Master Esthetics Student Success Story: Diane Cha
I get the pleasure to share the journey and success of one of our master esthetics future professionals from our Everett location, Diane Cha. Diane was actually one of my own students in the beginning phase of her program at Evergreen, and It has been a blessing to see her grow in many aspects. Not only does she give her all in the class room but she strides to educate and pamper her clients with the practical side on the clinic spa floor as well.
About Diane 
Some individuals may often think that making the decision to embark on the journey into school is an easy one, but like many others Diane had obstacles and decisions to make and had shared some of her own. “I have many esthetician friends that I was always envious of because they were able to make a living doing what they love. I always told myself I could see myself doing that! Right out of high school I was pressured by my father to go to a traditional college. I made it a year before I dropped out. I had no direction, I was going just because I was “supposed to”. I started waitressing [at] a restaurant where I was making great money. I was in a place where I had expensive rent, a car payment, credit card bills, etc. I was not in the position to stop working to take the time to go to school. I had every excuse (valid or not) why I couldn’t do it. I was burnt out and hating my job but I felt stuck. I knew I couldn’t work in a restaurant forever. I literally just had to jump into quitting my job and move back in with my mom to make it happen. It was a huge shock and very scary but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!” shared Diane.
The Evergreen Experience 
We asked Diane what her favorite thing about her program has been so far and she shared, “I love waxing or any service where you can see immediate results. I love it when my clients leave with a glow and feel good about themselves.” Seeing this first hand is rewarding as an educator; that moment that clicks on for the future professionals that they love what they are learning. Diane is an extraction and waxing pro for this reason alone. Being one of the first to step in for these treatments in the beginning just to experience the satisfaction of the results she spoke about.
“In phase 1 we had a disease and disorders project. It was overwhelming at first but it really made the information stick. I came into phase 2 with a solid foundation to move into the advanced topics we cover. I truly believe it was my teacher (Sarah herb) Being as patient and compassionate as she was that made it possible to come back to school after 12 years. Outside training/classes are absolutely necessary and great because you can choose exactly what you want to study. The hard part is narrowing down which ones you want to take [because] in the beginning you want to do them all but you soon learn [that] you must narrow them down and pick one or two things you want to specialize in, and focus on that. Also webinars are a great source for self study/continuing education.” Diane is that student that didn’t just learn or reach into the pool of knowledge but dove in for more understanding of her studies. Whether it was heading to the library or making herself settle in and focus with books all around her to mentally focus for the exams and assignments, Diane is geared with the right tools and attitude for success!
I’m sure you can tell what sets people apart when you start looking for it. One of the things I look for myself when trying to encourage greatness is a students strength and one of Diane’s is the connection she creates with each client. Not just while the client is in for treatments but afterwards when the client heads back to reality. Gearing the clients up for the tools to help them achieve their skin goals. “I feel like I really listen to my clients and want to make a lasting change with their skin through treatments and educating them.”
The Next Step 
We asked Diane why she choose Evergreen for her master esthetics program and her response, “I chose Evergreen because of the location and price point. Everyone should do their research before and choose what’s right for them.” Some people may over look the 10 hour days as any ordinary working hours, but for our students the day doesn’t just start at 8am but long before. We have students commute anywhere from Oak Harbor to Federal Way. Diane having to commute herself but that didn’t stop her for the change she needed.
What is next for Diane after graduation that is fast approaching? “I am not sure what I want to do right out of school. I guess I need to figure that out soon ha ha. Eventually I would like to have a career in a Medi-Spa doing chemical peels, micro-needling, IPL, LHR, etc. I definitely want to work somewhere before that to get more experience with different skin types and concerns.”
“Be ready to have no life for the next year. Know that it will be a huge change but you can do it. Take it seriously. A lot of people think beauty school is easy but the master esthetics program is a lot more intense than I expected. The knowledge I have gained has been my favorite part though!” Diane shares some advice for future Evergreen students as she closes her last couple of months out here with us.
Ms. Diane graduates May 1st and what better way to support her other than to come and get that instant gratification done by her at our Everett campus! And if you are interested in continuing to follow Diane on her beauty school journey, you can also check her out on Instagram @esthetics_diane . Congratulations Diane. You are on your way to do some amazing things in the beauty industry and we are so proud of your achievements!
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry take the Beauty Biz Readiness Quiz, you can also check out our programs or contact us at one of our four locations: Bellevue, Everett, Renton or Yakima.
