Edition #004: Jennifer Mills aka Ritual Body Studio
Hey y'all! My name is Jennifer Mills. I am the founder, CEO, and lead esthetician of Ritual Body Studio, an integrative clinical spa in New Orleans, LA, and soon-to-be Austin! I opened Ritual in the Fall of 2019, though I had established Ritual as a brand back in 2017. I believe my passion for SCIENCE, health, and design have established Ritual as sui generis in the realm of aesthetics.
Having grown up in poverty and with parents in poor health I became captivated by health and sciences, which ultimately led me to an undergraduate in Health and Wellness from Tulane University alongside becoming a very particular style of esthetician. Additionally, I had both teenage and adult acne that shaped my scope of practice. My approach is a truly integrative one. Skin health to me is one that encompasses gut health and integrity, skin microbiome health and integrity, and a full understanding of bidirectional relationships as well as bio-individuality. My goal was to develop a root-cause and results-driven approach to skin health in an elevated spa setting. Our brands are WILDY curated to address specific needs and our treatments are fundamental and sculpted.
When I am not in the office I am working on my new microbiome supplement launch (Biomecult), reviewing my case study that is to be submitted to the Journal of Integrative Dermatology, testing products and services, or finding time to be in nature with my husband and two pups. You can find me on socials @ritualbodystudio , ritualbodystudio.com, and sign up for info on Biomecult.
A: FORMULATION is everything. I find that many traditional, singular oils don't penetrate as well and can become burdensome to the client, even causing reactions. ÂN-BALM's formulation is very unique to me! It has the consistency of a serum and the hydrating capacity of a hydrating mist. Particularly I am in love with the watermelon seed oil which is high in linoleic acid! There is a HUGE misconception about topical omega-6. Ingesting heavy amounts of omega-6 are 100% NOT the same as its use and benefit topically. Very specifically those with congestive and inflammatory acne. Part of congestion is a lack of omega-6 within the sebum profile making it waxy and sticky inside the pore. Topical application of plant omega-6 oils thins the sebum and reduces surface sebum. The pomegranate seed oil contains GLA's, (gamma-linoleic-acid) which helps with inflammatory conditions. I personally love layering it over a microbiome-friendly retinol in the evening.
A: I love the skin native ingredients and the ceramides. This ensures that the delicate lip skin is capable of accepting the nature of the formulation. Fatty acids are wonderful for repairing the skin's lamellar matrix-so a huge plus in harsh climates.
A: I remember meeting Aly at a conference and we hung out afterwards. She spoke about her new product and I dumped about 7 lip balms out of my bag and we went over what I hated or loved about each one. It was such a fun conversation, trying to dig deep into client experience. The cooling tip elevates the product not only to luxury status, but serves a function. Calming and cooling the lips plus flawless application.
A: I don't just partner with anyone. I want to feel appreciated as a partner, I expect quality and consistency. I want to know that the creator can relay the science to me in an authentic way. The products MUST fill a gap in my office. There is simply no need to bombard the patient or client with multiples. ANFISA checked all these boxes for me, and Aly is a creator through and through. I love being able to offer my acne clients a hydrating and reparative balm. And let's face it, ÂN-GLOSS is that bitch.
A: In my signature facial, the Cult Facial, I am often dealing with acne patients. I tend to think outside the box, one of which is performing gentle facial massage on acne patients. ÂN-BALM is the perfect balm for the aforementioned reasons.
Q: What common skincare concerns do your clients have, and how do ANFISA Skin products help address them?
A: Most of our clients have acne, dermatitis, or aging concerns. Luckily, ANFISA is so versatile I am able to incorporate them into almost any regimen. The kind and gentle formulations make it so I am less likely to see a reaction in those clients with sensitivities.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in the skincare industry?
A: I try not to look too much at what colleagues are doing, but it is often unavoidable given a lot of us are so close! My preferred route is professional development. So, symposiums and conferences with a heavy focus on education unrelated to brands. I read medical journals, case studies, and books on integrative dermatology and make that applicable in practice. I do have the best brand partnerships and many of them also provide incredible education and resources. I love going to trade shows to check out new technology!
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an esthetician?
A: I love setting myself apart, being creative in every single aspect. I am motivated by and LOVE OUTCOME. Starting a journey with a client, being their safe space, staying curious in the process of their healing, and ending it all with killer results makes my heart sing. I always knew I would be involved in health and sciences in some way, I just can't believe sometimes that I am able to do that in the aesthetics space. I am so grateful for this.
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