Woman of the Week, August 17, 2009: Kati Mansouri

In business, having less than glowing skin can leave a negative first impression, not to mention its ability to effect a person's self-esteem and confidence. Keeping up with aesthetics is a very important aspect for women in business and Kati Mansouri has spent almost 20 years helping women do this.

Kati is the owner of the Mansouri Health and Beauty Therapy Inc. medical spa in Toronto.

Kati's commitment to excellence in skin care is shown through her extensive training, combined with her years of experience. Her vast list of returning clients (that have stayed with her for almost 20 years) show she is one of the women to watch in Toronto. She also writes fact-packed articles on her website for reference.

Women’s Post asked Kati about herself to get some insight into what it takes to run a successful spa and keep clients happy for decades.

WP: You got into the business as a part-time gig and loved it so much you went into the field permanently?

KM: Well, actually it was part of my lifestyle growing up, learning to take care of myself, friends, and family for fun; never thought it would become my career path. There was a need for it and the business found me . I saw the creative aspect of my job and all that I could do with that and be able to take it with me no matter where I end up living which was very appealing and exciting to me. It’s definitely a versatile business and if you are passionate about it, learning many things over the years allows you to incorporate as you go along. The key is to keep learning and staying up-to-date with the industry and technologies to provide as many options as necessary.

WP: How often do you write articles on your site?

KM: Probably not as often as I would like. Sometimes an issue becomes so important that it needs to be discussed [and told]. I love to write about different topics that are not always related to skin care. There is so much junk information on the internet it’s hard for the public to know what the real truth is. That’s why I always take my time to research things thoroughly before I write about it.

WP: What makes you practice different or better than the industry.

KM: There are a few of my colleagues in the industry that are doing their homework and doing a good job. We can’t just be satisfied with the basics. Our health care needs are changing, people are searching for better service and high quality care and how they can achieve that. They don’t always know where to go or who to trust. Over the thirty years of my practice I learned that beauty is not just what you see from outside. It is your first impression, but there is so much more. I can start with one initial treatment but as I continue to get to know my clients, and their needs, we end up talking about so many other interests that they have and that allows me to make proper referrals to suit their needs. That’s why I invest so much time to connect with different professionals and provide specific services everyone seems to need. I think that’s what separates my work from the rest.

WP: How do you help women feel better about themselves?

KM: First, I make sure to remind them to appreciate and respect who they are and celebrate their age. Don’t feel guilty for being there and doing something nice for themselves. It’s necessary for everyone’s well being to take the time and unwind even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. Understand your body well and all the changes it’s going through over the years. This incredible machine is so beautifully wired together, if there is a malfunction and slight disturbances the entire structure will suffer. Your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being must be integrated in order to stay in harmony. That applies for men as well.

WP: What is the most rewarding part of your job? And the most challenging?

KM: It’s amazing what day-to-day life does to all of us and the stresses that go along with it. Learning how to manage that it is the key. When I see someone coming to my office tired and rushed, but leave completely relaxed and calm, I remind them to take that feeling with them. It’s rewarding to see them progress with their treatments and see results. It’s important that they do the work as well, and commit.

The hardest and most challenging aspect of my job is to see my clients in emotional pain. I have known many of my clients for a long time and to see them struggle in times of trouble really affects me. I care deeply for my clients.

WP: What is your daily skin regime?

KM: I keep it simple. Cleansing to remove dust, dirt, make-up. Proper moisturizer and eye cream. When in the sun, always using sun protection.

WP: I noticed in your testimonial section that many of your clients have been with you for many years. What is your secret for keeping your clients over the long term?

KM: I always make sure to follow up with all of my clients, even if most people make their next appointments before they leave. You should always communicate with your clients to find out what suits their needs in terms of time and money. They should never feel pressured into anything.

Listening to the client's body language and finding out why they are and how you can help them I have truly come to care about my clients and their families over the years. We’ve built a long-term friendship. We all laugh that I have already moved to helping the new generation of their children!

Make sure to check out Kati's radio podcast here.

Interview conducted and edited by Miranda Voth