Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanine Christian.
Hi Jeanine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Professionally, I am a CRNA (Certfied Registered Nurse Anesthetist); simply put, I administer anesthesia to patients. Before the world of aesthetics was ever a fleeting thought, I never considered skin care, or aesthetic services seriously. I had the simplest of skin care routines; soap, water and a moisturizer of some sort. Yes I was that girl! My skin never screamed at me so I never had the drive to delve into more. I have friends who get wrinkle treatments (commonly given the generalized misnomer “Botox”) and other treatments, however I can admit that I didn’t understand that world and didn’t think I ‘needed’ it.
Fast forward to the pandemic era. Everything was shut down and people were unable to get their regularly scheduled treatments. One of my dear friends, who at this point is like family to me, asked me a question that changed my path.“Why don’t you think of doing Botox. I know you can do it because a nurse does mine and you are a CRNA so you should be able to do it. I would definitely trust you with my face.” Thanks Amanda!
Having never considered this, I honestly didn’t know where to begin. She would gently remind me for a few months to consider it. Eventually, I went down the rabbit hole of researching. This is how I discovered Beautiphi academy and Kelly Hermans (the owner). She is also a CRNA which drew some appeal. I was able to take some of her courses, one of which included understanding the business. I not only prepared on the didactic side of things but I started working on actively opening a business. The hands on training received was invaluable. Through the community of mainly CRNAs built through this academy, I have met many counterparts on varying stages of their aesthetic journey, who have been and continue to be a great support which is needed in this business.
Having been a nurse for about 8 years, then a CRNA for 5 at the time, it felt natural to administer care to clients and I felt confident in my ability to do this. I discovered a part of myself through this journey that I truly enjoy and have developed a passion that I never knew existed. I have continued to do trainings to keep up to date and administer the best to my clients. I have become invested in my clients’ journeys, and the joy, self love, and improved confidence witnessed, continues to drive my passion.
It may have been insanity to consider opening a new business on the heels of the pandemic, however this goes to show that with your heart in the right place, determination, passion, and grit, anything is possible. I continue to practice as a CRNA and thoroughly enjoy both worlds
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! Like they say, if it was easy, everyone would do it. Having your own business delivers its own set of challenges. You decide to start a business, invest a lot of money in needed equipment, put in time and money in training, all before having a single client, and find yourself in a growing market where you need to let everyone know what you’re capable of. It can be challenging.
I am a social person by nature when in close familiar circles, however marketing myself especially on a public stage is not my forte. I tend to be very private, so putting myself out there in an ever growing market? Not so much. It’s constant; finding creative ways to reach the masses, as well as providing meticulous care that keeps those you meet!
Every day is different. Sometimes it’s extremely busy, and other times not so much. However through it all, I maintain the personal touch I give to all my clients. They know that when they come to me, I take the time to listen to their concerns and give honest feedback on what can be done, if anything at all.
Choosing to continue to practice as a CRNA requires proper scheduling and organization to show up for all the roles I fulfill. If there is anything this journey has sharpened is my time management skills! I ensure that I show up for work, my clients, my favorite little person – my son, and family while also carving time out for myself to unwind. I have learned that to show up for everyone, requires that I take my own advice I give to my clients of self care, and I do try.
Sometimes I am not quite sure how it all gets done, and let’s be honest, there are times I stumble, however, with the support of the people in my circle, especially from my dedicated clients it somehow all comes together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about La Touche Élite Aesthetics?
La Touche Élite Aesthetics is a small business in the Myrtle Beach area, providing aesthetic services to clients. The focus of the business is all in the tag line “Inner Beauty Resurfaced.” Aesthetic services sometimes are associated with negative stereotypes- with the focus on being fake, unnatural or superficial. All my clients are important to me, however most of them are women. Women are socialized to be caregivers and many times forget that care starts with self. Through this practice, I have seen self confidence soar, inner beauty shine and lots of smiles. The ability to be a part of that brings me so much satisfaction.
Skin health is of utmost importance. ALL my clients can attest to my chats with them on daily skin care, versus just getting treatments. The two, a good skin care routine along with treatments, do marry well. At La Touche Élite Aesthetics, clients can purchase skin care products, as well as obtain aesthetic treatments like wrinkle treatments (commonly called botox), fillers, chemical peels, as well as skin tightening and resurfacing treatments and modalities. One of the treatments that has grown exponentially during the business’ tenure, is hair rejuvenation treatments. As aforementioned, although most of my clientele are female, males dominate with regard to this treatment.
Clients can expect an intimate, personalized touch that is unique to this practice. Clients know that when they come in, they’re not rushed in and out and feel heard; they’re not just a number on the roster. My aim is to not only just provide a service but to educate, and time is carved out for this during appointments.
I absolutely love what I do and enjoy meeting with people from all walks of life. I hold on to my moral fabric tightly and am honest with clients about their wants vs needs and what’s attainable. I am not afraid to say no to treatments desired by clients that I believe to be of little to no benefit to them. My clients have always given feedback that although they’re aware that this is a business, they have never felt pressured to do anything. In essence it’s not about making a quick buck. Trust is huge in this business and I always strive to stay rooted, never taking advantage of my clients’ faith in my care.
In the end, the satisfaction expressed by clients is truly fulfilling and keeps me going, always aiming to do better.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up on a small but beautiful island in the Eastern Caribbean called Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. Ever since I was little, I always thought I would end up doing something in the medical field and thrived in science and mathematics. The foundation I received in my formative years there academically and otherwise have helped shape the person I am today. My grit, determination to pursue and as well as ability to overcome challenges have shaped my career. Leaving the comfort of my small island home to materialize a dream that took me from the USA to Canada and back to the USA did not come easily. Hearing no at many points along my journey just served as fuel to achieve.
People who know me today would find it hard to believe, however growing up, I was extremely shy. I loved staying home, cooking, crocheting, listening to music and reading a plethora of books! I am not so far off from that little girl today. I do love being at home and am comfortable in quiet spaces- I find creativity most in these moments.. I still love a good book to this day. It’s just that, now, in social settings, I can still find my place and thrive.
As a child, the battle within myself was wondering how I would connect and engage with people if I was so shy. Over time (thankfully) my self confidence grew, situations forced me to speak up for myself, and I become the woman I am proud of today. Becoming a CRNA was one dream materialized. Unbeknownst to me, that foundation would lay the groundwork to give me the confidence to feel comfortable in my role providing medical aesthetic care.
Pricing:
- The pricing of services vary, depending on the treatment, treatment area, or the extent of what’s being treated. During our free consultation, pricing as well as budget is discussed at length prior to any service is performed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.latoucheaesthetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_touche_elite_aesthetics?igsh=MXc5YTRkY3FhMWpxeQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16AMn2ocxn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
