Like the thousands of beauty professionals that enter the spa industry, the passion to help clients boost their personal and mental health is what drew Samantha Gatewood, aesthetic nurse practitioner at BIÂN in Chicago, to pursue a career in aesthetics and wellness. This connection between the practitioner and guest is something Gatewood prides herself on and has continued to prioritize throughout her years of experience. She sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss exosomes’ exciting potential for wellness, the importance of mentorship from spa leaders and so much more!
Log in to view the full article
Like the thousands of beauty professionals that enter the spa industry, the passion to help clients boost their personal and mental health is what drew Samantha Gatewood, aesthetic nurse practitioner at BIÂN in Chicago, to pursue a career in aesthetics and wellness. This connection between the practitioner and guest is something Gatewood prides herself on and has continued to prioritize throughout her years of experience. She sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss exosomes’ exciting potential for wellness, the importance of mentorship from spa leaders and so much more!
What was your first job in the spa and wellness industry?
My first position in aesthetics was in 2013 working with a well-known, board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago.
What is your favorite memory of your time working in this industry?
I’d say my favorite memory working in aesthetics is the first time I performed a treatment of filler on my own, and my patient cried happy tears and gave me a huge hug. This was the moment I truly realized what an impact I can have, and the reward of helping someone to look and feel their best.
What do you love about spa and wellness?
It goes with what I mentioned above: I love the effect I can have on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Many patients come in feeling confident but have that one thing that stands out to them as bothersome that they focus on. I love that I am here to help with that.
I also love the education I can provide on skin health and overall appearance. Sometimes, education about anatomy or a treatment/procedure is enough to change a mindset of that bothersome area and a realization that it is the beauty of individual anatomy and asymmetries.
What new wellness trends do you find most exciting?
I’m very excited for exosomes in the industry. I think these have potential for incredible biostimulator effects.
What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
I take my dog for a walk; it’s a great time for me to decompress.
Related: Lymphatic Drainage Treatments that Promote Healthy Skin
What’s your favorite wellness treatment to receive and why?
I love them all! I can’t pick just one. Of course, my neuromodulator injections are a staple and something I have maintained for the last several years. These keep me looking youthful and refreshed. PRP and chemical peels have also had a great impact both on my skin health and a glowing complexion.
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
That’s tough. I think my nurse practitioner degree was the most challenging, as I was working full time and going to school full time with clinicals. Equal to that is probably building my practice. There are many new injectors and clinics opening, and maintaining the trust and relationships with my patients for over 10 years feels like a great accomplishment as well.
What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the industry?
I always recommend finding a position or a mentorship with a professional. I find the knowledge and experience I received was invaluable and I’m very grateful for it. Furthermore, know that not everyone is going to be immediately happy or see what you see as a provider. Take these as moments of constructive criticism and growth, not a negative reflection of your skill.
What’s one thing you can’t leave the house without?
My Kopari lip gloss!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching Real Housewives.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by many people and situations. I find inspiration from my mentors, patients and loved ones. I’m inspired by ambition and the desire to push myself beyond limits.
How do you practice self-care?
This is probably something I could work on. I listen to music to unwind and relax. I also do my own manicures; I can zone in and concentrate on something just for me.
What is on your bucket list?
Traveling to South Africa! It has been on my bucket list for years; I’ve just been drawn to going there.
What’s on the horizon for BIAN in 2024?
Exciting things! We are looking into offering more modalities and increasing biostimulator offerings. We also have many customer favorites available, like Hydrafacial and custom chemical peels, but we’re also excited about services that go beyond the face. We focus on the skin on the neck, back, hands and feet, which most people neglect, but can show early signs of aging. We also just introduced Keravive, a scalp treatment that deeply cleanses for overall scalp health.
