“With my years of being a teacher, I use the motto ‘Education, not medication’ in my esthetics,” says Kathryn I. Kailian. At age 57, her passion for teaching is just beginning. Kailian’s youthful exuberance keeps her motivated to take on the skin care problems of her clients with a vigor and excitement of a newcomer to the field.
When she decided to start a family and leave her position as an art teacher, she became an electrologist in order to work from home. After receiving her esthetic license in 1982, Kailian yearned for more and more education—taking courses at various institutions, and attending seminars and conventions whenever she had a chance. Her experience even led her to work with a plastic surgeon for 15 years as a paramedical esthetician. “Part of my experience is my exposure to all kinds of skin—which I love,” says Kailian.
After years in the industry, this self-professed acne specialist opened the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic in Washington, D.C., which focuses on customized skin care regimens tailored to each client’s needs, desired results and lifestyle habits. “I think I work a little differently than most estheticians,” Kailian explains. “I work internally and externally to treat the skin. My premise is that when a client has acne, they are predisposed to it as a form of detoxification.”
Upon their first visit, each client experiences a thorough consultation in which diet, personal hygiene habits, vitamins, supplements and even laundry detergent are explored as possible contributors to their skin condition. “Treatment should be personally tailored and attentive to any detail that may have an impact on the skin,” states the clinic’s Web site. Discovering these causes, Kailian says, is like working a puzzle. “It’s really interesting and fun—and the results are wonderful,” she notes.
As a member of the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) and the Board of Barber & Cosmetology in the District of Columbia, she is involved actively in legislation to protect the skin care profession, as well as the safety of the public. From two-tiered licensing to safety precautions, Kailian finds her involvement very invigorating. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I’m really lucky,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to make changes.”
With the help of her daughter, Arsine, who manages the business operations, Kailian genuinely cares for the well-being of her clients. On her Web site, she provides healthy recipe alternatives for busy people with the belief that “eating well can improve your health and will ultimately reflect on the skin.” With a practice-what-you-preach philosophy, she takes great care to lead her clients by example, as well. “One piece of advice I want everyone to follow is to wear a full-spectrum sunscreen at all times,” urges Kailian, who, on a daily basis, sees the damage inflicted by years of sun exposure.Staying motivated in a constantly changing industry is one challenge that she is happy to meet each day. “I’m a people person, and, when I make someone really happy, it’s so pleasurable for me to see that kind of result. I never tire of it,” Kailian adds.
She looks forward to affecting the lives of each and every one of her clients in a positive way. By approaching each consultation on an individual basis, Kailian vows, “I’m going to keep on doing what I love to do and hopefully make a lot of people happy in the process.”