Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on Danielle April Stephen, an aesthetician at Hortman Clinics, who is a qualified beauty and laser therapist in the UAE.
Danielle provides treatments such as deep cleaning facials, face sculpting massages, chemical peels, and micro-needling. She also takes a holistic approach to skincare, emphasising the importance of treating not just the skin on the surface but also from within. She is a firm believer in the power of nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices in achieving healthy, glowing skin.
Stephan keeps up-to-date with the latest technological and medical advances in the laser beauty industry. This allows Danielle to guide the clients to make the best decisions to reach their skin and beauty goals.
To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman spoke to this renowned chef to see how her journey in the F&B industry began.
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What was your favourite subject at school?
During my school years, my fascination with science, especially biology, blossomed. Concurrently, I harboured a deep-seated love for physical education which was also one of my favourite subjects at school. Little did I foresee that this innate creativity would eventually intertwine with my growing interest in skincare and scientific exploration. Consequently, it became evident that blending my passions for beauty and science was a natural evolution, compelling me to pursue formal education in the beauty industry.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Oasis, a clothing store in Scotland, while I was still in college. It was a great experience, juggling work with my studies. I learned a lot about retail and customer service during my time there, and it definitely helped me build some valuable skills for the future.
Can you talk us through your career?
After completing my NVQ Level 1 & 2 City and Guilds certification, my career journey commenced at a small boutique salon in Scotland. Here, I honed my skills in a diverse range of beauty treatments, eventually discovering my passion for facials. Subsequently, I expanded my professional horizons by working in various spas across Scotland. However, seeking new challenges and opportunities, I made the bold decision to relocate to Dubai, where I embarked on a career path within high-end salon settings. During my tenure in Dubai, fueled by my enduring love for science, I delved deeper into the realm of skincare. It was through this exploration that I found my true calling in medical facials. Seeking to enhance my expertise, I pursued specialised training in laser techniques at the IMA Institute. This experience ignited my fascination with laser facials, ultimately leading me to join the esteemed team at Hortmans Clinic under the guidance of Rebecca Treston.
What are your key elements of your role?
As a Beauty and Laser Therapist, my role involves providing various beauty treatments to clients, specializing in both facials and laser procedures. Key elements include client consultation, assessment, treatment plan recommendation, execution, and ensuring client satisfaction. I prioritize transparency and set realistic expectations for achievable results.
Talk us through your daily routine?
My typical day starts with a coffee, caramel Frappuccino (because, you know, gotta keep it healthy), then I head to the gym. I always feel like I have a better day when I start with a workout. After that, it’s off to work where I spend my day providing treatments to clients. In the evenings, I make sure to spend quality time with my daughter. We often enjoy activities like horse riding or playing padel on our days off.
What are some of your services you provide your customers?
I offer a range of beauty treatments, including facials, laser and energy-based treatments, skin rejuvenation, and face sculpting and lifting. Each service is tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of my clients. I specialize in Face Sculpting massage and dermaplaning; along with top signature protocols learned from Rebecca Treston, such as treatments for pigmentation, skin tightening, acne protocols, and combination treatments. I’d say the most popular laser treatments nowadays include Pico Genesis, BBL, Fotona 4D, Smooth Eye, and ThreadLift.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
For those aspiring to pursue a similar path, my foremost advice is to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Embrace the ever-evolving techniques and technologies in the industry. Seek out mentorship and guidance from the best in the field. Moreover, transparency and sincerity are important in a profession centred on personal well-being and enhancement.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I received is to prioritize honesty in your practice. Transparency builds trust and fosters stronger connections with clients.
And what is the worst?
I can’t recall receiving any particularly bad advice. However, I believe it’s essential to critically evaluate advice and discern what aligns with your values and goals.
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What is has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was transitioning into the laser side of beauty therapy. It required dedication, commitment to acquiring new skills and qualifications, continuous studying, and upgrading, but the rewards have been immense.
What are your goals for the future?
In the future, I aim to further expand my expertise in laser treatments and continue providing exceptional service to my clients. Additionally, I aspire to contribute to advancements in the beauty industry through ongoing learning and collaboration with the team.
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