Revolutionizing Canadian beauty with trendsetting cosmetics, award winning botanical skin care, luxurious body care, simple step men’s skin & shave care, and professional skin & makeup training.

How did you get started?

After 15 years in the spa industry, & owning two award winning Saskatchewan day spas, my desire and deep interest in the skin beauty industry led me to create a brand representing my passion for the exciting industry.

What inspires you?

Strong, independent women are my most admirable influence in business. They inspire me to work hard, and believe in myself. I have several inspirational people in my life, almost too many to list. My mother, who worked sometimes three jobs when I was a child, to provide for our family; my sister who has taught me how to problem solve even the most difficult situations; my grandmother who first taught me how to do makeup and to always take a little time to “glam” yourself up! I use to LOVE watching her apply her makeup, and to this day – she has hands down the more gorgeous natural nails that look like they are straight out of a magazine ad! My group of entrepreneurial friends who work together to constantly support each other! Jor, Shan, and many others. My team of managers keep me going every day, and my family supports my larger than life big dreams!

What is your idea of a Modern Woman?

A modern woman to me is a woman who displays confidence, is courageous, independent, believes in herself & is respected by others! Not to mention a modern woman generally rocks the newest trends, and is current in her social surroundings!

What tips can you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?

This is the question I get asked most often in my career as an entrepreneur.  My advice is this – Truly believe that you can accomplish what you set out to, and others will believe it too!   Make a very detailed plan on how you will accomplish your success and stick to the plan! Speak to professionals and other entrepreneurs, this advice is priceless! Do your homework, and be prepared to give it all you got to see your dreams come true! Most importantly – never stop believing in yourself!

What is one piece of advice you would give yourself looking back?

To not sweat the small stuff! I put so much sweat and tears into starting my businesses, that I took even the smallest things to heart and it really took it’s toll on me emotionally. If I knew then what I know now, it’s that if you make a mistake you can use it as a learning tool and become a great problem solver. It will be ok. You will get through it, and you can’t let it break you down and keep you from pursuing your dreams. You will make mistakes, it’s inevitable. You are human afterall, but it will be ok.  Keep working hard and focus on a solution and learn from the mistake!

What is in the future for Lia Reese Canada?

Lia Reese Canada will be a Canada wide brand by 2017. We are working to add several new exciting items to the brand and within a few years we hope to have a flag ship store carrying just LR brands!! (Available now online and in select salon/spas)

What would we find you doing in your free time?

Is there such a thing for an entrepreneur or a serial entrepreneur? – just kidding! When I’m not busy with Lia Reese Canada I’m running between my two day spas, Just For You Day Spa Regina and Saskatoon. I have three amazing children who are the light of my life. They generally keep me running between hockey and gymnastics, swim & all things kid related! I am extremely committed to giving back to my community as well, so you’ll often find me volunteering, donating, or attending charity events all over SK.

Who is someone that you find is a role model for women in business?

I think fabulous celebrities like Oprah, and Ellen are obvious choices, I commend their incredible charitable connections to celebrity. I also think fabulous women like Rachel Mielke with Hilberg & Berk make Saskatchewan proud for what she does representing women. I also would say one of my closest friends Aly, we have been best friends since kindergarten, who immediately following her son’s birth was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer, she is 34 years old.  She is an incredible role model to women as she has shown amazing strength through this ordeal.  She is a wonderful teacher who offers education to young women interested in the beauty industry, and despite all of this happening in her life, she still manages the time to support me in my entrepreneurial journey. I have named one of my Lia Reese Cosmetics Lip Glosses after her! ALY is available at liareese.com, with $5 from each “ALY” gloss sold going to breast cancer research!

Do you think having a mentor is valuable both while you’re starting out and even after you are more experienced?

I absolutely do! I had a few mentors, and I truly believe they are what got me through many rough moments! Their personal opinions and experiences are priceless pieces of advice for a newbie starting out. I was like a sponge, soaking up as much as I could from them! It’s great to keep working with them, to maintain that constant support, and to then offer that support yourself when you find success! I offer mentorship to multiple new business owners or entrepreneurs, in not only my industry but those starting out needing the “how to’s” of getting started!

Do you feel a strong sense of community among business woman and female entrepreneurs in Saskatoon and in Saskatchewan?

I am actually blown away by how supportive business women in Saskatchewan are! So many reach out to me, and we have become almost a close little group of women with similar lives! Saskatoon and Saskatchewan is such a fantastic place to live if you are opening your own business, because not only are they supportive of new ideas, and promoting shopping local, but this province just truly believes in supporting their own! It certainly makes me proud to be Sask born and Raised

Want to learn more about the Lia Reese Canada product line, or Just For You Day Spa & Gift Studio? Contact them today!

Interview by Mandi Brown

Owner, Jessica Tetu of Just For You Day Spa & Gift Studio, along with her team of dedicated professionals, provide a tranquil Saskatoon spa experience with over 2700 square feet of stunning spa space.

Here Jess answers some great questions - Part 2:  

Owner, Jessica Tetu of Just For You Day Spa & Gift Studio, along with her team of dedicated professionals, provide a tranquil Saskatoon spa experience with over 2700 square feet of stunning spa space. 

Here Jess answers some great questions - Part 1: 

Q: Courtney Saliken: My feet and heals are extremely bad. What can I do to prevent this and type of treatments and home care are needed?

A: Dry rough feet and heels are actually a very common concern. For best results, I would suggest getting a pedicure every 6-8 weeks by a professional pedicure technician in a clean & sanitary environment. If budget does not permit for regular pedicure maintenance, i would suggest purchasing a foot file or paddle (appx cost $5-$15), and after soaking the feet, using on callus areas approximately once a week. (Any more than that and it could actually increase callus build up.) Apply a foot cream immediately after filing and continue applying nightly to maintain the best results. My favourites are: Gehwol MedSalve for cracked heels, ($20), Gehwol Callus Cream ($21) or Gehwol Blue for dry rough feet ($17)

 

Q: Marie Schultz: What is up with getting acne in your 30s?! What's the best product to prevent and/or treat it?

Red Light Therapy -Pure Beauty for Skin and Body:

Like so many people, I worry about the worry lines (and laugh lines) as I get older. I fret, but still worship the sunshine (we only get it a few months of the year here) and moisturize with the hopes that every miracle cream will, actually, perform a miracle. And the creams, try as they might, do nothing, and the only thing that flattens out is my wallet. Results? Bah. I was still waiting.

Introducing the Beauty Angel, a head-to-toe red light therapy booth. The answer for all that don’t want botox, chemical peels, or invasive treatments. Red light therapy is gentle, harmless, and comfortable.

What it is

While it looks like a stand-up tanning bed, it does NOT tan, there are no UV rays at all. The lights encased under acrylic are the only slight similarity. You push the START button, and the lights come on all around you. It’s warm, but not uncomfortable. What is more noticeable is the brightness; while the light won’t harm your eyes, it is so bright that wearing tanning goggles is encouraged. (If I’m squinting in the red light booth while trying to get rid of crow’s feet, it’s defeating the purpose.) . There are two rings overhead that you hold onto, which is why the name on the machine is “Beauty Angel”, because you have your arms spread overhead like you’re ready to take flight and conquer….I have to say, it’s so bright that I could be an angel fighting the forces of darkness.

How it works

The bright (bright) red light that you see are the wavelengths that activate our body’s own photo rejuvenation process. This is what reduces the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, helps tighten skin, and improves the overall look.

Short term results include softer skin, more moisture, improved skin texture, and a glow. Long term results vary depending on your lifestyle, but if you are consistent, you will enjoy reduced wrinkles, faded pigment/age spots, reduced swelling around the eyes, more collagen and elastin production to show more tautened skin, and positive effects on hair and nail growth, bones and tendons. Red Light Therapy also helps combat SAD, so it has positive effects through our long winter. Take THAT, Mother Nature.

The first session, well, it seems a little weird, but by the third or fourth visit you are totally looking forward to time in that booth for a time warp, and LOVING the results. No scary chemical peels that look like the prom scene from Carrie. No injections that make your lips bigger than a muppets. Easy. Comfortable. Beautiful.

How RedLight Therapy gets results:

Book your appointment today and try Redlight Therapy!!