Meet Michelle Kim, CEO of BDR Beauty USA, a noninvasive med spa brand that offers over 60 customizable treatment options designed to address all skin types and concerns. Designed to combine technological innovation and holistic therapy with advanced formulations, BDR's unique and safe alternatives to surgery and injections are now available in 35 countries across the globe. Here, get to know the brains behind the successful operation in an American Spa Spa Talk.
American Spa: What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?
Michelle Kim: Trying to meet the changing needs and developments in technology and science that can be utilized effectively by licensed estheticians who desire the results given by medically trained professionals. I believe that these challenges and difficulties were a "blessing in disguise" because we end up with companies like bdr, who have advanced salon skincare treatments that are more gentle yet effective without being as invasive and without any downtime.
AS: Where do you think the industry is heading?
MK: I feel that more and more consumers will seek a more holistic approach to beauty. More clients are seeing the long term benefits to investing over time and through less invasive, cumulative treatments versus spending large amounts for single or short term and more invasive treatments and surgeries. Also, many of our clients are realizing that it better to properly maintain surgical, filler, and laser treatments properly afterwards then having to undergo frequent invasive treatments down the line.
AS: What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
MK: There isn't one ingredient that overshadows any other ingredient. For me, it really is about the combination, the ratio, concentration, and quality of the ingredients and how they work together on particular skin types and skin needs that make a product effective or ineffective. My go to for special occasions or a quick pick me up is a gentle exfoliating skin booster paired with a high quality mask. I use our Re-action Tonic and Stretch Lift Mask. The combination of the two never fails to wow me.
AS: How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
MK: Live, think, and act positively.
AS: What are your three greatest priorities in life?
MK: Health, beauty, and balance. True health leads to beauty, and true beauty and confidence encompass balance, which is a key component to maintaining your health!
AS: What’s the best advice you’ve received?
MK: You are what you invest in. Whether it be your skin, your work, your health, your relationships, the amount of time and money you put into it will determine the results. That is why I love spas, what better way is there to invest into oneself through healing, relaxation, and pampering!