For the past 14 years, I have worked in the world of IT and technology, building my career in consulting, managing projects, and helping businesses navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. Over time, I also discovered something unexpected: establishing my own business and creating something meaningful for others was becoming a passion of its own.
But let me take you back to where it all began!
The corporate life: meetings, coffee & very little self-care
Like many professionals in IT consulting, my colleagues and I were always on the go. Our daily routine was simple: wake up, grab a cup of tea or coffee, and jump straight into back-to-back meetings, project deadlines, and endless discussions.
By the end of the day, the picture wasn't quite as polished!
Our hair had developed a personality of its own (hello, static and frizz!), our lips were dry from talking through meetings, our nails were cracking from endless typing, and our skin was practically begging for some hydration.
Let's just say that looking after ourselves wasn't exactly at the top of our project backlog!
The Christmas gift that changed everything
Then came a special Christmas during one of our project deployments. Our company surprised each employee with a gift certificate for a full day at a spa, including a mini HydraFacial, nail care, and a mini pedicure.
We were absolutely thrilled! Who wouldn't be excited about a little pampering on the company's time?
We headed to the spa, and oh my goodness, what an experience! We were welcomed, pampered, and treated so wonderfully that we walked out feeling like refurbished versions of ourselves.
But the real surprise was the HydraFacial. Our skin looked refreshed, hydrated, and noticeably glowing!
The next day, we joined our usual Zoom meeting. Our manager immediately noticed our polished nails, refreshed faces, and beautifully styled hair. He was impressed, and I remember thinking how wonderful it felt to look good and feel confident.
For once, our appearance was making an impression before we even started discussing project deliverables!
That experience planted a seed in my mind: self-care isn't just about looking good; it's also about how good you feel about yourself.
From a monthly salon visit to a new passion
After that experience, I started visiting salons regularly. The more I learned about skincare and personal wellness, the more interested I became. I began sharing my experiences with friends and family, exchanging recommendations, and exploring different treatments.
HydraFacial, in particular, caught my attention. I wanted to understand how these treatments worked, what made them effective, and how professional skincare could help people feel more confident.
What began as a little self-care soon became a genuine interest in skin and scalp wellness.
Turkey: where my curiosity became a mission
My journey took an exciting turn when I traveled to Turkey for a work project.
During my daily train commutes, I found myself observing people around me. Everywhere I looked, people seemed to take pride in their appearance: glowing skin, beautifully maintained lips, lovely lashes, and impeccably groomed hair. Even the gentlemen looked wonderfully well-groomed!
Meanwhile, there I was, occasionally hiding my nails inside my sleeves and catching my reflection in the train window, wondering when I had last given myself that kind of attention.
I had to laugh at myself!
That was my turning point. I realized I didn't just want to enjoy these treatments; I wanted to understand them professionally.
While continuing my IT career, I enrolled in a HydraFacial and scalp wellness academy in Turkey. I made several trips to learn from experienced practitioners and nurses, gaining hands-on training and earning my esthetics certification.
It was an exciting new chapter, one in which technology, learning, beauty, and wellness began coming together.
Introducing GlowGardenUSA: technology meets wellness
Today, I bring that journey into my work in the Chicago area through GlowGardenUSA.
My approach combines my analytical mindset from years in technology with my growing passion for skin and scalp wellness. I believe every person deserves thoughtful attention, personalized care, and an experience that allows them to relax and feel refreshed.
I love taking the time to understand individual skin and scalp concerns, exploring suitable treatments, and helping clients work toward a healthier-looking, more radiant appearance.
There is something especially rewarding about seeing someone leave a treatment feeling relaxed, refreshed, and more confident. And honestly, after years of managing demanding projects, I have discovered that helping someone unwind can be just as satisfying as delivering a successful project milestone!
My vision: boutique, personal & meaningful
As I continue growing GlowGardenUSA alongside my IT career, I am investing in further esthetics and technology training to deepen my knowledge and improve the experience I offer.
My dream is to build a boutique-style studio that feels personal, welcoming, and comfortable, not a large, commercial operation where clients feel like just another appointment on the calendar.
I want to know my clients, understand their goals, build trust, and give each person the time and attention they deserve.
For me, success isn't simply about growing a business. It's about building relationships, continuing to learn, and helping people feel good about themselves, one personalized treatment at a time.
My journey from IT consultant to skin and scalp wellness enthusiast has taught me that it's never too late to discover a new passion. Sometimes, all it takes is a Christmas spa gift, a little curiosity, and a train ride that makes you look at yourself differently!