Today we’d like to introduce you to VanDe Jones.
Hi VanDe, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been in the Beauty/ Wellness and Cosmetic industry for 50 years. I started as a Commercial Art major and then onto the Cosmetics, and Make-up arena. In the beginning working as a multi-level District manager for a Cosmetics company at the age of 21 with a staff of over 30 with sales within the skin care/ cosmetics industry. It gave me responsibility, motivation, and a professional work ethic at a younger age, which is difficult to find in this day. Moving from the East coast to the West coast and keeping up with my education, I continued to pursue getting certified as a Professional Aesthetician, Medical Tech and Educator. I designed courses in Make-up Artistry for an Institute in San Francisco and taught students at the Institute as well as working hands -on with clients in the Spa/Salon part of the business.
I won several awards for costume and make-up design in competitions within the State of California, featured in many articles, publications and magazines.
I was asked to design a Spa and Spa menu within a famous well-known resort in Pebble Beach California. All the plans, décor design and Spa menu and protocol were designed and presented.
I worked for famous Doctors in Orange county California within the industry and became an Acne skin care expert, and assisting teens with their skin issues and giving them a renewed confidence about themselves. Along with that, working with TV Celebrities and assisting with their skin care needs at a well-known Salon/Spa.
In 2001, after being in the industry for 25 years decided it was time to open my own Salon/ Spa. It was a beautiful place, all designed from the ground up and a very unique space with Hair Stylists, Massage therapists, Estheticians, and Manicurists. Unfortunately, opening day was the same day as September 9/11 disaster. As devastating as it was we survived the crisis, and sold the Spa in 2007, survived a couple more situations and then I went into the Beauty education corporate world.
I was the Program Director for a major Beauty Educational Corporation. I wrote all the training curriculum of over 600 hours for the State Board of Cosmetology. I went around to many of the Schools in Los Angeles, and Orange county and taught the modules that were created. Along with that, I also designed 4 various courses of Make-Up Artistry for the advanced curriculum of the ongoing student education. I was in the Corporate world of Beauty for about 3-4 years on a contract basis. Leaving the corporate world, I was freelancing for a couple of years at various Salon/Spas and Doctor’s offices, then getting the motivation to re-open another Spa in Newport Beach again.
In 2012, we made the plan to re-open a Spa on a smaller basis. Along with the Spa design we created and designed the Cosmetic line Stiletto Pin-Up. The cosmetic line has high end pigments and ingredients, all made in the USA. The unique packaging is a Retro-inspired look with the original artwork of the Pin-ups from the 1950’s. We have done dozens of events, trade shows, bridal fairs with our product line and our featured Spa. Everything was going okay, then the CoVid pandemic hit in 2020. We were forced to close and the Spa was shuttered for over 6 months with all the rents, bills and loans still to be paid. It was a devastating time for everyone in the world.
The Spa, myself and staff survived the Pandemic and are still operating in Newport Beach to this day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening day of new Spa was the same day as September 9/11
The housing bubble and recession of 2007
CoVid Pandemic- the Spa was shut down for 6 months with bills, rents, and loans to still pay
The changing economy, and the various changes, and competition within the industry
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Spa and myself are very unique for many reasons. The first reason is that we have survived in Newport Beach for over 26 years with much competition all around us.
The other reason is being in the industry for over 50 years, I have learned and grown in the knowledge of what clients need and want, even in this changing world.
Another reason is, No one in Orange county or even in the surrounding counties even offer the packages and services that we offer. Clients tell us they can’t find any Spa that offers what we do, they come from outside the area and even drive several hours to come to the Spa. We offer special individualized treatments, special packages for couples/friends, and small group parties for adults, teen, tweens and kids! We include and serve food and beverage with all our packages, offer a private lounge and themed treatment rooms for our Guests!
Specialized Facial treatments
Acne clearing
Permanent Makeup and Lash extensions
Massage therapy for individuals and couples
Infrared Salt/ sauna session
Spa Parties for any occasion
We keep up with the latest products and treatments for relaxation and guaranteed results in the appearance of everyone’s skin and feeling of wellness!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The most rewarding is to make clients feel welcome when they arrive, like they are entering your home. Offering amenities that no one else is doing and give 5 star customer service that is very much missing from many establishments.
The most rewarding of all is correcting Teen Acne issues and giving them a renewed confidence eliminating the embarrassment of going to school with bad skin issues. Giving the Acne clients alternative ways to clear up the skin without the use of heavy medications that stay in the system and have serious side effects physically and mentally.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naturaletouchspatique.com/ www.stilettopinupcosmetics.com
- Instagram: @naturaletouchspa
Image Credits
Sean D Jones- Knite Studios
