Forward. Webster’s defines this word to mean “moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition.” It is more than just an adjective to describe a physical process. It is a state of intent, a goal, a progression of greater things to come. It is the foundation of achieving our biggest dreams.
This year “Forward” was the core of The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa Conference in Philadelphia, this past April 10th and 11th. The largest trade show in America for the Esthetics field, this conference brings so much knowledge, experience, and forward-thinking to its event. As a newly licensed Esthetician, being able to attend something so integral to the field I now call home, was invaluable. Being able to learn and see hands on the progression of our industry, is exactly the kind of forward step I need to take to advance myself professionally.
What made attending this trade show even more amazing was the fact that the host was New York Institute of Beauty’s very own lead instructor, Ms Deanna Beaver. A brilliant educator with over a decade of experience teaching and cultivating the next generation of estheticians, she has been recognized nationally within the field, receiving both the 2014 NCEA Joel Gerson Excellence in Esthetics Education Award and the 2015 N.F Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award. On a personal level, it was incredible to see Deanna gain even more recognition for her hard work and expertise because she was my instructor here at NYIB. The education I received here at NYIB was elevated to a level I could have only hoped to have, and it was in so many ways because of Deanna herself.
Besides the honor of being able to watch my own teacher host (and completely rock) the conference, there was so much to see and do. There were product knowledge classes from highly respected companies such as Eminence Organic Skin Care, Cicadia by Dr. Pugliese, and DermAware. Side note, if you have never had the pleasure of watching Eminence President Boldijarre Koronczay put on a product knowledge class, you are seriously missing out. I guarantee there are very few people who can teach you so much while simultaneously make you laugh so hard you feel like you’re at a stand-up comedy hour. These product knowledge classes contained some of the most forward thinking innovations and technological advancements our field has to currently offer.
There were also demonstrations on everything from skin care, to makeup, to waxing, and more. Where else can you learn how to tackle fine lines, color correct you, excessive hairy arms, and get an “I just returned from a 2 week Mexican vacation” looking tan that is safe for your skin, without skipping a beat? And to fulfill my inner shopaholic, I was able to purchase amazing products at a super steep professional discount. From beauty products like RevitaLash to help kick start regrowth on my sad 2001 over-plucked eyebrows, to incredibly useful equipment to help grow my freelance business such a high frequency machine, I walked away from this 2 day event with not only a full mind but a full suitcase.
All fun aside, I truly believe these trade shows and conferences are unbeatable experiences that all of us in the beauty industry should be attending. Wanting to elevate our profession, and continue our move forward to bigger and better things, involves work from all aspects within the field. We cannot just expect to grow without effort. That means learning about the newest inventions and products, practicing our craft, and increasing our education. These conferences are a gift we need to accept with gratitude and excitement.
