Burke Esthetician Begins Own Business

Since her high school years, Karen Wyatt was interested in having a business of her own. Hearing her parents discuss the challenges and accomplishments of the small businesses that they provided accounting services for tweaked her interest, leading her to spend a lot of free time reading entrepreneurial books and magazines. Unable to wrap her mind around a business idea though, Wyatt continued on in her education at the University of South Florida and worked toward a business degree in accounting.

Once Wyatt began working as a full time accountant, she decided to take some night courses to help spark some of her other interests.

“I was used to working full time and going to school, and wanted to fill my spare time with something non-business related,” said Wyatt.

After attending a few sessions on esthetics and skincare, she knew she had found her passion. The dream she once had of operating a small business was no longer just a dream – it was a reality.

To become a licensed Master Esthetician, Wyatt had to learn both practical and clinical skincare methods—passing written tests and performing treatments on actual subjects. In addition, she was required to spend more hours and training in advanced skin care, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion and lymphatic drainage massage. She holds licenses in Florida, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. and now, Virginia. (Every state has different licensing requirements).

Wyatt’s work in the esthetics field began by representing a small number of manufacturers and by doing business consulting to help other small business owners in the industry get started. Upon moving to Virginia, she found work at a salon in the University Mall shopping center. “I wanted enough space to have my consulting office and skin care practice,” she said, but had to wait for the location and timing to be right.

Just over three years ago, the tall pines surrounding an office building at the corner of Rolling Road and Burke Lake Road caught her eye, so she walked across the parking lot and went directly to the leasing office to snag the small office space.

“[Karen] is an expert in skin and has worked with me to ensure that my skin stays clear and as youthful as it can,” said Stephanie Morehead, a client who began seeing Wyatt eight years ago when she worked at a salon in the University Mall shopping center. “Most people think that I am five years younger than I am and I love that!”

Another client, Pam Spano, also discovered Wyatt's services when she worked at the salon and has been seeing her ever since. "My visits are so relaxing and I always feel as if I'm doing something good for myself," said Spano.

Wyatt’s skincare practice is all about keeping it simple and stress free, whether it involves working with teenagers who struggle with acne or adults who need skin rejuvenation. She advises clients to maintain a healthy balance, and tries to heed her own advice to overcome personal challenges of maintaining stability while still working in all her clients.

“I love helping people feel more comfortable about the way they look,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see someone start feeling more confident, holding their head up and smiling as their skin looks better.”

In addition to her clients, Wyatt also works with a few professional skin care labs to help prepare her own products.

“I grew weary of listening to company representatives who wouldn’t discuss ingredients with me,” she said. “The Karen Wyatt skin care lines are result-oriented and recommended based on what my clients’ skin care objectives are.”

Claire Donahoe, whose been going to Wyatt for facials for over 10 years and has even sent her husband and two young adult sons to her services, credits Wyatt’s line of facial products for her young looking skin.

“Many people have commented on how great my skin looks for my age,” said Donahoe, a preschool special education teacher and Burke resident.

When Wyatt’s not dedicating her work to improving skin for all ages, she enjoys keeping busy with household projects in the colder months and visiting the coast in the warmer months.

“I love the sun, but there has not been a day in 15 years that I’ve not worn sun protection,” she said. “It’s by far the best thing you can do for your skin!”

For more information on Karen Wyatt's practice and services, visit http://www.karenwyattskincare.com.