Take care of your body because we only get one! Of course indulging in a yummy dessert is ok sometimes but try to be mindful of what you are digesting on a daily basis.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Jones Bell.
Kim Jones-Bell is a dedicated Licensed Esthetician with over 17 years of experience, currently serving as the Lead Esthetician and Spa Educator at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon. In her role, she oversees a talented team of 40+ estheticians across three spa locations, providing guidance and fostering professional development. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Neumann University, a degree she leverages to enhance her interactions with both clients and staff, ensuring a compassionate and effective approach to skincare and wellness.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
While I was in College at Neumann University, I was working part-time at a skin care clinic called Skin Health Solutions. I worked as an Administrative Assistant for this Family & Women Owned Business. Here, I was able to see first hand how the President of Skin Health Solitons, Mildred Bell, took such a passion when helping clients feel better about themselves. At the age of 19, being around powerful and respectable women everyday helped me decide that I was ready to change career paths and become an Esthetician. I fell in love with skin care and decided after college, I would pursue this dream. I feel so blessed that I was able to have Millie (along with her two daughters, Carletta and Angie) as role models for the beginning of my new career. Now, 17 years later, I couldn’t imagine my life any differently.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
In April 2023, I was featured in Philadelphia Style Magazine as an Innovator in Aesthetic & Beauty. What an experience that was! Being featured alongside so many powerful leaders in the industry was a dream come true. I am so grateful to have the constant support and drive from the team at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and my boss, Joseph Gaglioti Jr. It is little moments like this that inspire me to keep going. Also, in 2020, I was the first ever Esthetician in the country to become a Master Certified Hydrafacialist!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
A mistake I made early in my career was not understanding a simple truth: no two faces are ever the same! Quickly I learned that treating skin is all about trial and error. What works for one client might not work for the next. Not only that, but I also learned that it’s okay if the products/routine you prescribe to your client doesn’t work for them. It’s important that your clients feel comfortable being honest with you, so that you can adjust their regimen until you find what works best for their needs!
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
When a client leaves my treatment room, they always leave with a smile on their face and feeling so relaxed. Joseph Anthony is not just a spa, it is a true retreat from everyday life. Clients almost always say they feel like they are away on vacation when they visit us! Being able to provide an environment to help people forget about their everyday struggles can make a big impact on their lives. Taking time for yourself is not always easy, but it’s essential for a healthy mindset. When people have a healthier mindset, they are able to make a better impact on each other, and on the world.
Can you share your top 5 “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1 . Take a walk outside daily, if you can. Fresh air can definitely help clear your mind and help destress. Walking my dogs is what clears my mind and gives me a fresh start to the day!
2 . Drink plenty of water. I am a huge fan of drinking LMNT electrolytes in my water daily. It’s low calorie, no sugar and has potassium, magnesium, and sodium to help keep you hydrated longer and give you natural energy.
3 . Take care of your body because we only get one! Of course indulging in a yummy dessert is ok sometimes but try to be mindful of what you are digesting on a daily basis.
4 . Make sure you have a healthy work environment. Lets face it, we are sometimes with our co-workers more than our family, so please make sure to stay positive with one another and engage in open communication. One of the things I love the most about my job at Joseph Anthony is how we are like a family, and instead of trying to compete with one another we are each other’s biggest supporters.
5 . Take time for yourself every day and do something that YOU want to do for you. For me it’s picking up a good book before bed, or binging a Netflix series. Going camping a couple times a year with my husband and son is also a way I relax and unwind.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would create a way for all people to have the experience of getting a facial at a spa like Joseph Anthony. Getting facials can sometimes be seen as a luxury experience, but I believe facials and proper skincare should be accessible to all people. I truly believe everyone deserves to have that moment of self-care, and just be able to let go of whatever it is that causes stress in your daily life to feel completely relaxed.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
1. Never stop learning. Our industry is always evolving and even now, 17 years into my career, I continue to educate myself and keep up with the newest information and technology available to provide the best possible results for my clients.
2. Surround yourself with a strong support system. I am lucky to have amazing parents who just wanted me to truly be happy and never made me feel bad for changing career paths. I also have had such positive role models and friends in the skin care industry which I do not take for granted one bit. I try to pass on all the positivity I was given, to all those around me.
3. Trial and error is key and mistakes are an opportunity for growth. Don’t be upset for making a mistake and try not to dwell on it. Focus on what you can learn from the experience and how your mistakes can help you evolve into a stronger version of yourself.
4. Everyday will not be amazing. You will have bad days. You will have clients that make you question your knowledge and your expertise. Again, don’t dwell! If you have a bad day or a bad facial, that’s ok! Tomorrow is a new day and a chance for a fresh start.
5. Hold on to your vision everyday. It’s what will get you through the bad ones. Remember why you started this journey and your passion for caring for others will keep you going.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental Health. As long as there are humans, mental health will always be an important topic. I have witnessed hands on what depression and anxiety can do to someone and sometimes just being a shoulder to lean on and talk to can make the biggest difference. I think it’s essential that we all work together to support one another, and listen to each other without judgement. You never know what someone else is going through silently, so even something small like a smile or a listening ear can make a massive impact.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Follow me on Instagram @kim_esthetician_educator and @josephanthonysalonspa.
Visit us online at www.josephanthony.com to schedule an appointment with me.
Email me at www.kimj@josephanthony.com.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
