By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – In the spring of 2005 Deb Hoese treated herself to a facial with a home microdermabrasion kit. By March 2007, the 55-year-old had become a licensed esthetician and was open for business.
"When I had that first facial, I absolutely loved it. I just had to learn all about it for myself. I loved how pampered and relaxed I felt," she said.
Her space at The Shoppe, 227 E. Main St., lends itself to relaxation. Earthtones, soft lights and subtle aromas surround her clients as they lay on the soft leather bed and give themselves over to luxurious pampering.
After retiring in March 2006 from the job she enjoyed for 32 years in financial services with Ford Motor Credit, the vivacious mother of two did all the things one would expect. Wallpapering, painting, yard work and various projects around the house kept her busy for awhile.
Hoese joked with her future daughter-in-law Jen Brouwer, a co-owner of The Shoppe with Kristi Hessey, saying she wanted to make esthetics her second career. She even suggested they could give her space in their newly planned downtown location.
After the women talked it over, they felt the idea had a great deal of merit. Son Brian encouraged his Mom give the idea serious thought.
Hoese did her research by visiting a number of esthetics salons to try a variety of treatments. She registered with Vogue Beauty College in Mishawaka, Ind., then continued her training with Bioelements Learning Center in Chicago.
"I would not trade the experience of going back to school for the world. I was in class with a majority of 17 to 19-year-olds," she said.
In the first few weeks, she has almost achieved her goal of serving a dozen or so clients a week, with 11 signing in for services in the past week.
She is only a few minutes from home.The freedom to come and go between appointments, to put in a load of laundry or start dinner makes this the perfect career for Hoese.
Facials cost between $40 and $60. The pampering lasts an hour. Facial waxing is also available.
"I was pleasantly surprised when I was giving a deep cleansing massage and mask and my client fell asleep. It has happened twice so I know they find it relaxing," Hoese said.
Appointments can be made by calling 683-2839.