Michelle Franklin is a 29-year-old certified aesthetician, hairdresser and makeup artist. She is also the creative mind behind Arima’s Spa Bella. Michelle, talks about her love for creating things in general. Hence it was no surprise to many when she began the journey in aesthetics at the tail end of 2011 after dropping out of UWI due to a rare medical disorder. Michelle came to realise over the years that practical professions better suited her. It was through the encouragement of friends and family she decided to visit the Face and Body Clinic in St Clair and began her training to become a certified aesthetician.
Michelle stayed on, working at several Face and Body branches until in 2012 when she decided to venture into entrepreneurship by opening her very own business - Spa Bella. Since then, Michelle has also become a certified makeup artist and level one hairdresser which she proudly attests is her way of fulfiling her dream of making Spa Bella a one-stop shop. Here’s a little more about the talented beautician in our interview with her:
Tell us what you love most about the beauty industry?
I love that the beauty industry is constantly evolving; it never gets boring. There’s always a new trend, procedure or product to learn about.
What’s one thing your clients can really count on you for?
I always try to be as accommodating as possible to my clients. I know life happens and everything doesn’t always go as planned so I try my best to work with everyone.
What do you love doing the most at your spa and why?
This is a tough one. I’d say Makeup Artistry. There’s nothing like seeing someone transform and their spirits being raised right before your very eyes when they look in the mirror. It never gets old.
Tell us about your best achievement/milestones in your life or profession.
My number one achievement is having a loyal and loving clientele. That is the biggest blessing anyone in this field can ask for. Also, hiring my trustworthy and reliable assistant Jewel. She is always there when I need her and she’s my biggest critic. She will let me know “Mich, this ain’t it sis…” Finally, a great achievement for me is achieving every goal I’ve set for myself. I decided on a new goal every year and in 2014 I decided I wanted to become a certified Makeup artist and I did it. In 2017, the goal was hairdressing which I did as well. This year, 2019, the goal is barbering and taking Spa Bella to a next level with its very own website. Let’s see what is to come next.
What are beauty tips can you offer to us?
1. Know your skin - skin is always in. It is the key to long lasting makeup and general confidence, however, most people don’t know their correct skin type and end up using the wrong products which cause more problems. Get a skin consultation.
2. SPF and moisturise - Please invest in a broad spectrum SPF and a good moisturiser. Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, everyone should use these two items daily to protect their skin.
3. The 60 second rule - I learnt this from LA Beautyologist and I can personally attest to it. Massage in your cleanser by hand for one minute. This ensures a proper deep clean of all residual makeup, dirt and oil. The massaging by hand increases circulation. The result? Clean, even smoother and glowing skin.
4. Nails need love too - Just like your skin, cuticles need to be moisturised. Nourish your cuticles with a cuticle oil or cream daily. This can extend the life of your acrylics or gel.
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