At seven years old, Rachel Wilkerson became obsessed with skin care. She would accompany her mother, a massage therapist, to the spa where she was employed. The science and luxury of an esthetician’s world appealed to Wilkerson, even as a child, and it became her passion throughout her life. She eventually became manager of a lavish day spa where she managed a team of 20, but the corporate scene left Wilkerson feeling depelted. Her dream was to own her own spa where she could offer an intimate environment and cater to individual client needs.

In July 2018, Wilkerson opened Brick City Spa in Ocala. Her nurturing spa, a dream for so long, was born. But, it wasn’t until decorating the space at 3304 SE Lake Weir Ave. that Wilkerson realized it was all happening. Wilkerson is the sole esthetician on site, and she and her staff offer massages, too. For a complete list of services, visit Brick City Spa’s website.

I recently visited Rachel at Brick City Spa for the first time. I’ve spent over a year researching skin care products, regimens, estheticians and dermatologists, beauty brands, “anti-aging” interventions and, basically, all things skin in anticipation of branching out to beauty and skin care reporting. I’m thrilled that Rachel, who is now officially my esthetician, is the first interview on my blog.

Question: What’s your recommended “order of operations” for skin care products?

Wilkerson: Cleanse, tone (don’t skip this step, it is important to balance your pH), moisturize, treat and protect.
Tip: a handy way to remember order for application after you cleanse and tone is apply thinnest to thickest, so serums first, then lotions, creams etc. Your regimen in the morning should always end with SPF.

Question: What is a must-have product for any skin type?

Wilkerson: A high quality Vitamin C Serum. It’s an effective antioxidant to brighten, lighten and strengthen skin against environmental damage, in addition to many other wonderful benefits.

Question: How do you stay current on all the trends and discoveries in skin care?

Wilkerson: Continuing education, research, closed forums with other skin care professionals- it’s a great place to round table ideas and tips, and spa conferences

Question: Since you are a busy soloprenuer and building your brand, do you find it challenging to pamper yourself?

Wilkerson: Yes, with any profession you can find yourself challenged to run out of time or energy for self care by the end of a rewarding work day. However, at the end of every day, I take 10 minutes to perform my nightly skin care regimen. I really take my time which gives me a little love. I take several dips in the hot tub or a nice epsom salt bath a week in addition to biweekly massage sessions from someone else. I take a weekend off a month to disconnect and get away.

Question: Are you working on any projects that you’re particularly excited about?

Wilkerson: Yes, I’m thrilled to be working with another local boss lady, who creates natural body care products, to curate my own signature Brick City Spa body care products. Products will include a sugar scrub, body butter, body oil and a luxurious candle. It’s going to be unique to B.C. spa and featured in my seasonal body treatments. Let’s be honest as a soloprenuer, there’s about a dozen projects I’m working on and I LOVE IT!

Question: Can you briefly list the techniques and products used during my facial?

Wilkerson: Your treatment was a brightening facial using dermaplaning to gently exfoliate and remove vellus hair or “peach fuzz.” This prepared the skin for a gentle epidermal peel using Kojic Acid, licorice root and bearberry to brighten followed by a oxygen treatment to improve circulation and soften fine lines. This treatment used Skin For Life products (based out of Brooksville, Fl.) which focused on power peptides to preserve your skin’s quality. I finished with locally crafted a Shoogie Company vegan Vitamin C Serum and face shield.
Regardless of the variety of modality of skincare I offer, all of my facials include a very important and unique facial massage. I incorporate this to lift facial muscles and increase lymphatic flow.

For more information and to book a service, visit Brick City Spa’s website or Facebook page.