’s going to be a lot more than that.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? VL: 1. When you pack, roll the clothes in your

suitcase because you’ll have so much more space. 2. Tell the hotel you’re staying at if it’s a

special trip, such as an anniversary or birthday trip and chances are you’ll get a complimentary

upgrade and / or a special amenity 3. Check out TripAdvisor for great restaurant and activity

recommendations. I use them every time I travel and their recommendations are spot on.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? VL: People who chew gum while in a conversation with you.

AP: What professional beauty/fitness/wellness experts do you have on your speed dial? VL: I

don’t have any experts on speed dial, but I do turn to my Pilates instructor for any fitness-

Catching up with Kayla Childress: Founder of Mindful Luxury

May 26, 2016April 27, 2018All, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

While I felt like I already knew her, it was the highlight of my week to actually meet Kayla Childress, Founder of Mindful Luxury. I felt like I knew her because of so many connections, through Neill Corporation and SpaRitual, among others. Finally, in person, we met at the Ballantyne Resort and caught up over coffee…

AP: What city were you born in? KC: Atlanta, GA.

AP: What city to do you live in? KC: Charlotte, NC.

AP: What is your astrological sign? KC: Aries.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? KC: I don’t love flying, but have become used to it. I still get nervous every time I fly saying a little prayer before take off and landing.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? KC: Use professional products always!

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? KC: Eating clean as much as possible. Home cooked meals!

AP: What do you do for exercise? KC: I train with a trainer 2-3 days a week, run and spin. Spin is my favorite. I have a spin bike at home so there are no excuses!

AP: What is your favorite thing to eat and drink? KC: I could live on sashimi sushi daily. I’m a wine fan!

AP: Botox or not? KC: I believe if you want it to look and feel better, do it! I have done it several times, but currently do not have it.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? KC: I am an early riser giving myself a few minutes in the morning to center myself as best as I can for the day.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? KC: Approximately 50,000.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? KC: Always travel with a light sweater/wrap, boarding pass on my phone and uber!

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? KC: Liars.

AP: What professional beauty/fitness/wellness experts do you have on your speed dial. KC: My trainer!

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? KC: Usually between 5-6am. I struggle with sleep. Some days I sleep 8 hours others 3 or 4.

AP: Who is your mentor? KC: I have so many! But the first that comes to mind is my grandma who recently passed away.

AP: What is your skincare routine (products, facialists, etc)? KC: I use Privai with my Foreo a few times a week. I need to incorporate facials more!

AP: What do you do to relax? KC: Meditate and work out.

AP: Quote to live by. KC: So many! “You’ve got what it takes but it will take everything you’ve got” is my current favorite one.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. KC: Stay laser focused. Give with passion. Love what you do down to your core. Never give up.

AP: Describe your dream day. KC: I would start this day by sleeping in the most comfy bed somewhere in the Caribbean listening to the waves crash in. I would eat the most delicious and fresh food all day while reading a great book, walking on the beach collecting shells and just being.

AP: What makes you feel beautiful? KC: My daughter.