Today’s Notable Young professional is Montreal-based laser aesthetics specialist Sacha Bourdage, who balances a successful career with being a mother of two and a never-ending thirst for knowledge about her industry. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Director of Laser Aesthetics at Victoria Park Medispa. I’m a proud wife and mom of two boys, Cruz (5) and Milan (8). At work, my day to day routine is always changing. I manage and train a growing team of skincare Medispa technician
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I envied my friends who always knew what they wanted to do. All I knew growing up was that I loved working with people and thrived in a team setting. I took an aesthetics course and realized the opportunity in building a career in the industry. The technology was growing and there was so much to learn about lasers. I told myself that if I was going to commit to the industry, I would have to become an expert. 19 years later, I feel really confident in my role, but I haven’t stopped learning. I’m so lucky to work alongside some of the top plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists in the world.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my career is team-building, motivating,
It’s always a challenge to slow down in general. I find it hard to disconnect from my phone and social media. I recently launched my personal Instagram account to inspire people to age beautifully and confidentially. Little did I know that it would become a part-time job! My husband reminds me to put the phone down at night when we’re watching TV. I won’t listen to him when the hockey game is on; we all have our vices.
Where do you see yourselves in five years?
I see myself grown into a better version of who I am today with my personal and work life. Everything is moving too fast to know what that will be. In five years, I see myself growing another solid team of Medispa technicians at our new Medispa opening this fall in the West Island – so excited!
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I’ve found my biggest challenge to be pushing myself to not plateau in my career. The Medispa industry is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult to stay on top of every new beauty or skincare trend/technology. However, I’ve come to understand that those who truly succeed in this field (and in life in general) are itchy for knowledge. And sometimes that doesn’t come naturally, so you have to train yourself to learn again – and that’s exactly what I did and keep doing!
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Money is definitely a great motivator, but it’s not everything. Success is when a client tells me how much we have changed their lives. We recently treated a patient who would travel all the way from Ontario several times a month to come see us. She recently shared a beautiful before and after collage on Instagram with her story, thanking us. That’s what success looks like to me – changing people’s lives in whatever industry or walk of life you’re in. You never know whose life can be impacted by your very position.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The most memorable milestone in my career is having to walk away from my career after all that I had built to have a baby. It was entering a stage of facing new challenges; being a mother, losing my freedom of time and having, to balance it all. I took a few months to build what I had missed for that year, but the experience made me realize that, yes, you can have it all. It takes work, patience, passion and good support. I have so many people to thank for.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
There are no handouts – just opportunities that come along with hard work. Allow your passion to drive you and learn from those around you. Many people think that you have to run your own business to be successful, but that’s not always the case. Find an organization that shares your values, become the best at what you do, and the outcome will be positive. You can be nice and emotional and still be a #GirlBoss.
Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
Believe it or not, home! I love my husband’s cooking; he truly makes the best meals ever. Don’t get me wrong, I love the occasional outing, but I honestly think that because home cooked meals are made with love, they taste even better.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “me” time?
I wouldn’t be “me” without my husband and two boys, so spending quality time with them keeps me grounded, laughing, and dreaming of a bright future. I also love hanging out with my best girlfriends at a cottage, or simply drinking a tasty latte in the morning with a soothing charcoal mask on my skin.
I consider “me” time as any moment that keeps me focused on my blessings, big or small.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Annual road trip! There is something so exciting about re
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Any Coldplay song is my theme song! No other musicians have had me memorizing lyrics and singing at the top of my lungs like they have. Every single one of their songs can trace me back to a particular time or memory in my life, and I love that about their music.
What to you is notable?
What’s notable to me is people who continuously strive for self-improvement regardless of the stage they’re at in their lives. Your willingness to learn is directly related to your readiness for success.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone with a super duper battery. Mine never lasts long enough.
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