“If Plan A doesn’t work, make Plan A work.”
For Global / Medical Esthetician Program Graduate and owner of Clear Complexions, Lauryn Leung, venturing into entrepreneurship at 21 was her Plan A. During high school, she faced significant health challenges that took over a decade to diagnose.
“I got diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 21, and I just knew for a fact that I wouldn’t be able to hold a nine-to-five job or work for someone else. I would most likely get fired because I would have to take so many days off from the pain that I was in. I decided to try on my own and see what happens. I’m young, so if I try and fail then at least I can say I tried. But I know myself too well. Failure wasn’t an option.’’
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“Blanche grads just have that oomph. We all relate on a certain level, how we understand the skin, the fundamentals and techniques.”
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Lauryn’s parents wanted her to have a fun and constructive distraction from the pain. They researched post-secondary educational options that could help to carve an entrepreneurial path.
“I still have traditional Asian parents who said, ‘You need to go into something other than Esthetics or Makeup as a backup plan.’ So I also went to BCIT and got my marketing management diploma. And I’m so glad they pushed me to do it. My mom was actually the one who found Blanche! She knew I always had a grasp on the beauty industry because I used to do makeup on my friends when we were in dance. I think she kind of saw that. When I started the Global / Medical Esthetician Program I knew, this is for me. The instructors were all really great and super supportive.”
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“The facial and massage classes were great. You learn how to figure out your flow. The power of touch was a big takeaway from the program. That is something you can’t buy, something you can’t implement. You need your hands.”
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When they started learning facials Lauryn knew she was in the right place.
“The facial and massage classes were great. You learn how to figure out your flow. The power of touch was a big takeaway from the program. That is something you can’t buy, something you can’t implement. You need your hands. Anyone can learn how to use a Hydrafacial or radiofrequency machine in a day. But using the power of your hands takes years and years to master. Clients can just feel it, whether you’ve got it or not. You must create intention in every move because that is how people will remember you.”
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“When I started the Global / Medical Esthetics Program I knew, this is for me.”
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The Global / Medical Esthetician Program provided a solid foundation that Lauryn built upon with real-world experience. Some of that early experience was acquired at Formula Fig where Lauryn soaked up the atmosphere and built close relationships, all with the eye of a future esthetics business owner.
“When I was at Fig, I was taking in everything not just the facial part, but the management, noting what I liked, what I disliked, how to deal with certain customers, how to deal with different situations that arise. I was taking mental notes everywhere.”
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Clear Complexions started as a home-based business and quickly transitioned into a beautiful commercial space. Lauryn prioritizes getting her staff settled in the new space.
“Blanche grads just have that oomph,” Lauryn says about hiring fellow Blanche Macdonald Medical Esthetician Program graduates.
“We are very exacting in how we move our hands, the steps and the flow. And that’s something that I wanted, for my hires to be cohesive in that way, we all have a similar touch. We all relate on a certain level, how we understand the skin, the fundamentals and techniques, so it makes it easy for me to train them.”
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“I love making people feel beautiful. Helping clients feel confident in their skin and seeing their happiness from the results is incredible.”
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Reflecting this attention to detail, Clear Complexions boasts an impressive roster of medical esthetic machines, all mindfully selected to provide the best and safest care for all skin types. In addition to devices and treatments like Radio Frequency, Microcurrent, Hydrofacial, and Microneedling with SkinPen by Crown Aesthetics, Lauryn just purchased her first laser.
“Our new laser is called Aerolase. It has won Best Laser Device for years. It was a huge investment, but I wanted to make sure that I had a machine that was safe for all skin types.”
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“If Plan A doesn’t work, make Plan A work.”
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Guided strongly by personal experience, Lauryn curates her treatment menu with a skilful blend of holistic care and advanced technology, like the Bespoke Customized Complexion personalized facial treatment, with a diverse selection of exfoliation and add-ons to choose from.
Clear Complexions is a reflection of her journey and values, elegantly blending aesthetics. “Brands are always changing; we started with a holistic approach and now embrace a more sophisticated aesthetic, blending medical elements with a zen, relaxing environment that sets us apart.”
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Elevating the client experience is the ultimate goal and reward. “I love making people feel beautiful. Helping clients feel confident in their skin and seeing their happiness from the results is incredible.”
The future is bright for Lauryn and Clear Complexions. She’s recently returned from an industry trade show in Las Vegas, where she took several classes in marketing and business. In addition to growing her business, Lauryn is expanding into distribution, holding the prestigious role of BC’s Executive Trainer and Distributor for Zena Cosmetics and KRX Aesthetics. She is also the Clinical Trainer and Distributor for Lira in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. And she engages with her passion for teaching through her Masterclass series, emphasizing marketing for estheticians.
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“I just knew for a fact that I wouldn't be able to work for someone else. I decided to try on my own and see what happens. Failure wasn’t an option.”
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“I like a bit of everything. I don’t focus on just one thing because I get bored. Right now, I have my staff working in the spa while I focus on consulting and distribution. It’s good passive income and it’s fun meeting new people and exploring collaborative opportunities.”
Lauryn’s bold and inspiring esthetics career journey proves that sometimes, Plan A works out just as planned.
