Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine White.
Hi Janine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story as an Esthetician, Yoruba Priestess, Reiki Master Teacher & Energy Healer, Creator, Educator, Leader, Scuba Diver, Dreamer and Visionary had to have started at my birth. I have childhood memories of wanting to help and take care of people. I have always felt the presence of spirit. I have always had a connection with nature. Since I can remember, I have always had a “different way of thinking and being”. Not only did I dance to the beat of my own drum, I made my own drum and created my own dance. I was the one that asked “that” question that many were thinking but didn’t want to ask. I was a rule breaker. I respected authority yet knew at an early age that I could shift the energy of things for the better. I was the friend of the underdog; and at any given moment I would offer them love and understanding and stand against any that opposed them. I created memorials and funerals for roadkill and had a soft spot in my heart for all animals. I truly believe that now I am actualizing the life that has been set since childhood. That I am on my path and fulfilling my destiny.
Fast forward: I was born in New York City. My parents moved us to Germany when I was 16. Upon completing my AA Degree (University of Maryland, Munich Campus), I moved to Atlanta and had the joy of working at a major TV network company. It was there that I was introduced to computers and the world of IT. My father retired from the military in Seattle, WA so I soon moved there to join my family. I was able to jump into supervision and management, and after a few years, I moved into IT management more specifically. I had a very successful career. Was paid extremely well with wonderful benefits and perks. I earned my BA from The Evergreen State College (Tacoma, WA) and my MSM/MBA from Antioch University (Seattle, WA). Both institutions were alternative in that they were not the usual collegiate programs. They fed my different way of being. and grades were done like a performance review in corporate; based on activities and projects and a ton of written papers that tapped into the research as well as my innermost core values on the subject. Both were great experiences. They pushed me in ways a traditional program could not. I completed both degrees while working full time. Sometimes I do the most. LOL. But I am just a highly charged individual. Once I have a purpose and the passion to support it, I am on it!
I had many opportunities and was exposed to amazing experiences. I was instrumental in initiating diversity programs. Being a change agent; I was instrumental in getting rid of old corporate rules and inspired new work methods to keep people engaged and committed. I became known as the one that could improve productivity and employee satisfaction. How? By listening to my inner voice to do things differently and treat people like valued individuals. I managed teams worldwide. Traveled. Met many wonderful people. Participated in some “next level” projects. Conversed and learned from extremely smart people and world influencers. Ate boogie food. Drank expensive wine. Smoozed with the best of corporate types. It was a great life, until it wasn’t. My brother was killed by a drunk driver. I began having anxiety attacks. What am I doing with my life? That event thrust me into living my bucket list. I enrolled in graduate school. I became certified to scuba dive and served as our local club president for several years. I brought my first house. I brought a grown-up car – a SUV. Connected more with my community. Implemented an annual self-care road trip to just drive out in nature; and stopping at every park along the way to breath and reflect. As a result of earning the graduate degree, my career took me to an up-and-coming Dotcom company and then on to being a Senior IT Manager for a prestigious global company.
A couple of years later the Twin Towers in New York, my place of birth was terrorized on 9/11. Work turned from exciting to annoying. My partner was accidentally murdered (he was breaking up a fight between two drunk friends and was stabbed). I battled with depression and was very overweight and most concerning, very unhealthy. I was not being fulfilled in my job. Although I was “living the corporate life”; I was feeling empty and not fulfilled. These traumatic events gave me the opportunity to have another heart to heart with myself. Concluded that life is not guaranteed. I had better revisit that bucket list and get myself in shape to be able to do it. I read the book ” Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood” by Marsha Sinetar. I narrowed down my “love” as scuba diving and going into a creative field of service to people. I decided to keep scuba diving as a hobby. Upon researching the Beauty Industry, I learned that there are many opportunities, and it is recession proof. I interviewed several beauty schools and chose one that accommodated adults transferring careers. I was currently employed so I signed up for night school to start in a couple of months. Cool. The transition began! I hired a personal trainer. My trainer worked my stamina up to being able to do a community 5k walk/run. I did it! Nearly took me out, but I did it.
Afterwards, I remember going to Alki Beach in West Seattle. The tide was out so I waded out and laid upon a large boulder in the surf. I recall praying to God saying, “Lord, I feel a change coming and I need you to give me a sign (a very easy and recognizable sign for I had no time to be guessing). Things were stagnant and were not moving. What do I need to do? Ironically, the company made some major changes, and I was part of the elite team of laid off management. Funny, but it was an amazing experience. I understood that it was a corporate wide decision during a time when many IT companies were changing direction and laying off employees. And who says God doesn’t answer prayers. That was answered the next day! Two points to the Man Upstairs! I called my chosen beauty school and the director told me that there was an opening for the full-time day class. Just came open within the hour. Imagine that! I was elated! I also was offered a couple of other jobs based on my reputation. I turned them down cause your girl was going to beauty school full time. Time to get that life a changing. LOL.
I went on to earn my Esthetician license. In taking this career change seriously and needing to start making income before the bonus and savings monies ran out, so I loaded up on the continuing education. A mentor told me that the real education starts after you get your license. And that advanced training determines what kind of Esthetician you will be. My only option was the best. Not in an arrogant way. But with intentions of offering the solutions and education to my clients that work and solve their issues. I attended many industry tradeshows. I linked up with a product rep so that I could tag along with her. She had the network and major accounts. I had the esthetic license. Together we made a great team. I was able to offer her accounts hands-on training. And she introduced me to some industry major hitters. I became a sugaring hair removal educator for the top company at that time. I have had the pleasure of training many in the Pacific NW/ Vancouver area at a time when sugaring was very new. Sugaring has positively impacted many of my trainees with thriving businesses til today.
Now it is the normal hair removal standard up there. I am also leading the way here in Houston, introducing people to the best hair removal (i.m.o.) option of sugaring. When I first got my license I also was an educator/ trainer at a major skin care company so I could get a few years of industry experience under my belt before I opened my own studio in 2005. I got my certificate in Reiki Healing and paired it with my spiritual practice as a priestess. I enrolled in the UCLA Extension classes for cosmetic chemistry certification. Investing in my advanced continuing education, (especially UCLA), was the best decision and use of money til this day. With that advanced training and education along with excellent customer service practices, I have gained the trust and respect of my clients, medical professionals, past corporate employees and colleagues, and the many new people I have the honor of meeting regularly. I am proud to say that it is not uncommon for a client to travel to see me. I have a high retention rate and referrals are how I built my business. Using the UCLA training, I can know and understand products and how to mix/ match/ create. I can truly offer customized services. And that is what I take pride in doing. I am not limited by a skin care company and its sales objectives.
In fact, I choose companies that vibe with my core value of providing the best products with wholesome, non-toxic ingredients and protocols for naturally healthy and balanced skin. I continued with my wellness journey and completed my first DanSkin Triathlon per a client’s urging to do it with her. (Side note about that. I had the goal that I would finish; on my own, not in the emergency rescue vehicle. LOL. I finished last. But it was on my own accord. At the end of the day, I did not care that I was last. I FINISHED.)
I pride myself in successfully merging skincare, cosmetic chemistry, and energetic healing modalities with my spiritual practice to provide inclusive and complete options for my clients – in the most respectful and non-judging ways. Passionately, I connect practical everyday skincare routines with heart, soul, caring and LOVE so clients can aspire to be present in their own personal mind, body, spirit journeys and live their best lives!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being committed to my career as an Esthetician and spa owner, I have had to make some major sacrifices along the way. For instance, I sold my house. Reduced my scuba diving travel. Missed out on many social functions because I was doing “spa work”. Laundry never ends. That is great cause that means business. There are many administrative tasks and errands that can not be done while the spa is open. They have to be done off hours. Money flow and financial issues where overwhelming at times in a bad way. Can I say, CRICKETS. Building a clientele, especially me not wanting to accept walk-ins and same day appointments was a challenge. But at the end of the day, it was all worth it. I created a business plan for my spa before opening. That was my saving grace. When the temptation was there to accept any warm body, I read it and reminded myself of my vision. As a result, I do not have regular ole clients. I have a vast extended family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love to mix it up. I believe in endless possibilities. My neutral color is green cause you have never seen a flower or leaf not match its stem. I like mixing up my drinks. Coke and lemonade are my favorites when I drink a sweet treat. I love creating wild tisane blends of various herbs and teas. It is not unusual for me to mix all of the flavors together. When I cook I will use seasonings other than their common purpose. I will try something new quickly. My family and friends know that I will throw together a meal from what appears to be nothing. I love to watch others enjoy my home cooked creations. I have the same philosophy when it comes to customizing treatments for my spa clients. And I usually will think to myself, “I wonder how that food or tea will do in a bath or in a face mask or body scrub?” I have some loyal customers with unique allergies schedule a facial and say in the comments, “I don’t know what this is but I want you to just make up something special for me”. Understanding the physiology of skin and cosmetic chemistry I am able to dive into my apothecary of creams, oils, herbs, serums, crystals, spa gadgets, meditative modalities and conjure up the perfect blend of items so my client has their desired experience. It rocks my world when a client tells me that it is better than the last time. That they can face the crazy world. That they can sleep better. That they feel better deep in their soul. There is nothing better than that. I am an artist. A creative being behind the spa curtain mixing up an experience that will take you out of this world. No recipes. Just a desire to tap in and translate what your mind, body, and spirit need at the moment of your appointment. Because at A Suite Break, the value is YOU.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson along my journey has been compassion. I never assume what is going on with someone. My intention, my greatest hope is that after your experience with me that your skin issue is better. That you feel better. That your life is better for seeing me. That your shoulders are light and your heart is free from the heaviness that life can sometimes sling at you. That you have abundant blessings. For that I am grateful. For that, I am confirmed in my work.
Pricing:
- Sugaring Brazilian for women: $75
- Sugaring Brazilian for men $85
- Extended Break Custom Face Treatment: $115
- Sudatorium (Sauna) Session: $60
- Energy Healing Session (1 hr): $100
Contact Info:
- Email: aSuiteBreak@gmail.com
- Website: aSuiteBreak.com
- Instagram: @asuitebreak
- Facebook: Facebook.com/asuitebreak
- Online booking/ gift certificates/ simple store/ classes: Vagaro.com/asuitebreak
Image Credits
Janine White
Melvina Edwards
Anaya Harry
