Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Utley.
Tricia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had a more eclectic journey into esthetics. I started in the animal welfare industry working for the MSPCA. During that time, I worked part-time in the beauty industry and eventually had to decide on one path. I loved both fields but ultimately had to pick one path. What I realized was that what I liked about both industries was the connection with people and how you could change someone’s day in a matter of a few minutes and I felt that I could serve much better working one on one in a society that is starved for touch and connection.
For me, beauty is about inner happiness, and there is so much noise in the personal care industry. I wanted to help people find safe and effective solutions and to give them self-agency over their wellness and beauty. In the beginning, I worked for Aveda, and they introduced me to Ayurveda, and the salon I worked for in Virginia was really supportive in allowing me to sit in on the esthetician classes so that I could learn more about the field. When I decided to go to school, I chose Catherine Hinds in Woburn, MA.
It was a longer commute than other schools, but they offered a more medical approach, and I wanted to learn conventional science so that I could fuse technology with holistic practices. Over the years, I have studied everything from skin conditions and diseases to chemical peels and oncology esthetics to Reiki Master training and Dien Chan Zone.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think that anyone that claims their journey is smooth is probably in denial! It has been a fun and fantastic road, but in the beginning, it was so easy to have bright shiny object syndrome and to try to be everything to everyone.
After a few years, I was able to really niche down on holistic skincare and let go of a lot of things that I did well, but wasn’t passionate about. I am really happy doing fewer types of services because it made so much room for mastering what I do and it never feels like work.
I can honestly say that each morning when I look at my schedule, I am so happy that I “get to”do this for a living!
Please tell us about American Apothecary.
I opened American Apothecary with the intent to customize skin care treatments for clients and to provide a higher level of support. What I found was that everyone is so unique that the results work much better if I am not locked into a standardized treatment. There are so many factors that go into why someone is experiencing sensitive skin, acne bumps or dark spots. What I have found is approaching the skin problem with a mind, body soul approach is best.
I am known for combining energy work with innovative ingredients and technology. My view on wellness and skincare is that there are no more gurus necessary and I love sharing info and techniques with my receivers so that they can maintain and care for themselves at home.
Most recently, I became the only Esthetician in NH to be certified as a Dien Chan Zone operator. What called me to this modality was how gentle yet powerful it is and that the intention is to teach it to the masses. It is by far THE MOST relaxing service I have ever experienced or given and is now my signature offering. If you have ever experienced Reiki, it is even more relaxing!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
In High school I was able to visit my family in Panama. We were there for a few weeks and really got to be immersed in the culture. It was amazing and all of the local neighbors called us cousins and hosted parties for us. We even got to attend school with the local kids. While we were visiting I really cherish the time I got to spend with my Grandparents. I didn’t see them often growing up so it was really a special time. My favorite memory from the trip was one early morning when my grandmother was cooking breakfast and prepping the meals for the day. She was super cheery and I was still groggy and a little grumpy. She grabbed on to me hugging and dancing me around while singing until I was smiling as big as her. My Mom snapped a picture and I love remembering that moment. Thinking on that memory it reminds me how easy it is to change someone’s day in a matter of a moment!
Pricing:
- Advanced Holistic Facial with progressive treatment $170
- Advanced Holistic Facial with neck and Decolette $200
- Dien Chan Zone Facial $185
- Brow Design with Tint + Mini Facial and Eye Treatment 155
- Brow Design and Mini Dien Chan Zone treatment $155
Contact Info:
- Address: 92 Main St, #103 Nashua, NH 03060
- Website: www.americanapothecaryskin.com
- Phone: 6035212627
- Email: americanapothecaryskin@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Kelli Wholey Lumina Portraits, LuminaNH.com
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