Meet Abra Weeks…Atlanta’s Premier Esthetician, Eyebrow & Mink Eyelash Guru

Beauty is a multi-billion dollar industry. More people are becoming interested in how they can enhance their natural beauty with some of the modern techniques that are offered in today’s salons and spas.  I’ve known Abra Weeks all of her life. In fact, she’s my baby sister! So, when she first told me that she was going to become an Esthetitian, I was not surprised at all. Every since she was a little girl, she always took a lot of interest in makeup and all things beauty. I have pictures of her when she was younger and she was even wearing lipstick back then!

It gives me great pleasure to feature Abra as my FlyGirl of the week! I’m so happy that I’ve had the privilege to watch her blossom into this amazing beauty professional.  I was finally able to catch up with her recently and this is what she had to say:

Q. How long have you known that you wanted to be a part of the beauty industry?

A. I’ve always loved anything involved with beauty. At the age of 10, my mom bought me my first tube of lipstick from Fashion Fair and I’ve loved makeup and beauty ever since.  Once I turned 21, I went on an aesthetic school visit (which would later be the school I graduated from 6 years later).  I knew aesthetics was the route I wanted to go in life, but at the time I was in my undergraduate program studying business. Growing up, I’ve always received compliments on my skin, and asked advice on what I use, so it only made since for me to start a career that I already lived everyday!

Q. What is an Esthetician?

A. To me, an Esthetician is a lover of beauty! Estheticians specialize in skincare, makeup, and anything that enhances an individual’s natural beauty. We are knowledgeable of skin correction, skin disorders & diseases, correct makeup application, and many other procedures that help an individual maintain a healthy and safe skincare and beauty lifestyle.

Q. How did you become an Esthetician?

A. Once I gave birth to my daughter, Harlee Grace, I decided to stop wasting time and do something that I love to do, so I went back to Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics for another tour.  This time I filled out an application for entry into the program. I stepped out on faith, quit my job, and went to school full-time for a year. After graduating, I applied through the state board, passed the written and practical testing, and became a licensed Esthetician for the state of Georgia.

This was one of the first things in my life that I thoroughly completed and excelled in, so I knew this was the career that God had chosen for me.

Q. What services do you provide?

A. At Nubiance Salon & Spa, I provide facials that include chemical peels & microdermabrasion for men and women. I also specialize in natural makeup application, waxing (everywhere!), and I am certified in Xtreme mink lash application.

Q. Eyelash extensions have become extremely popular in recent years, tell us about that.

A. Once I graduated, I was offered a job at a top salon and spa in Buckhead. The owners, Vicki and Proctor Pouncie, urged me to take a weekend course on semi permanent eyelash extensions. I was a little hesitant because for years I heard that those kinds of lashes would break down and damage your real lashes. However, I took the course and I was absolutely WRONG!!! Actually, if the lashes are applied properly and great quality products are used, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, all of my client’s lashes grow longer because they are less likely to use mascara. In addition, it’s less irritation and friction to the eyes daily, causing you to lose lashes before the actual hair cycle is over. Mink eyelashes are quite addictive because you are able to make your lashes look however you want them to with the ability of being weightless and very natural yet glamorous; and you don’t feel or see any glue residue! (Sidenote: the glue I use is FDA approved!!!)

Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an Esthetician?

A. I would tell them just go for it! Its not easy because the program takes so much of your time and dedication, but anything that is worthy of having isn’t easy!  If you love beauty and wanting to help others find their inner and outer beauty, this is the career for you! What I love about this career is that there are so many different avenues you can take, you don’t always have to be behind an aesthetic table.

Q. How important is it for a person to visit an Esthetician on a regular basis?

A. It is extremely important to see your aesthetician every 4-8 weeks for facials. I am able to perform procedures that you typically cannot do at home, like removal of blackheads and whiteheads. In between visits, I will make sure to give the clients the correct products and skincare regimen to keep up the proper needs for their skin.  When receiving wax services, clients should come in every 3-4 weeks. The great thing about waxing consistently is that the hair comes back much thinner and much less hair will appear over time! Lash clients are my most frequent clients with visits every two weeks.

Q. What advice can you give us that will help encourage the men in our lives to make regular appoints with an Esthetician?

A. Most men, that I have performed a facial on, had never had a facial before! After they receive one, they have become some of my most loyal clients. Men quickly realize their skin’s glow and the cleanliness they feel after a facial. Men typically don’t take care of their skin at home because they don’t know much about proper skincare!

Many men have problems with ingrown hairs and darkness around the beard area. I can help them with that as well!!!

Q. What are your short term goals?

A. At this point in my career, I am focusing on building relationships with my clients and future clients. I feel as if it is my duty to educate and provide the BEST and most ETHICAL aesthetic services to the city of Atlanta. I am also working on my lifestyle and beauty blog currently that will be launching in May! It will cover skincare, beauty, lifestyle & fitness, and a Mommy & Me section. The Mommy & Me section will focus on myself & my daughter Harlee Grace’s everyday activities and mother-daughter daily living and growth.