Published: Mar 4, 2009
By Melissa Hill

An esthetician from Brazil finds her calling in New York.
 

Cleusa Paula

When Cleusa Paula moved to New York City from her native Brazil, she looked forward to learning a new language, picking up the culture—and only staying two years. Now 12 years later, she has established herself as a successful esthetician and loves taking advantage of everything the city has to offer. “Everything I need, I have here. There’s great food, Broadway shows, concerts,” says Paula. “I love those things and I never feel bored.”

How did you get your start in the beauty industry?
In Brazil, I worked in banking. It was good money, but my passion was always the beauty industry. When I was young, my mother would take me to get my hair and nails done; I felt so good afterward. When I got to New York, I heard about a great school for skin, Christine Valmy. I knew this was my passion. It’s so amazing to see the skin change.

What’s your skin care philosophy?
After school, I did post-training. I went to many seminars, and during that time I learned how to do peels. But I feel like peels are too heavy—it’s better to treat skin little by little. The best thing to do is change your regimen, eat well, do your homework and take care of your skin every day. I have clients who come to me with their skin a mess. I ask about what they do to take care of it; sometimes they say they don’t even wash their skin at night.

What’s the hardest part of your job?
I want results fast. Especially with acne, which takes time to treat. I have one client—he’s 16—and he comes to me every four weeks. I see how uncomfortable he is with his skin. I tell him it takes time, and it’s a hard thing. But I want to see results immediately—I wish they could come in today, and have their skin look good tomorrow.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
My clients. When someone comes to me, I don’t feel like they are just my clients, I feel like I have to take care of them, like they are my own children. My clients expect something from my hands; they expect me to eliminate all the impurities, but they also want to feel glowing and relaxed afterward. I’m grateful for what I do. It makes me feel good.

How do you stay educated on the industry?
I read a lot—magazines and books. One book I love is Save Your Face, by Brooke Rutledge Seckel, a well-known plastic surgeon. I bought it at a beauty show and it’s very good. It discusses facial rejuvenation and non-surgical treatments, like IPL. I also ask questions of my friends who work here. I have a dermatologist friend who helps me, too. My friends—the people I work with—are great.

Cleusa Paula

Departure Lounge
New York City

• vocation: Esthetician
• age: 48
• years in industry: 6
• specialty: Facials
• favorite spa service: I love body wraps! My skin feels like velvet afterward, very soft and soothing.
• favorite product: Phytomer. I have everything I need for every skin type and all skin conditions.
• advice for new estheticians: Be very warm toward your clients. Help them and share with them. Don’t do it because you need a job and want to make money. Put some life into your hands—touch like you care about what you do.
• favorite way to unwind: I love to read. I also like to go for walks in Central Park and see the greenery because nature makes me relax. I love seeing kids play in the park. They’re so cute, so happy and their skin is so clean and healthy.
• i’m inspired by: Wanting to know more and more about skin care. It’s not just beauty, it’s your health too.