Meet Michelle Huber, sales director of Cosmetic Alchemy (the makers of LiLash and LiBrow), and a nine year industry veteran.
American Spa: How many years have you been involved in the spa and wellness industry?
Michelle Huber: I've been in the industry nine years, and counting!
AS: What was the path that lead you to the spa industry?
MH: Prior to working in this industry, I was in sales. I have always loved all things beauty and wellness, and I was a LiLash user at the time when I found out the company was located in Scottsdale, AZ, where I live. I was so obsessed with the results and the product that I took a chance and showed up at the door one day, randomly! I told them I absolutely love your product and want to be a part of it...the rest is history. It is crazy how putting yourself out there can have such impacting—and life changing—results.
AS: What are the most challenging and most rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
MH: The most rewarding part for me is the excitement people have when they experience the results of our products. The biggest challenge is dealing with dangerous and undercutting counterfeiters, which is unfortunately something many high-end brands have to deal with.
AS: What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
MH: How quickly everything is changing and advancing. There are new products, treatments, and innovations being developed all the time.
AS: What is your proudest accomplishment?
MH: Honestly, its watching LiLash and LiBrow help our clients to grow their retail business in ways they never thought they could. We’ve had so many spas and salons go from thinking they could never sell products to having a flourishing retail section and gaining confidence in themselves as professionals.
AS: Where do you think the industry is heading?
MH: Everything moves so fast in life now, it can be overwhelming. I think people are realizing the benefits and necessity of slowing down, disconnecting, and focusing on self-care from time to time. Spas will play a big role in this and continue to grow and thrive as society realizes the importance of taking care of ourselves.
AS: What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?
MH: I think my prior sales positions have taught me to listen, be genuine, and to empathize with my customers. This is the key to building trust and long-term relationships—once you have that, the rest comes naturally.
AS: If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
MH: I love interior design and being a part of that transformation. I totally see myself in a fixer upper when I retire!
AS: What's your favorite skincare ingredient?
MH: I have really dry skin and I live in the desert, so hyaluronic acid has become my lifeline!
AS: How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
MH: To be thankful for everything I have, to do my best to always act with kindness and compassion, and to help others whenever I can.
AS: How do you like to spend you time away from work?
MH: I am really involved with my boys, so a lot of my time goes toward their activities. I also love spending time hiking, shopping, doing DIY projects, and going out with my husband and our friends.
AS: What are your three greatest priorities in life?
MH: My family, my friends, and my health.
AS: What's the best advice you've ever received?
MH: The best advice I’ve gotten was from my dad. He told me, “no matter what life throws at you, get up every day, put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.” It helps me almost every day!
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