Skin and the City Podcast by Kasey Boone Skincare™ Episode Summary: A Behind the Scenes of the First Day Spa, Burke Williams with Chief of Treatments Release Date: October 28, 2024

Introduction to Burke Williams and Diane

In this episode of Skin and the City, host Kasey Boone welcomes Diane, the Chief of Treatments at Burke Williams Day Spa, to provide an insider’s look into one of California’s premier day spas. Burke Williams is renowned for pioneering the day spa concept in 1986 and now operates 11 locations across Northern and Southern California, including San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles County, and Orange County.

Diane’s Role and Experience

Diane brings over 25 years of experience with Burke Williams, starting as an esthetician and rising through the ranks to oversee all treatment operations across the spa’s multiple locations. She emphasizes the family-owned nature of Burke Williams, stating, “We have a family feel, even though we have a lot of locations” (05:24).

Training and Development at Burke Williams

A significant portion of Diane’s role involves training and development. She explains, “90% of my job is training and development” (08:14). Burke Williams prides itself on its comprehensive training programs, which are designed to ensure consistency and excellence across all locations. New hires undergo an extensive six-week core training that covers everything from skin histology to advanced product formulation and client communication. Diane highlights the importance of continuous education, mentioning annual recertifications that keep estheticians updated and inspired (11:39).

Employment Opportunities and Hiring Process

Burke Williams maintains a selective hiring process to uphold its high standards. Diane shares insights into their three-stage interview process, which includes pre-screening, in-person interviews, and practical assessments. She encourages persistence, noting, “If you want to work at Burke Williams, keep applying” (14:00). The spa promotes from within, offering numerous career advancement opportunities for those interested in leadership and specialized roles.

Popular Treatments and Services

Burke Williams offers a diverse array of treatments tailored to individual skin types and conditions. Diane highlights their flagship Regenerate Facial, which incorporates nano infusion technology for collagen development, stating it is their top-selling facial across all locations (15:37). Other popular treatments include the Nourishing Facial and various customized facials that integrate multiple modalities such as microcurrent and high-frequency devices to ensure transformative results (20:07).

Membership Programs and Client Relations

The spa’s membership programs are designed to foster regular client relationships and ensure estheticians have a steady stream of appointments. Diane describes two main tiers: the Classic Membership (50-minute services) and the Deluxe Membership (80-minute treatments). These memberships not only benefit clients with consistent care but also provide estheticians with reliable schedules and the opportunity to build lasting client connections (17:24).

Community and Flexibility in Scheduling

Burke Williams emphasizes a strong sense of community among its estheticians, supported by their innovative Ultimate Flexibility scheduling system. This system allows staff to pick up shifts across different locations via the Break Room app, providing unparalleled flexibility and fostering inter-location camaraderie. Diane explains, “It creates a lot more community because you really can, you can kind of like see it all” (23:28).

Product Lines and Ingredients

Burke Williams utilizes proprietary product lines, including HTV by Burke Williams, which is esthetician-driven and custom-formulated, and a long-standing partnership with Eminence Organic Skin Care. Diane emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, professional-grade products to ensure the best outcomes for clients: “We put our professional skincare in our spas. So you don’t have to bring anything” (36:30).

Career Opportunities Beyond the Treatment Room

Diane underscores the diverse career paths available within Burke Williams beyond direct treatment roles. From management positions like operations manager and general manager to specialized roles in training and product development, the spa offers ample opportunities for estheticians to advance their careers. She states, “We pride ourselves on promoting from within” (29:09).

Industry Insights and Trends

The conversation shifts to broader industry trends, with Diane observing a shift from the profession being a fleeting trend to a more established field focused on wellness and overall skin health. She notes, “The more educated, the more estheticians... we are attracting people who are really passionate, not just about beauty, but about wellness and overall health” (38:29). Diane encourages estheticians to advocate for the profession and participate in shaping its future.

Final Advice and Closing Remarks

Diane offers valuable advice to aspiring estheticians: persistence in applying to top-tier spas like Burke Williams and continuous professional development are key to a successful career. She highlights the supportive culture at Burke Williams, where ideas from the floor are valued and leadership is accessible: “The best ideas in the company come from the people on the floor” (32:09). Kasey Boone concludes the episode by reinforcing the importance of community and professional growth within the esthetics industry.

Notable Quotes

• Diane on Training Importance:
  “90% of my job is training and development.” (08:14)

• Encouragement to Apply:
  “If you want to work at Burke Williams, keep applying.” (14:00)

• On the Regenerate Facial:
  “Our top selling facial is our regenerate facial.” (15:37)

• Ultimate Flexibility System:
  “It creates a lot more community because you really can, you can kind of like see it all.” (23:28)

• Promoting from Within:
  “We pride ourselves on promoting from within.” (29:09)

• Industry Evolution:
  “We are attracting people who are really passionate, not just about beauty, but about wellness and overall health.” (38:29)

• Valuing Employee Ideas:
  “The best ideas in the company come from the people on the floor.” (32:09)

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of Burke Williams Day Spa through the lens of Diane, the Chief of Treatments. Listeners gain valuable insights into the spa’s operational excellence, commitment to training and development, innovative treatments, and supportive community culture. Diane’s experiences and advice provide inspiration and guidance for estheticians seeking growth and success in the beauty and wellness industry.

Time References:

• <a id="time-0524">05:24</a>
• <a id="time-0814">08:14</a>
• <a id="time-1139">11:39</a>
• <a id="time-1400">14:00</a>
• <a id="time-1537">15:37</a>
• <a id="time-1724">17:24</a>
• <a id="time-2007">20:07</a>
• <a id="time-2328">23:28</a>
• <a id="time-2909">29:09</a>
• <a id="time-3630">36:30</a>
• <a id="time-3829">38:29</a>
• <a id="time-3209">32:09</a>