Sandra Downie Beauty, LLC was founded in 2007 by Medical Esthetician and Celebrity Makeup Artist Sandra Downie. Over the years, Sandra realized that when it came to beauty, women didn't want to be changed, they only wanted to look like a better, more refined version of themselves. Simply put, they wanted to feel comfortable in their own skin.
With a passion for beauty, Sandra Downie Cosmetics launched in November 2013 as a luxurious, yet simplified line of color cosmetics designed for the modern, chic and savvy woman. Sandra's color line launched successfully to a enthusiastic client and fan base.
In June of 2014, after years of refining her clinical aesthetics and ingredient efficacy knowledge under the direction of a doctor as a Medical Esthetician, Sandra's skincare line - Healthy Skin Therapy launched to bring her passion for healthy skin to people everywhere.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
That's a good question. Honestly, I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was a stay at home mom I became a Mary Kay Consultant and quickly rose to a leadership position. I was always trying to learn more about business, from people who were successful. Around that time I read the biographies of Mary Kay and the founder of Longaberger baskets, which taught me basic lessons on how to be a leader- those have stuck with me even today.
How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Sandra Downie?
Working for big beauty brands like MAC, Stila and Benefit allowed me to learn the ins and outs on how to run a beauty business. Whether it was growing my skills as a makeup artist or learning that daily financial goals are necessary to track your employees accountability, I always tried to keep an open mind and ear so that I was able to digest, process and bank information on a daily basis. I really never knew exactly all the information that I retained until I started getting serious about taking the Sandra Downie Beauty brand to the next level.
What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Sandra Downie?
Biggest highlight thus far: opening the first box of finalized skincare products after a whole year of research and development. My clients just feel in love with the line so their feedback far exceeded my expectations. The greatest challenge has been finding a solid staff -in my skin clinic- that are as passionate about results driven esthetics as I am. It is hard to find people that are educated and experienced in a clinical sense because these schools are just teaching the basics. Estheticians fresh out of school need to learn more complex services that actually treat the skin and make changes, not just how to pamper the skin.
What advice can you offer to women who are seeking a career in your industry?
Differentiate yourself and specialize. Find your niche and make a difference in your clients lives'.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I try to set aside hours that give me time for family and to see my friends. Normally I schedule "mental health days" during each month- meaning I don't go to work, instead I go out and do activities I enjoy doing (e.g., shopping, lunch with friends, lounging on the couch binge watching my recorded shows.)
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
I think women do it all, so the biggest problem for us is finding the balance between home and work. We struggle with making sure our families don't feel neglected, while trying to produce good work and make our deadlines. Often times, at least for me, I feel as though women bring work home in some way even though that's not really what we want. A segway into that is the phone! Having your email right at your fingers makes it so difficult to "unplug" from the world once you're home.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
Sadly no one has ever mentored me, I got here on my own believe it or not! But there have been students that shadowed me at the spa for a few days and others have asked me questions about makeup/esthetics, and I feel really honored! Just that they feel I am knowledgeable enough to impact their career and to give them information...its admirable. It is humbling to know that people look up to me and want me to guide them, and look at my success as a future they want for themselves.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
Martha Stewart- because she showed me the power of establishing a brand and then branching out for other sources of income based on that brand. She's a smart business woman. Jan Marini- working in this (beauty) industry, she is a pioneer in medical skincare and I've watched her brand grow into a skincare line that I can see my own line becoming one day. Oprah, simply because she teaches how to have compassion and how to empathize with people from all walks of life.
What do you want Sandra Downie to accomplish in the next year?
I would love to see my skincare line carried by other beauty boutiques and skin clinics across America. I also desire to see another location of my skin spa + acne clinic open in the next year. It is very hard to get in to see a dermatologist these days, and we fill that gap between a relaxation spa and dermatologist office so that those with skin care concerns are able to have them addressed sooner rather than later.