Check Out Rikki Aven’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rikki Aven.  

Hi Rikki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I fell in love with skincare when I discovered the miracle of antique apothecary remedies to help heal my red inflamed skin. *Who knew cucumbers could heal so much! * It was 2004 and I just graduated MSU with an Elementary Education degree and the recession was hitting hard. Finding a teaching job was nearly impossible… and when I finally found a teaching job, it only lasted about 2 years before I found myself out of a job again. 

Remembering how much I LOVED apothecary and the history behind it, I came across the amazing world of AESTHETICS. 

I quickly enrolled in Douglas J Aveda Institute for Esthetics and graduated at the top of my class. I was so in love with skincare I decided that an Esthetics license just wasn’t enough. So, I turned right around that same week and enrolled to get my Educators license to teach my passion for skin. 

I was soon hired into Douglas J after my 2nd graduation and began life as a teacher again. 

The more I taught, the more I wanted to learn, and decided to enroll in Dermatology courses and attend a Med Spa school to receive my Medical Aesthetics certification. The thirst for knowledge was never satisfied and I went on to become a licensed Medical Aesthetician specializing in anti-aging, lasers, microdermabrasion, body sculpting, and more. 

This journey led me to become an education specialist and sales manager for Benefit Cosmetics under Louis Vuitton. For over 6 years I traveled all over the US teaching and educating hundreds of licensed Estheticians on skin care, state laws, and rules of Esthetics and sales. 

As fun as this job was, I missed my family and the travel was becoming too much for my body. I made the very hard decision to quit… but it turned out to be the best decision of my life. 

This is where the journey as a business owner of The Standard Spa began. We have been welcomed into the community since 2019 and are continuing to grow! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
We had only been operating under the Standard Spa for a few short months before we were forced to close down due to the pandemic. It was the scariest 5 months of my working career. I didn’t think I was going to be able to gather all the pieces and start new after being closed down for so long. How are we going to pay our bills? Will our clients return? Can they afford to return? It was terrifying! Once we got clearance to open back up again in June of 2020, the amount of support and outreach from our clients was overwhelming! 

We were back on our feet faster than we ever imagined and the love and support from our clients is still going strong today. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am licensed and certified in Esthiology, Medical Esthetics, Instructor of Esthiology, and currently studying Dermatology. Most people either know me for my Brow Mapping (a technique that is used to help find the ideal brow shape on your face by taking multiple measurements of your brows, eyes, and bone structure to establish your correct brow shape.) Or my passion for skin. 

I am a true believer in educating my clients on their personal skin routines and concerns. If you do not educate your clients, you’ll never fix the problem. If you can’t fix the problem, they will never trust you and you will lose a potentially great client! So, it’s important that I ask as many questions as possible to try to get to the root of the problem so we can fix it together. I’m not here to do a quick service on you and send you on your way… I am here because you trust me to help you with a skincare solution. My goal for The Standard Spa is to teach, guide, rebuild confidence and inspire your inner beauty to shine brighter. 

Also, practice what you preach! If I tell you to use sunscreen, oils, and toner, you bet I do it too! 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
As long as I can remember I was always very interested in music. I learned many different musical instruments at a very early age. I went on to perform in competitions, was a guest player in an Orchestra, and even was a part of a competition marching band in South Carolina. Music was my life! Even though I may not compete anymore, I still try to have fun on the Ukulele every once in a while. 

Pricing:

• Brow Mapping $40 (Measurements, trim, wax, tint, and style)
• Dermaplaning $100 (Includes Dermaplane, 2 facial masks, face massage, and skin care coaching)
• Lash Lift and Tint $80 (The lash lift mimics the effect of an eyelash curler. It makes your lashes bend upwards, leaving them looking longer and your eyes more open and bright. Meanwhile, a lash tint is similar to a brow tint – or applying several coats of mascara. It makes your eyelashes look darker, thicker, and fuller.)
• Full Set Lash Extensions $200-$300
• 60 min facial $75 (Includes steam, 2 facial masks, scalp massage, and facial massage, and skin care coaching)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thestandard-spa.com
• Instagram: thestandardspa.rikki
• Facebook: The Standard Spa
• Other: Text us at (517)300-7505