Spotlight sat down with NYC-based esthetician Jade Haifa of Jade Haifa Studio to hear all about how she switched her career trajectory from law to beauty, the hottest holistic treatments for spring, and more.
Check out the exclusive Q&A below!
You received a law degree while in Tunisia. What made you change your path toward skincare?
My passion for skincare and beauty began at a very young age. However, when I entered law school, I put that passion on hold to focus on my studies. After graduating, I had a powerful realization that my true calling lies in wellness, beauty, and helping others feel confident in their own skin. While law can be intellectually stimulating, I found it emotionally draining. In contrast, skincare offers a more creative, hands-on experience with meaningful personal connections, which is exactly what I was seeking.
What were the challenges you faced changing your career trajectory?
The challenges began within myself. I constantly questioned whether changing paths would be worth the risk or if I would end up wishing I had stayed where I was. As if the internal struggle wasn’t enough, the pressure from family and society added another layer of difficulty. In their eyes, pursuing a career in law was not just a personal decision; it was a mark of prestige and success. Stepping away from that path felt like disappointing their expectations and abandoning a future that my family had already envisioned for me.
You spent much of your career after esthetician school attending advanced seminars and training in Europe. What was this experience like?
Attending advanced seminars and training in Europe was both inspiring and transformative. The experience exposed me to a wide range of cultures, techniques, philosophies, and skincare traditions that go far beyond the basics. In places like France and Germany, there is a deeply rooted respect for holistic beauty and skin health. It’s not just about treatments or the latest gadgets, but about combining ancient practices with modern science. That blend really shaped how I approach skincare today.
You eventually came to NYC and opened your own practice. How did you land here?
After moving to New York, I had to attend skincare school again in order to meet state licensing requirements. It turned out to be a great opportunity, as my original training had been in France, which helped me fully transition into practicing here. I also participated in advanced seminars with Biologique Recherche, as well as specialized training led by experts like Dr. Elaine Brennan and educators from around the world, including Russia, India, and Australia. Following that, I was offered a position at one of the most recognized spas in New York City. After the pandemic, I felt it was the right time to take a leap and open my own practice—something I had always dreamed of.
What unique services do you offer your NYC clientele?
Every facial in my studio is unique because I focus on treating both the soul and the skin. For me, skincare isn’t just about the products you use or the facials you get—it’s about how you feel inside. I believe that true beauty and healthy skin start with inner balance. Every treatment is designed not just to enhance appearance, but to calm the mind, lift the spirit, and create a space where healing begins from within.
What are some of the aesthetics trends you’re seeing so far this spring?
As winter fades and summer approaches, many people begin preparing their skin for the warmer season. With the increasing accessibility of advanced skincare technology, devices such as LED masks and microcurrent tools are becoming popular for at-home use. These innovative gadgets allow individuals to extend the results of professional treatments from the comfort of their own homes, making skincare more convenient and effective than ever.
You focus on a more holistic approach to skincare. Why is this important to you?
By looking at skincare more holistically, I can achieve sustainable, long-term results not just a temporary glow. Plus, it helps foster a deeper connection with your body and promotes overall wellness, which naturally reflects in your skin. The skin is a mirror of what’s happening inside the body, and by addressing it with a holistic approach, we focus on the root causes of skin issues, rather than just the symptoms. I always think of every treatment as an opportunity to nurture both the skin and the soul.
What new offerings do you have this season?
I have two exclusive new treatments:
Face Pilates (Available from May 1st).
This targeted technique focuses on releasing tension from the face and neck, tightening and lifting the facial muscles to deliver an instant, natural lifting effect. The rejuvenating power of this non-invasive facial workout is a great option for people looking for natural, non-surgical ways to enhance their appearance and maintain a youthful glow. It leaves them with a refreshed, youthful glow, perfect for enhancing facial contours and reducing signs of aging.L’Or Magnétique (Available from June 1st).
This targeted technique focuses on releasing tension from the face and neck, tightening and lifting the facial muscles to deliver an instant, natural lifting effect. The rejuvenating power of this non-invasive facial workout is a great option for people looking for natural, non-surgical ways to enhance their appearance and maintain a youthful glow. It leaves them with a refreshed, youthful glow, perfect for enhancing facial contours and reducing signs of aging.L’Or Magnétique (Available from June 1st).
Using 24k gold-coated micro-magnets engineered to harmonize luxury and cutting-edge wellness, these skin-enhancing microdevices stimulate subdermal fluid dynamics, boost circulation, and activate targeted acupressure points to awaken the body’s innate vitality. This elevated treatment visibly lifts, smooths, and brightens the complexion while significantly reducing inflammation, ushering in a new era of rejuvenation, radiance, and integrative skin health.
