We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jill Decoteau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jill, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I wake up one morning and notice a few blemishes dancing across my face; I am 13 years old. I look into my mom’s bathroom cabinet with panic. I grab some skincare products and apply over my complexion. Alright, all is good! In a few days this acne should clear up. I wake up one morning and notice the acne has not only taken over my face, but it has covered my neck, chest, arms and back. I diligently do my skincare routine and no results have come. I wince in pain when I feel my bra strap rub over my back. When will this acne heal? I wake up one morning and hop into the car, mom is driving me to the doctors office again. We have danced from primary care doctors- to multiple dermatologists- to gynecologists. We have tried what feels like every topical and oral medication on the market to target my acne. I wake up one morning and cry, nothing is working, I am in pain, doctors dismiss the acne as “you’re going through puberty”! How long will doctors prescribe and dismiss? Will I have to live in pain forever? I wake up one morning and I’m 20 years old, I enroll in Esthetics School. I dedicate my time to studying the skin and am determined to heal my acne. Improvement happens, but I still struggle with acne in waves. I wake up one morning and I’m 23 years old- it’s time to dig deeper. I find a holistic medical team that takes the time to listen to my concerns, run the proper tests and find the root to my acne. I wake up one morning and I’m 24, my skin is healthy and healing; acne doesn’t run my life anymore. I see the magic of holistic healing and dive deep into holistic esthetics. I wake up one morning and I’m 26, I’ve healed dozens of acne clients through holistic healing through skincare, nutrition, stress management and more.
My pain fueled my passion. My resilience to not settle, to continue to dig deeper and heal not only relieved me from a decade long battle with severe acne, but has shaped my career. My resilience on my personal healing journey taught me good things take time and consistency. It has instilled hope into my clients as they see that healing is possible and going to happen for them as well. One day you too will wake up and feel the weight lifted off your shoulders!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My small business. Ginger Roots Skin Bar, is a safe haven for all those seeking sweet skin relief! I am a solo holistic esthetician that focuses on bringing sustainable skincare into your life. My specialty (and sweet spot) is helping those with problematic skin types- skin sensitivities, inflammation, acne, rosacea, scarring etc. Whether that be with my customized facial treatments, skin education in-person and on socials I am bringing all my experience and knowledge to help you work towards your glowing skin goals. I am head over heels excited for the workshops I’ll be hosting in the near future- helping you heal from near or far at an affordable price point! My goal is for you to truly enjoy your daily skin rituals and not feel like you’re knocking a task off your “to do” list. I want you to have the education to feel empowered on making intuitive skincare decisions as your skin evolves week to week, season to season. Most importantly, I want you to feel confident in your natural skin! Together we can work on healing your skin impurities while still enjoying the process and embodying self love through each healing stage.
My career has evolved dramatically in the last 7 years and I couldn’t be more proud of the care I bring into my clients lives today. Through my own pain I have found my passion for helping those who struggle with their own skin insecurities and pain points. In the skincare industry you will constantly see new trends, with products and machines etc, but the true magic is with the hands! Using the power of touch and massage goes a long way- healing our nervous systems and helping us reach our skin goals. I often feel that the beauty of hands on healing is lost in the sauce of skincare trends, but I’m here to remind you that your hands are here (free) and worth the hype!
Ginger Roots Skin Bar has been a true labor of love. The name embodies holistic healing on levels, finding the root and taking the time to water yourself and bloom!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The 3 tried & trues for growing Ginger Roots Skin Bar and my journey to helping those heal through holistic esthetics are simple.
Education- never stop educating yourself so you can best serve your clients. It is okay to change your mind and ways! When you learn better, you do better and you serve better.
Sustainability- customizing your skincare routine to be sustainable for the season of life you or your clients are in. Making business decisions that are sustainable long term and not over filling your plate. Honoring a schedule and lifestyle that brings balance and doesn’t lead to burn out.
Consistency- results take time and that’s okay! Set clear expectations with yourself and your clients on their skin healing journey. Understand your business won’t bloom overnight, it will take time and consistency. Results will come, but keep the faith and stay consistent.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My dream client is one who is ready to enter their healing era. This person honors the chapter of life they’re in and prioritizes their wellness, nurtures their needs and feeds energy into their dreams. They cherish our earth and do their best to honor an eco-friendly lifestyle. They practice self affirmations and shower their loved ones with them as well. When they walk into the room they hold a warm, strong presence. They build sustainable habits that keep them on track to meet their goals and feel their best. They are kind, they are mindful and they are confident in who they are. They’re a dream client who is open to learning more about how to truly feel happy & healthy from the inside, out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gingerskinbar.com
- Instagram: gingerskinbar
- Facebook: Ginger Roots Skin Bar
Image Credits
Candace Elizabeth
