Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Ogulnik.
Lena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After immigrating to the US in 1978, I, Lena Ogulnik graduated with Honors from Pivot Point International Beauty school in 1979 and began working in downtown Chicago at “Face & Facial” on Oak Street. Next, I moved to the Northshore and worked at “Susan Bortok Cosmetics” in Highland Park (on Central Str.). I had two children- and during that time worked out of my home in Wilmette.
I soon hired a manicurist as well to help to serve my home clients better. Within two years I had opened up the Skin Spa in Winnetka- with two massage therapists, two estheticians, two manicurists, electrolysis, and a receptionist. I returned to school to get a cosmetology teaching license from Galano’s Beauty Institute in Chicago. I had been teaching a few years until nostalgia for my customers brought me back to the spa environment.
Many former customers returned back to me, once I started back in Winnetka. They followed me to Glencoe and recently I added one more location at the Five Seasons Club in Northbrook. I am certified in 3D Microblading, permanent makeup & tattoo removal. I’ve also completed the certified training in Lavish lash extensions application. In addition, I have a Laser technician license.
Has it been a smooth road?
Coping with no English had to learn it while studying a new profession.Back In Russia, I had been studying to become a veterinarian. Coming from the family of artists had an ability to ask my questions by drowning it down. Had to keep my notebook with me everywhere to ask people questions.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Lena’s Skin Care story. Tell us more about the business.
Have long-lasting clients, starting from 1982. Seeing Mother’s first and now… Mother’s and their grown-up daughters. Some come in together and wait for each other in the same room. Having fun first… till a massage part starts- it gets respectfully quiet 5 stars on Yelp so far 🤗 Feel if you put your heard into your work it helps everyone and love to see people smile! Trying to listen and understand what are they coming for… relaxation, fixing things or simply for venting and comforting their worried soul!
Love learning new things. Have not missed continued education classes, expo, conventions. Go out of state if needed. Specializing in problem skin. I see lots of teenagers with acne skin.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
From simple skincare, waxing and lash&brow tinting I moved to first to cristal dermabrasion, added diamond tips, hydrofacials. Recently added ProCell Microneedling with steam cells! Got certified in permanent Makeup-3D Microblading, small body tattoo removal, Lavish Lash Extensions. The Industry is progressing I have no time to retire!😅
Contact Info:
- Address: 1300 Techny Rd. Northbrook
660 Vernon Ave. Glencoe - Website: www.skinspa.pro, www.facialsglencoe.com
- Phone: (847)668-0888/18478359660
- Email: lenasskincare@yahoo.com
- Facebook: Lena’s Skin Care
- Yelp: Lena’s Skin Care
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Irina
January 16, 2018 at 11:12 pm
She is the best in her field!She has deep knowledge and great skills in skin care !Plus to all her merits is that she keeps on learning new things i,she makes you feel and look beautiful and pampered!