How Beauty Professionals Stay Ahead of Trends and Grow Their Toolkits with Beautytap’s Beauty Expert Program

A Chicago native, Stephanie Kinard has been in the beauty industry for 25+ years. As a Licensed Esthetician, her practice utilizes clean and effective products with a holistic slant.  When she’s not working, she spends her days making soap, traveling – sometimes vicariously through reading – and “geeking out” on history. 

Since Stephanie has been part of the Beauty Expert Program for more than two years, we wanted to learn more about her industry experience and thoughts about the unique opportunities Beautytap offers.

Beautytap: How did you get your start in the world of beauty? 

Stephanie Kinard: As a teenager in the 80s, I did makeup for my friends, and that grew into doing freelance work, typically for weddings and special events. My first job as a teen was as a Saturday receptionist for a neighborhood salon. 

B: Have you always worked in the beauty industry? 

SK: I’m actually a former finance professional and spent 10 years working on The Chicago Board of Trade agricultural trading floor. Makeup was a side hustle, and after a series of unsavory events while working in finance, I decided to enroll in beauty school in 2011 to become an esthetician. After receiving facials, I was fascinated with the process. I was also a skincare junkie who became more interested in that camp than makeup. Don't get me wrong; makeup is awesome, but having good skin only enhances makeup. 

Many people find it strange that I could make a switch from finance to esthetics. The reality, however, is that no matter what field you go into, dealing with humans –especially those who are not necessarily in a good space – is something that most of us have to reckon with. I also thrive in environments that revolve around problem solving. 

B: What type of education did you receive?

SK: I enrolled at The Aveda Institute of Chicago for an Esthetics license. After graduation (750 hours) my educators asked me to consider obtaining an additional license to teach esthetics. I was hesitant at first, but after working briefly at a spa in the city, I decided an additional license would be beneficial to my career overall. Teaching taught me many life lessons and how to become a better esthetician overall. I taught for nearly five years before making the decision to work as an esthetician. 

B: What is your current beauty industry role?

SK: Currently, I’m working in Princeton, Illinois – a quaint town about 90 miles from Chicago. It has been an interesting transition coming to a laid-back environment after years of working in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. On a daily basis, I perform facials and provide waxing services while also educating clients on solutions that are conducive to their individual needs. I’m responsible for recommending effective, non-invasive treatments. Although I utilize LED therapy, ultrasound, etc. during facials, I also like incorporating holistic elements, such as aromatherapy, pressure points, etc.

B: How do you describe Beautytap to other people?

SK: Beautytap is a platform for beauty professionals to give honest opinions about products. Because there are no endorsements, you know that the information that you're receiving is sincere and without ulterior motives. 

B: How did you find out about Beautytap?

SK: When COVID was in full effect, I was looking for options to stay in the beauty industry and discovered Beautytap through an Indeed listing. 

B: What do you think of the Beautytap Expert Review Program?

SK: It’s an excellent source for education and to stay current. Stagnation is one of the worst things that can happen to someone in this field. Although I utilize and retail a couple of brands in my workspace, having knowledge of what's out there helps me immensely on both a professional and personal level. For example, a few of my clients are on strict budgets and can't afford what we carry. Now, I can recommend a budget line – like Versed – that I can vouch for.  

B: What aspects of the program do you enjoy most?

SK: As a product junkie with a short attention span, I get excited when I get a new product to review. I don't mind writing, so that requirement is fairly easy for me. I also love the education. For those of us who have attended lots of continuing education classes, it's hard not to become jaded, especially when classes are from the same companies over and over again.  That said, because a majority of the brands that engage with Beautytap are independent, I get to learn about lines that I'd probably never find out about. 

B: How can beauty professionals use Beautytap in their own professional growth?

SK: Beautytap helps professionals stay current about what’s available in the marketplace. Veterans and newcomers can expand their toolboxes, too. 

B: Do you have any advice for other experts about Beautytap or the Expert Program?

SK: Professionals should not fall into the trap of familiarity. Many practitioners align themselves with just a handful of brands and are closed-minded about other options, especially from lesser-known companies. You can miss out on great gems from indie brands. It’s also really important for us to keep learning as professionals and to work outside our comfort zone. If you ever feel bored or stagnant with what you're doing, then challenge yourself to learn a new procedure. We only learn through discomfort. 

Follow Stephanie Kinard at Beautytap.

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