Meet our amazing aestheticians | Cassandra Bradshaw
Why (or how) did you become a holistic aesthetician?
I became a holistic aesthetician in 2014 when I began working for Province Apothecary. Prior to that I had been working as an aesthetician/makeup artist using conventional products and treatments. In 2013 I attended a workshop that Julie hosted which focused on making natural skincare + body products. This was what sparked my interested in green beauty, and from there I began doing personal research on the industry. In my spare time I focused on learning as much as I could about holistic health in general. I studied my peer's health and wellness concerns and tried to advise them of more natural ways to cure their troubling issues. Upon seeing fantastic results in myself and my peer's, all stemming from holistic healing modalities, I knew I needed to make a shift in my career and step into the holistic industry for good.
What are your favourite parts of being a skin expert / whats your favourite part of the job?
Simply put, I love making people feel good. I feel blessed to be able to work in a field where I can develop sincere personal connections and positively impact someone's day. I enjoy educating clients on natural remedies that are sustainable, ethical, and fun! I love being able to constantly learn, grow and develop my skills further with the help of my amazing colleagues and clients. Although I work autonomously, I greatly enjoy our wonderful team and always look forward to spending time with my co-workers.
Simply put, I love making people feel good. I feel blessed to be able to work in a field where I can develop sincere personal connections and positively impact someone's day. I enjoy educating clients on natural remedies that are sustainable, ethical, and fun! I love being able to constantly learn, grow and develop my skills further with the help of my amazing colleagues and clients. Although I work autonomously, I greatly enjoy our wonderful team and always look forward to spending time with my co-workers.
Whats your daily skincare/beauty ritual?
As of earlier this year, my new daily ritual is dry brushing. I dry brush my entire body - face included (although different brushes are used for the body and face) and I always feel refreshed, soft and bright after brushing. Since starting at PA over 2 years ago, I haven't gone a day without applying my Custom Face Serum. Every day I cleanse with our Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover, then I spray my face with our Invigorating + Balancing Toner, followed by several drops of my Custom Face Serum, and some Protecting + Restoring Face Balm. I make a point of massaging my products into my skin deeply and working out tension where necessary.
As of earlier this year, my new daily ritual is dry brushing. I dry brush my entire body - face included (although different brushes are used for the body and face) and I always feel refreshed, soft and bright after brushing. Since starting at PA over 2 years ago, I haven't gone a day without applying my Custom Face Serum. Every day I cleanse with our Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover, then I spray my face with our Invigorating + Balancing Toner, followed by several drops of my Custom Face Serum, and some Protecting + Restoring Face Balm. I make a point of massaging my products into my skin deeply and working out tension where necessary.
What are a few ways you practice self care?
Yoga! I've experienced so many amazing benefits since cultivating a steady yoga practice. It's relaxing, grounding, strengthening - the list goes on and on. I practice at home daily, and attend classes at Octopus Garden regularly. I notice a difference when I don't set aside time for my yoga practice. One of my favourite poses is simply lying flat on the ground with my legs up the wall. I do this for at least 10 minutes each night to decompress. Alongside yoga, mindful deep breathing and meditation is a new practice of mine that has proven to be healing in so many ways.
We can easily get lost in our careers and relationships, while forgetting ourselves in the process. Always make time for yourself!
Any favourite skincare tips?
Ditch those nasty chemical filled products, and wash off your makeup before sleeping (or better yet, ditch the makeup all together).
Ditch those nasty chemical filled products, and wash off your makeup before sleeping (or better yet, ditch the makeup all together).
What's your favourite DIY skincare recipe?
My all-time favourite DIY recipe is a simple Sugar Scrub for the face and body.
My all-time favourite DIY recipe is a simple Sugar Scrub for the face and body.
How would you describe your perfect 'day off work'?
I'd wake up beside my love and cuddle in bed for awhile before making some coffee and breakfast together. We'd spend time reading to each other, conversing about world issues and our incessant thoughts, with lots of laughing and lovemaking in between. I'd make sure to attend a yoga or pilates class, preferably with a friend! My evening would be spent cooking a healthy plant based meal and baking dessert. Throw in some crafts, board games with my roommates, hiking in nature, and we've got perfection.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
"Change what you can, accept what you can't, or move on. All else is madness."
"Change what you can, accept what you can't, or move on. All else is madness."
How do you prioritize self-care and helping others?
I find it extremely necessary to block out time for self-care. In my line of work especially, it can be exhausting to constantly give our energy to others who need it. We need to focus on replenishing our reserves to be able to maximize the amount of help we can give to others. I prioritize self-care daily by practicing yoga, eating a plant based diet and using chemical-free, holistic skincare. I love going for a shiatsu massage or to a restorative yoga class. I know that the better I am at taking care of myself, the more readily able I am to take care of others around me.
I find it extremely necessary to block out time for self-care. In my line of work especially, it can be exhausting to constantly give our energy to others who need it. We need to focus on replenishing our reserves to be able to maximize the amount of help we can give to others. I prioritize self-care daily by practicing yoga, eating a plant based diet and using chemical-free, holistic skincare. I love going for a shiatsu massage or to a restorative yoga class. I know that the better I am at taking care of myself, the more readily able I am to take care of others around me.
If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I'd take a road trip out west, covering all the provinces through to BC and down along the west coast to California. I've always felt the west coast calling me. There's something about it that I find alluring - I can't quite put my finger on it, but I intend to find out.
I'd take a road trip out west, covering all the provinces through to BC and down along the west coast to California. I've always felt the west coast calling me. There's something about it that I find alluring - I can't quite put my finger on it, but I intend to find out.
xx Cassandra