What makes this education "holistic?"
Holistic does not just mean natural - this is the most common myth we have to bust for people. It is easy to think this way when it comes to the healing approach thanks to that fun either/or thinking we have going on in society.
Holism actually means whole: considering all the parts, not just one branch. Our skin is connected to our body, mind + spirit... it is not a separate entity. Our body is connected to our mind and stores memories, experiences and trauma. Each of us, and our businesses, are connected members of a larger society.
We cannot work on one piece of the puzzle and not address the others.
A holistic approach requires understanding the link between body, mind + spirit and using them all as needed. Sometimes you want a Western approach, sometimes you need lymphatic drainage and sometimes you could use a chakra balancing (or all of the above).
In business, a holistic approach means to take all factors into consideration - your personal mental health, finances, ethics, systems, management, team members, the environment, the community + your clients are all important.
I have 3 pillars that form the foundation of my holistic continuing education, which allow us to explore possible answers to the question, "how can we create positive, healthy change in our industry?"
Who is this education for?
My offerings (and entire brand) started out specifically for skincare professionals. Within the first year, it quickly became evident that more than just estheticians were interested in joining.
Over the last three years, I have welcomed many massage therapists, hairstylists, energy workers, acupuncturists and sound healers into the Skin Obsessed community via online classes, in-person certifications and retreats. If your license allows you to touch a face (or you are in a licensing program) you can take a facial massage class. If you are interested in exploring the intersection of capitalism, marketing, pricing and trauma you can take Abundance Alchemy. Anyone can learn how to massage their own face using the Muscles of Facial Massage free online class!
This year will be one of evolution for my brand as I transition into more inclusive language and take on a new name, one that more clearly represents that what I offer is not just for estheticians. Until then, if you are confused about whether you can join in please feel free to email me or book a Q&A session!
Explore the Offerings:
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THE LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP
Get free access to 30+ hours of recorded lessons with regular new additions and fun freebies.
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PRIVATE TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS
Host a certification at your spa or customize individual + group trainings in-person or online.
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HOLISTIC FACIAL CERTIFICATION
Comprehensive online certification course covering multiple approaches to holistic facials including: incorporating energy work through sound and crystals, traditional healing systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, the chakras, botanicals/herbs, lifestyle recommendations, Gua Sha, lymphatic drainage, acupressure, honey tapping and more.
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THE HEAL + VIBE RETREAT
The retreat is a one-of-a-kind, immersive healing experience with a small group of like-minded touch therapists and healers in beautiful locations across the US. You will experience energetic healing modalities (such as sound healing) + learn to implement them in treatments. We focus heavily on trauma-informed practice, with topics such as nervous system regulation + creating safe spaces.
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Q&A SESSION
Interested in training options but confused about which would be best for you? Book a 15-min session to meet with Bethany + talk about options.
In hands-on massage classes, we focus on sculpting the face naturally with fascia release (connective tissue), intraoral/buccal massage, holistic approaches, energy work and intention, nervous system regulation + consent-based practice.
The superficial fascia connects our entire bodies like a complex web - we can not aim to prevent or reduce structural signs of aging without addressing the downward pull and compression of this tissue on the face. Not only does it connect our head with our toes (and everything in between), but the muscles of facial expression + nerves that innervate them are all embedded in superficial fascia on the face.
Understanding how posture, fascia, the nervous system, the lymphatic system and skin conditions are all connected is the key to providing "results-driven" treatments.
To put it simply, you can not get long-lasting results by limiting your approach and relying solely on product and machines.
Bethany Kristiansen
LE, LMT, CMLDT
☯︎ Somatic Facialist & Facial Massage Specialist ☯︎
My passion is blending my 17 years of experience + practical knowledge educating in the beauty industry with my curiosity + reverence for traditional healing modalities, nervous system regulation, compassionate care and spirituality.
As one of the only industries where humans regularly engage in safe touch, beauty professionals have a unique opportunity to deeply connect + create healing experiences that change lives.
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I invite you to explore important questions with me such as...
- What can we do to make the planet we live on better for future generations?
- What can we do to make the lives of our clients better?
- How can we make meaning of our existence + experiences in every day life?
- How can we be truly happy with our careers and feel like we are making a difference, without feeling like we are taking advantage of others?
- What does it mean to run the business YOU want and be "capitalism critical?"
- What does it mean to be a really good esthetician?
- What is success? Happiness? Security? Safety?
None of these have simple answers... that is what makes life as a human both exciting and difficult.
The fact is, there is a lot of nuance in this world and it is hard to grapple with. I want to embrace that nuance and what makes us special, unique, magical beings.
✨💆🏻♀️🪄🪐🦄🌈👄👽🌿🔮👁🌊🌺🍄🧚🏼♀️
xoxo,
Bethany
