At the New Age Spa Institute, we believe that true passion is rooted in purpose. That’s why we our students took part in a special assignment called “My Why.” It’s a chance for them to pause, reflect, and share the meaningful reasons behind their decision to pursue a career in the beauty and wellness industry.
Name and City/Area
Name and City/AreaHello! My name is Madeline and I am an esthetics student at the New Age Spa Institute (NASI) in Des Plaines, Illinois. Although I technically commute a short distance from Chicago to Des Plaines every day, I actually hail from sunny California, and in a way, that is my true commute, as I relocated self and home to Chicago to specifically attend NASI for its higher standard of learning and real-world exposure to the latest technologies.
Your Path to Esthetics
My career path that led me to esthetics was a road less traveled, as I started off working in the prison system as a health educator, administrative support, and an advocate for the population I served. At the same time I was serving the incarcerated community, I was also doing the normal things most women do in personal care and beauty—getting facials, massages, waxes, etc.—and no matter what service I was receiving, I always found the environment to be peaceful, healing, and the treatments made me feel special.
I often chatted with the estheticians who were treating about what led them to the field, and I continuously found that their “why’s” for choosing esthetics were absolutely relatable to me. They wanted to be in a field where they could help their clients feel and look their best, they wanted tools they could share with others about how to battle skin imperfections, and by extension, personal insecurities, and quite simply, the spa lifestyle was a relaxing and fun way to care for others, and it didn’t feel like work.
Why Did You Choose NASI?
When I started experiencing career burnout, I thought long and hard about a second career, and after lots of research, I decided to pick esthetics for all the same reasons my estheticians had picked the field: caretaking, health and wellness, relaxation, and self-esteem building. I knew that this career would allow me to give these things to my clients, and also build upon those very things in myself as well. With that, I chose the hardest school I could find, in the coolest city I could find, which is what led me to NASI and Chicago.
Background
I proudly attend NASI full-time during the day, bartend at night, and try to find times in between to get to know the Chicago area. My friends and family are all back in California, and I plan to go back home for a visit quite soon, but am enjoying being a fish out of water as I get to know the community out here.
Favorite Service to Perform and Receive
Back to esthetics! Have you ever had a Hydro Facial? If not, I highly recommend it. It is by far my favorite service to receive, and now my favorite service to perform. When I am receiving a HydroFacial, I feel like every pore on my face is being sucked clean of debris and filled up with hydrating medicine. My skin shines after a HydroFacial, and that is why I love performing this service on clients as well.
Where Do You See Yourself After Graduating?
Graduation from NASI will be here before I know it, and if life goes according to the new plan, I aim to work in medical aesthetics as a skin specialist and laser technician. I also see myself creating those relaxing vibes in spa care.
A few weeks after graduation, I’ll be flying back to California to visit my friends and family, but also, I’ll be pursuing a scary hobby of mine: swimming a long distance in the ocean. I’ll be swimming the mile and a half across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to Sausalito. This will be my second time swimming in the Golden Gate, and I can’t wait to see that view again!
When I get back to Chicago, the plan will be to get my esthetics license, find a job in esthetics, and get to work in my newfound career.
With that, thank you to the NASI staff for demanding high standards of us students, while providing the support we have all needed as students from time to time. I can’t wait to put this new knowledge and passion to use!
At the New Age Spa Institute, we’re continually inspired by students like Madeline—individuals who boldly chart a new course in life, bringing with them deep compassion, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. Whether relocating across the country or transitioning from entirely different professions, our students enrich the learning environment with their real-world experiences and desire to create meaningful change through beauty and wellness. Each story, like Madeline’s, reminds us that dedication and purpose know no limits when paired with the right education.
Whether you’re coming from Rosemont, IL (just 15 minutes away), Park Ridge, IL (about 30 minutes), Schiller Park, IL (roughly 20 minutes), Mount Prospect, IL (around 50 minutes), or Elk Grove Village, IL (approximately 40 minutes), our campus at 1870 Busse Highway, Des Plaines, IL 60016, is easily accessible for those ready to transform their lives.
Our inclusive, internationally accredited school is PROUD to serve PROS near and far!
Visit www.newagespainstitute.com to learn more or call us at 847-759-0900 to speak with our admissions team. Schedule an open house tour today!
