The Skin Diva Catches The Attention of The Philadelphia Inquirer

Remember last week when I told you about Linda Harding's Hit The Ground Running esthetician's workshop? Well, the Philadelphia Inquirer got wind of her genius idea and featured her in yesterday's newspaper.

Linda emailed me with the link, and here's the hilarious thing...my beauty obsessed aunt (who introduced me to the Schick Intuition razor and who recently treated me to a "day of wellness" at Terme Di Aroma spa) is quoted in the article.

Small world, right?

Photo: Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia Estheticians: The Skin Diva Wants To School You!

Philadelphia esthetician Linda Harding has turned teacher. After 14 years in the business, Linda is shifting gears. Her new Hit The Ground Running Esthetician's Workshop was created to give novice and nervous estheticians a competitive edge in the spa industry.

Linda spoke with the owners and manager of the top six Philadelphia-area spas, and asked them to list the qualities that are most desirable in an esthetician seeking employment. The answers she heard most frequently were: passion, dedication, clear skin, excellent customer service abilities, and professional demeanor.

To help a new generation of estheticians properly prepare to enter the job market, Linda created Hit The Ground Running, a worshop divided into two modules. The first session teaches students about different spa environments, which personality types are compatible with those environments, how to articulately answer interview questions, and sales.

The second half of the workshop is a hands-on module in facial and waxing techniques. Linda also trains students on advanced machinery, such as light therapy and microdermabrasion.

“Most esthetic schools provide you with an excellent theoretical foundation, however they don’t really prepare you for the spa industry and they don’t tell you what to do to get hired," says Linda. "The bottom line is that you touch people for a living: emotionally and physically. If you don’t know how, you will not keep clients and as the word spreads, you will not get clients. Right now, the industry is in a lull - like most businesses in the country. However, estheticians who are good continue to work steadily. This lull in the market allows beginners to sharpen their skills and make themselves more competitive and marketable. The lull is a good thing. It makes the playing ground more even. After completing this workshop, participants will feel confident and secure enough to get the job they most desire.”

The cost for this one-day workshop (approximately 8 hours) is $350; included in this cost is a separate 60 minute, one-on-one consultation with Linda; during this private session, students can seek extra counseling or training on their weakest areas.

Mention Spoiled Pretty when you sign up for Hit The Ground Running and you will enjoy a 20% discount.

For more information and to enroll in the workshop, call Linda at 215.796.3520 or click here to send a message to her inbox.

RESCUE’d!!!!!!

Cele Deemer, winner of the Spoiled Pretty facial giveaway, sent me the following recap of her appointment with The Skin Diva:

My new BFF, Linda Harding, has wonderful hands and fingers. I may repeat that phrase about a bazillion times during this recap of my Zoom Facial experience at RESCUE Rittenhouse Spa, but I only say it because it is true.

When the elevators doors open on the second floor of 255 South 17th Street, you enter into the calming experience known as RESCUE Rittenhouse Spa. Soft peach walls, beautiful hardwood floors, candles glow, and aromatherapy scents abound. I was shown to a small lounge, where I had a short wait before meeting Senior Esthetician Linda Harding. She is a delight, and immediately put me at ease. I was shown to the facial room, where I undressed, donned a terry wrap, and slipped in between heated sheets onto the massage table. I was on the verge of napping when she came in to begin the treatment.

Don’t ask me to remember each and every product that went on to or into my face, shoulders and neck. Because, believe me, I was pretty much floating on air under the influence of Linda’s magic fingers, the little steam machine, the ever-present wonderful new age music, and those fabulous heated sheets! I know if I had asked what each and every procedure was, she would have explained it to me, but I was in la-la land, and happy to be blissfully unaware of anything except how good I felt.

At the end of our time together, I had a glowing face, a lilt to my step that wasn’t there earlier, and a bottle of Lotion P50 V Biologique Recherche so I can continue my exfoliating adventures at home under the watchful eyes of my golden retrievers. I highly recommend a visit to RESCUE Rittenhouse Spa, and when you go, please give my regards to Linda!

PS – it’s not too early to drop Valentine’s Day hints! How about his & hers facials, massages, or pedicures? What a great gift!