♥️Find Your Little Friday♥️
I’m truly looking forward to this new year. For the month of January, I personally like to take a lot of stock in myself. Where I’m at, what I’m happy with and what I’m looking to change. I think it’s important to set intentions and have an overall reconnection with yourself. I have also loved self-care since I was a little girl. I used to beg my mom for “masques” in the grocery store, sneak moisturizers down the conveyor belt at checkout and have quite a lot of explaining to do when we would unpack groceries at home. My interest in beauty goes beyond skin deep, it’s all about how you feel on the inside.
I am going to feature someone in the business of self-care each Friday for the month of January to help inspire a little you time. I also hope this reminds people that you got to put the work in, but it doesn’t have to be big or hard. Please enjoy our wonderful discussion with Ms. Lizzie-it’s a good reminder of small things having a big impact.
Ebbs & Flows with Esthetician Lizzie “J” Hanes
Lizzie is wise beyond her years. Her general way of living is thoughtful, thorough and full of her charming Southern upbringing. She makes you feel like you’re coming home when you are in her presence.
“A lot of what you eat can manifest on your skin, but there are a lot of factors that can contribute to your complexion. When I’m super stressed and under pressure, what I eat matters more. It helps keep me balanced when I make the time to be more regimented. Something I have always talked about with my sister is that when I’m not able to cook for myself I start to feel crazed. 3 meals a day of takeout is not ideal for me. Cooking is ultimately doing something nice for yourself and your body. It instantly brings me a feeling of sanity. That being said, if I’m on vacation and I can be more relaxed I won’t hold back and live a bit more indulgently.”
When did you realize you wanted to have a career in skincare?
“I have always been into skincare because of my two older sisters. I grew up watching them struggle with their complexions and my mom really helped them cultivate a skincare regime. So, by her efforts and their struggles I learned. I didn’t truly think of it as a career until a job at a midwifery school fell thru. I had to re-examine what I was going to do for work. I got a job at a beautiful clothing store in Charlotte, North Carolina. While working there I started to realize how beautiful our customer’s skin looked. It sparked my curiosity and I did my research. I knew I wanted to be in New York City and ultimately I picked Aveda as my school. Their approach and practices spoke to me.”
After completing school, Lizzie landed a job at one of the newest and most exciting brands in beauty, Glossier.
“My mom asked me where I wanted to work before I moved and she thought someplace like L’Oréal. I told her I wanted something more intimate, Glossier. It was small enough at that time, making it the ideal fit. I interviewed for a couple of months and finally got a job.”
What do you think is the biggest/best takeaway from your time at Glossier?
“I do think that the products they launch are super thoughtful and community built. Their set-up is simple, educate yourself to inform what your skin needs.”
Lizzie traveled to Paris this past fall to learn a facial massage technique that I was lucky enough to experience. The method is called buccal.
“Buccal is a massage technique that allows for internal & external face muscles to be massaged. The way I look at it is that it brings new lift to your face. It removes stagnation. It’s a non-invasive facelift”
I speak from experience and agree this facial massage left me feeling relief from tension I hadn’t focused on. The relief and relaxation I felt (and am still feeling) close to a week later is oh so special and worth it.
What would say is your most prized piece of beauty advice?
“Universal Law-less is more. Knowledge is power so take the initiative to learn about your skin. A great esthetician can only help so much, it’s really up to your overall day to day maintenance. Taking care of yourself is an incredible investment. From eating well, working out to getting facials and massage, it all has incredible benefits.”
Whether it’s a new year, new you- or just taking the time for yourself for more awareness in general, I hope you go out and find your own little moments of delight. #FindYourLittleFriday ♥️
Recipe for Vitamin C Yummy Warming Soup
Ingredients-
1 cup of peeled and chopped butternut squash
1 cup of peeled and chopped sweet potato
1 cup of peeled and chopped carrot
1 diced yellow onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
½ cup of red lentils
4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
Toss the squash, potato and carrots in a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of salt and a ½ teaspoon of pepper. Spread out on a parchment lined sheet tray and roast at 375° for 20-30 minutes
While the veggies roast, place a large stockpot over medium heat on the stove. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into the pot and let it heat up for about a minute. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 10-15 minutes. Add the roasted vegetables to the pot, along with the lentils and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the lentils have softened-about 20-25 minutes. Immersion blend the mixture or scoop into batches into a blender until smooth. The mixture will be thick and smooth.
Garnish with sage, toasted kale chips or roasted pepitas.
