ENTREPRENEUR

1. As a multi-talented Entrepreneur pursuing a variety of passions simultaneously, what inspired you to pursue them all instead of picking and choosing?

All of it didn't arrive at once, and did not come easy. While I was studying in college 24 years ago, my dream was to become a flight attendant and esthetician. At the time while I was teaching dance and pursuing other jobs, being a flight attendant wasn't a likely option for many people and it was hard to get in. As a spiritual person wanting to explore the world, learning about different cultures and meeting all types of ethnic people was fascinating to me. Also, the desire to fly the skies, interact with new people, give them my care with class while simultaneously showcasing my talent on clients' and making them feel and look beautiful, interested me, too. Although it took a while, there are instances when waiting definitely pays off. If you are passionate about something inside and stay resilient, it will eventually manifest for you. Never give up on your aspirations or ambitions. I'm extremely appreciative of the opportunities and lessons I've received en route. Why not have a few dreams? I feel like I'm now living a dream. Hard work pays off. I am forever grateful to God.

2. You have been an award-winning Esthetician and Skin Care Expert for almost 24 years. How has the beauty industry evolved over the years and how have you kept up with the latest trends and technology?

The beauty sector has experienced constant growth since there have been so many changes throughout the years. I stay up-to-date on current trends and skills by taking regular classes offered by Dermalogica as I am their Certified Skin Therapist Expert. I constantly strive to stay on top of new products, technologies, and beauty training so that I can give my ultimate best to my consumers. In the beauty business, it is an absolute necessity to keep up with the latest trends and information. You will continue to develop; it will never cease. There is no limit to wanting to strive for the best. The chance to develop changes constantly as we evolve over time.

3. What types of services do you offer through your business Sensation Esthetics?

I used to offer a lot of services, including bridal packages, artificial nails, and laser treatments. I had to remove some services out of my long list over the years because there is only one of me. I now offer Dermalogica Customized Facials, Microneedling, Shellac Gel Nails, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Threading, Massages, Brow and Lash Tinting, as well as Makeup and Hairstyling, Paraffin Waxing, and LED light therapy treatments. Additionally, I provide face mapping skin analysis consultations and advise customers on how to choose the best products for their individual skin types. If my clients need guidance to help keep their skin healthy with the products they are currently, I can help them by analyzing the key ingredients in the products they are currently using, what's best for them and there skin type.

4. What do you recommend as a good skincare routine for the upcoming Fall/Winter season?

That's a fascinating and slightly difficult topic to respond to! Each of us has a different skin type and set of concerns. Our skin types are genetically predisposition to us at birth, but they may vary over time due to a number of circumstances, such as lifestyle choices, stress levels, nutrition, and more. They can alter daily, weekly, yearly, or even seasonally. A skilled skin therapist should correctly assess any skin type or issue, and make product recommendations as necessary. It does rely on different skin types during the winter. There are many types of skin: dry, dehydrated, oily, combination, which may be both dry and oily; Then there is sensitive skin, which can be hereditary with skin diseases and skin disorders such as Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis or allergic skin reactions. Sensitized skin refers to using certain ingredients from products that have caused a reverse effect on your skin short term. These are some of the key factors that will determine what type of skin you'll have during the winter months. I absolutely love Dermalogica skin products because they are made with all natural and non-toxic ingredients with essential oils, herbs, and extracts. Dermalogica is clean, vegan, cruelty free, with no artificial fragrances or colors. They deal with all skin types and you can customize your skin care routine. The advice is to just switch out one or two products as the seasons change. For instance, if the skin is simply dry, you would need a lot of hydration, as well as balancing products. Consulting your Dermalogica Skin Therapist expert and getting your Skin Analysis is your first step to getting your skin healthier and glowing.

5. You mentioned that you are a Certified Dermalogica Skin Therapist Expert. Tell us about some of their popular and highly recommended products?

As part of the Dermalogica family for over 20 years now and being their Skin Therapist Expert, we have seen great changes over the years with the skin care line and have been awarded BEST professional-grade skin care brand in the world. Although all Dermalogica products are excellent, it all depends again on the skin type and condition. All the products work wonders on various skin but it depends on how you would use one product compared to another person. The amount you would use varies from person to person. I tailor each of my client’s home regimen and treatments in the spa and I prescribe the skin care for how often they would need to use them. Some of the amazing products we have and that have won awards too are: Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant, Active Moist, Multi Active Toner, Biolumin C Serum, and Age Bright Clearing Serum

6. How do you find balance in your life while juggling family responsibilities, running business, working with Air Canada and doing extensive community work?

I honestly have no idea how I manage to do it, but I do. The importance of having a schedule, family support, and responsibility sharing are a few key factors. Actually, I've been a workaholic my entire life. Working two to three jobs, multi-tasking, it's the norm for me. It's much simpler if you arrange everything and make the most of every minute. Children's schools, their extracurricular activities, clients, and Air Canada are the main things that keep me busy as well as our charity, Steps For SIDS. I feel good knowing I have made someone else happy and helped them feel good. I'm really appreciative of how things have turned out.

7. Many people in the community have also known you as a Professional Dancer and Teacher in the past. How has the knowledge you have gained from that experience helped you today?

Dancing is in my blood as I’ve been doing it since the age of 3 years old. I have such a great passion for dancing, absolutely loved performing, being a part of music videos, various teams, a Bollywood movie, participating in competitions and teaching. I’ve gained so much experience from different people along the way. You're always learning and have to be willing to learn. When I started teaching and the feeling of gratitude I was receiving, knowing the fact that I can help people become better dancers, it felt like a gift to me. I used that as an inspiration to help people now. I took great pride in my dancing and teaching, and I still do.

I'm extremely appreciative that I was able to influence someone's life, and I still employ those abilities now with my work ethics. I now have the knowledge and skills necessary to assist clients and Air Canada every day while delivering exceptional customer service. I love supporting others.

8. You and your husband organize an annual community event called Steps for SIDS and donate proceeds to the BC Children’s Hospital. Tell us the story about what inspired you to launch this initiative and some of the milestones that have been achieved this far.

Our late son Azaan Singh Gill, passed away from SIDS on February 2010 ,19 at 6 months of age, taking his afternoon nap. What is SIDS? Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS can happen to totally healthy babies, with no reason at all.

Estimated 3 babies die of SIDS every week in Canada. Babies usually of 24-0 months of age are more susceptible. We wanted to keep our son's memory alive and make a difference by creating awareness in our community and not just be a statistic. We started our Charity called Steps For SIDS in 2017, we are the first family in BC to come out publicly about SIDS and provide funds for SIDS Research. The proceeds go to the BC Children's hospital pathology research clinic to help find a cure for SIDS as there is not enough funding being provided. Coming out in the community and talking about a very difficult topic that families struggle to discuss. It provides comfort for us, knowing we can support and help others in a difficult time.

We have been on various TV shows and radio stations talking about SIDS awareness. We decided to do a walk-a-thon in August around Azaan’s Birthday, where we can bring the community together and walk for all babies that have lost the battle to SIDS. It is a fun filled family day, with loads of activities for children where we can raise funds and have a good time. So far, the community has helped us generate approximately 60,000$ to help find a cure. We don't want anyone to go through the pain and suffering that we did, we all can work together as a community and make a difference.

Please donate to bcchf.ca/stepsforsids2023

Any questions regarding our Fundraiser you can contact Tanya Gill at 604-807-7013 / Rob Gill at 604-844-2377.

9. Based on some of the life-changing experiences you and your family have gone through, how have you remained so positive, strong and resilient? Going through life struggles didn't stop me and my dreams. The ultimate source that gave me strength was my faith in God and still is. I still believe that things will always work out in time. Life doesn't come easy; you have to work hard for everything. Positive things will happen if you have a positive outlook and are grateful for what you currently have; God will also bless you with more. I also share those values with my family. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has been there and supported me, gave their loyalty over all these years and helped me become who I am today.