“Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”
The Chinese philosopher Confucius said these words 2,500 years ago but they perfectly describe Jas Sahota, whose role at Beautiful Canadian Laser and Skincare Clinic brings her joy on a daily basis after her Medical Esthetic training at Blanche Macdonald Medical Esthetics Program.
“I love my job,” she smiles. “You see an instant change in clients. You hand them the mirror and they’re so happy. To see that smile is a great feeling. It’s not like I’m sitting in front of a computer working on spreadsheets. I wake up each day and I’m excited to go to work. Every day is different. You’re building relationships with clients. You’re a part of their journey.”
“I wish I would have done this sooner! You’re never too old to start a new journey. I love this!”
Jas’ own journey to becoming the Physician’s Assistant and right-hand woman of Beautiful Canadian’s Dr. Sachit Shah is proof of the power of making a good impression. Jas had quit her job as a Nursing Assistant in her native California, moved to Canada and was a client of Dr.Shah when a seemingly innocuous conversation changed the course of her life.
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“I was struggling with my marriage at the time,” she recalls. “I’d always depended on my husband and never really worked for myself. I wanted to start a career of my own. Dr. Shah was giving me a beauty treatment and said, ‘Why don’t you look at Blanche Macdonald? They are the best school for Medical Esthetics’ He said I should receive Medical Esthetician training with their Medical Esthetics program and that when I graduated he would hire me. I guess he could tell I was passionate about caring for people. He felt I had that in me.”
“Jas was very curious about every type of medical esthetics treatment,” recalls Dr. Shah. “Once she received her Medical Esthestics Certification we hired her and she’s proven to be a great asset to our team.”
Dr. Shah taking note of Jas’ curiosity proved to be prophetic. Her transformation from patient to colleague began with a first visit to Blanche Macdonald.
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“I read the personal stories online about the grads who had great careers. I knew I would be an older student so I was a little nervous to take the first step. But I knew this was a passion. I made an appointment, had a look around and within a week of that visit I’d decided, ok, I’m in the Medical Esthetic training at Blanche!
“It did take me a while to decide but once I made my decision, Blanche Macdonald was the clear choice; it's just such a reputable school.”
“I had little cramps in my stomach the first day of the Esthetics Program. But everyone was so kind and welcoming. Even the receptionists would be smiling when we arrived in the morning. I knew I’d made the right decision.”
Over the year Jas did more than learn the science and techniques behind every great esthetician. She also mastered the art of professionalism.
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“Meeting Program Director Simona was a highlight. She’s amazing. It sounds trivial but we learned to be punctual. We had to be early to class. If we were late, we’d have to wait outside. It gave us a sense of discipline.”
Immediately after graduating, the newly qualified esthetician applied for a job at Beautiful Canadian, but was disappointed to not receive a reply. The solution? Go directly to the man in charge.
“Understanding how to listen is something we learned at Blanche Macdonald. At School, whatever was happening in our lives, when we walked through the door our focus was our studies. It’s the same at work. Your focus is your client.”
“I’d gone in for a Botox treatment with Dr. Shah. I was in his chair when he asked me if I’d finished the course and the Medical Esthetic training at Blanche yet, and why hadn’t I applied for a position there. I explained that I had applied already, Dr. Shah called the manager immediately to find out what was happening and they asked me in for an interview the next day.”
They’ve been working side by side ever since. Well, almost. Looking for some new experiences Jas spent a few months at Downtown Vancouver’s award-winning Skin Technique (“Dr. Pavlov’s an amazing doctor and it was a great experience”) but ultimately made the decision to return to the clinic where her heart lies.
“And there's always a few other Blanche graduates around. Dr. Shah knows how good the training is at Blanche Macdonald so he knows that everyone comes out with this super-strong foundation in skin which is all you really need to know.”
“These days I mostly assist Dr. Shah with injectables,” she explains. “I’m the client’s first contact after the receptionist and I get them ready for Dr. Shah. I go through their medical history, why they’re there and what they want to do. For a time I was doing more of the laser treatments. I love the technology. There are always new lasers arriving so we’re always getting new training and learning more. I’ve been in the industry a long time but I’m still constantly learning and growing personally and professionally. I look after my own skin and family and friends ask me for advice.”
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It’s a job that requires a deep knowledge of technology and skin science, but equally important is an understanding of how to communicate with people on a personal level.
“Jas is very patient with patients,” says Dr. Shah. “She takes time to explain things to her patients and she is a great team player.”
“Skincare technology has advanced but you’re still connecting with people on a one-on-one basis,” confirms Jas. “That will never change.”
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“I love my job. You see an instant change in clients. You hand them the mirror and they’re so happy. To see that smile is a great feeling.”
“I’ve had clients that are so nervous. They can be scared of needles or unsure if the treatment is safe for them. You have to put yourself in their shoes. Doing something for the first time can be scary so you need to listen to their concerns and make sure they’re comfortable. Understanding how to listen is something we learned at Blanche Macdonald. At School, whatever was happening in our lives, when we walked through the door our focus was our studies. It’s the same at work. Your focus is your client.”
Those clients appreciate Jas’ dedication.
“It’s a huge compliment when clients call and ask for me. They trust me. If I’m not working on a particular day they’ll reschedule for a time when I’m there.”
It’s been a remarkable journey for Jas. As for regrets? There’s only one.
“I wish I would have done this sooner!” she laughs. “You’re never too old to start a new journey. I love this!”
