A Journey from Student to Professional

From Our Esthiology Program to DiCarlo Salon & Barbershop
Explore Jamie's inspiring journey from student to professional in the beauty industry, covering her transition from school to salon, passion for Esthiology, and choice of the Institute of Beauty and Wellness. Get her summer skincare and makeup tips, advice for prospective students, and future aspirations.

Jamie recently graduated in December and has already embarked on an exciting career path. She’s currently working at DeCarlo Salon & Barber Shop in Milwaukee, starting at the front desk to learn the ropes before moving into offering waxing services. Jamie talks about the opportunities in the beauty industry and how her education at the Institute has prepared her well for this transition.

One of the significant changes Jamie highlights is moving from a school environment, where instructors are always available to guide you, to a professional setting where you are the expert. She emphasizes the importance of confidence and self-reliance, noting that while the transition can be daunting, her training at the Institute of Beauty and Wellness made her feel ready for the challenge.

Adapting to a Professional Environment

In a professional setting, Jamie found that the pace and expectations were different from the educational environment. There’s a greater emphasis on client satisfaction and efficiency. She learned to manage her time effectively and developed strong communication skills to build client relationships.

Learning from Colleagues

Working alongside seasoned professionals at DeCarlo Salon, Jamie gained valuable insights into the industry. Her colleagues’ mentorship helped her hone her skills and provided a supportive network as she navigated her new career.

Jamie’s passion for the beauty industry stems from her personal experiences with services like facials, massages, and waxing. Realizing she wanted a career that was both enjoyable and allowed her to make people feel good about themselves, she chose Esthiology. Her story is a testament to finding a career that aligns with your interests and passions.

Finding Joy in Helping Others

Jamie finds immense satisfaction in helping clients achieve their skincare goals. Whether it’s through a relaxing facial or an effective waxing session, she loves seeing the positive impact her work has on her clients’ confidence and well-being.

Continuous Learning

The beauty industry is always evolving, and Jamie is committed to continuous learning. She regularly attends workshops and seminars to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques, ensuring she can offer the best services to her clients.

Jamie chose the Institute of Beauty and Wellness for its excellent reputation and commitment to natural products through the Aveda brand. She found the program to be comprehensive and appreciated the knowledge and support from her instructors, especially Stacey, who brought over 20 years of experience to her teaching.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum at the Institute covers a wide range of topics, from basic skincare to advanced techniques. Jamie felt well-prepared to handle any client request thanks to the thorough training she received.

Supportive Instructors

The instructors at the Institute played a crucial role in Jamie’s success. Their experience and dedication to teaching provided her with the skills and confidence needed to excel in her career.

Jamie shares some essential summer skincare tips in the podcast. She recommends switching to a lighter moisturizer to accommodate the humidity and always using SPF to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. For sunburned skin, she suggests using products with natural ingredients like lavender, aloe, or soy to soothe inflammation and redness.

Choosing the Right Products

Selecting the right skincare products for summer is crucial. Jamie advises choosing non-comedogenic products to avoid clogged pores and opting for gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils.

Hydration is Key

Staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin. Jamie recommends drinking plenty of water and using hydrating serums to maintain skin’s moisture levels during the hot summer months.

For those who love wearing makeup even in the heat, Jamie suggests using a tinted moisturizer with SPF and setting it with translucent powder to avoid the dreaded melt-off. She also emphasizes the importance of a proper skincare routine, including cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, to maintain healthy skin underneath your makeup.

Light and Breathable Makeup

Jamie recommends opting for lightweight, breathable makeup products during summer. These products help prevent clogged pores and keep your skin looking fresh and natural.

Long-lasting Makeup Techniques

To ensure your makeup lasts all day, Jamie suggests using a primer before applying makeup and a setting spray to lock everything in place. These steps help maintain your look despite the heat and humidity.

Jamie’s advice for those considering a career in Esthiology is straightforward: if you’re passionate about it, just go for it. She highlights the ease of the application process and the rewarding nature of the career. She also advises prospective students to be prepared for the demanding nature of full-time programs but reassures them that the effort is worthwhile.

Embrace the Challenge

The journey to becoming a professional esthetician can be challenging, but Jamie encourages students to embrace the process. The hard work and dedication will pay off in the end, leading to a fulfilling and dynamic career.

Networking and Mentorship

Building a network of peers and mentors is crucial for success in the beauty industry. Jamie suggests taking advantage of every opportunity to connect with professionals in the field, as these relationships can provide invaluable support and guidance.

Jamie sees herself continuing to grow in the industry, gaining more clients, and possibly moving into the medical side of skincare with services like laser treatments. She remains committed to furthering her education and adapting to the ever-evolving beauty industry.

Expanding Skills

Jamie is excited about expanding her skill set to include advanced treatments. She plans to pursue additional certifications and training to offer a wider range of services to her clients.

Long-term Goals

In the long term, Jamie hopes to open her own skincare clinic, providing personalized and innovative treatments to her clients. Her vision includes creating a welcoming space where clients can relax and rejuvenate.


Jamie’s journey from a passionate student to a professional in the beauty industry is inspiring. Her insights into summer skincare, the transition from school to salon, and the importance of confidence and continuous learning are valuable for anyone considering a career in Esthiology. If you’re interested in pursuing a similar path, Jamie encourages you to take the leap and apply to the Institute of Beauty and Wellness.

Stay tuned for more episodes of the Institute Insider Podcast, where we bring you the latest insights and stories from the world of beauty and wellness. Follow Jamie’s journey on Instagram at @aesthetics_by_jamie_ and keep up with DeCarlo Salon on their social media platforms.

If this story inspired you to start your own journey, contact our admissions team to learn more about how to get started, or check out other Institute Insider episodes to hear more personal stories.

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