Senior Profile: Abby Delaney’s inspiration and passion for beauty has led her to pursue a major in estheticiology

Senior Abby Delaney didn’t expect an 18th birthday present facial to be the factor that changed her career aspirations. Previously set on becoming a teacher, Delaney was captivated by the esthetician’s tranquil and friendly presence combined with the soothing environment, making Delaney want to become an esthetician herself.

“The spa environment was so relaxing and calming,” Delaney said. “I walked in and was like ‘Okay this is what I want to do.’”

Delaney will study skin and beauty treatments at Johnson County Community College, majoring in estheticiology — the study of the beautification of skin. She is planning to work at and eventually own a spa, hoping to give customers the same calming and peaceful experience she had.

Another motivating factor for Delaney to help others with their skincare needs was the skin issues that she struggled with in the past.

Like most high-schoolers, Delaney experienced her own fair share of acne problems. After trying out several unsuccessful dermatologist-recommended products that were more damaging than beneficial for her skin, Delaney started doing her own research and experimenting with natural skincare solutions.

“I tried figuring out natural remedies for acne and dry skin and it totally changed everything,” Delaney said. “I want to help other people figure that out so that they don’t have to go through all of the struggles.”

Although her family was hesitant at first towards this unique career path, they wanted to support her after noticing her admiration and dedication towards beauty and skincare. 

“The past couple of years I’ve been doing a lot of research and [my family] has seen that,” Delaney said. “They trust that I also have my best intentions.”

One day, Delaney wants to pursue her interest in natural beauty remedies further by creating her own line of skincare geared towards aiding damaging elements. 

“If I were to make a skincare line I would want a line for people who are [exposed to] the sun a lot,” Delaney said. “It has a huge effect that a lot of people don’t even really know about so educating on that would be super important.”

In the midst of her research, googling different popular ingredients in name-brand skincare, Delaney has found the importance of using safe, reliable components in everyday products. According to Delaney, some common ingredients in skincare like alcohol can be more harmful than beneficial, due to its drying properties.

With her specific career goals in mind, Delaney wants to focus her studies on natural products and expand on them to help others with their skincare needs in the future.