You want to know a funny secret about me? When I was little, I had very interesting and lofty goals. I didn’t just have one chosen career path.  I wanted to be a doctor AND a nail technician.  Best of both worlds, I suppose.  Throughout my life, I was drawn to my mom’s cosmetology career and have always considered switching fields. 

I was able to interview Nail & Skin Institute founder and president, Dana Caruso, to give us the breakdown on how she approaches the beauty world. She also shares a little bit about her childhood inspiration. Read on!

1. What is your goal for students at the Skin & Nail Institute?

My goals are to provide students with a solid foundation in Nail Technology, Esthetics, Makeup artistry, Laser Studies, Waxing, and Advanced Medical Spa Education.

2. What drew you into the beauty field?

At a very young age, my mother used to take me into Manhattan. She used to sell evening gowns and cocktail dresses. She rented space in a hair salon in the early 1970s. I was running around Manhattan with my mom for a while. She used to purchase very glamorous cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Whatever the must-have fashion was, my mother was purchasing it. So I was seeing fashion along with beauty, because I was in her boutique every day.

3. What is your personal skin routine?

My beauty routine is very simple. I cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate every day. My favorite products are found in the Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgeon In A Jar® skin care line; The Purifier Antioxidant Cream and Ultimate Skin Exfoliator. To compliment this beauty routine I receive a Medical Grade Alpha Beta Hydroxy Peel along with Microdermabrasion monthly.

4. What is the one product you couldn’t live without?

Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Oil for my cuticles every night and Sally Hansen Lip Plumping Balm with Shimmer.

5. Where do you see the beauty industry headed in the next five years?

The Beauty Industry is headed to the Masses! Mass retail that is… I am working very closely with the largest retail venues to educate their beauty advisors when selling skin care products to consumers. Higher End Medical Grade Products are now being sold at the mass retail level.

Thanks again to Dana for the great interview! Have you ever considered a beauty career?