We Are Upstate NY With Kristen Lackaye and Elvita Dominique from Jolie Aesthetics and Wellness

Inside+Out Upstate NY is pleased to present Kristen Lackaye, NP and Elvita Dominique, DO – the dynamic duo behind Jolie Aesthetics and Wellness, a luxury, state of the art medical aesthetics practice located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Using the most innovative technology, Jolie Aesthetics & Wellness offers botox/dysport, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, PRP therapy, body shaping and more, with a focus on inclusiveness and multicultural skin in a beautiful & healthy environment. Let’s get to know more about this outstanding Hudson Valley business.

INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Kristen Lackaye: I’m originally from Poughkeepsie, NY. I went to school at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie. After graduating I attended Mount St. Marys for Nursing graduating with my BSN and went on to complete my Master of Nursing at Stony Brook University.

What inspired your interest in skincare, and what was your journey?

Kristen Lackaye: Once I became a nurse practitioner, I took a position in General Surgery at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. Being able to treat and manage the care of patients while working with a team of highly skilled physicians and colleagues felt very rewarding. I gained exposure to a variety of complex cases and expanded my clinical skills. After working in a hospital setting for years, I wanted to pursue other areas in healthcare. As someone who enjoys connecting and helping my patients feel their best, I decided to dedicate my focus and training to Injectables and esthetics. After I completed my certifications, I realized I wanted this to be my career. Medical aesthetics opened new doors for me and my clinical training. I enjoyed the way I could still take care of patients, listen to their concerns, and work as a team to create an individualized plan that best suited them. I eventually took a position in a medical spa part-time in addition to working in the hospital. I knew that I had found my passion and wanted to create a Medical Aesthetics practice.

While in the surgery office, I met Maggie Manley, my partner, who was our office manager at the time. I admired her work ethic, organizational skills (which I lack), and integrity. We became very close, and she was eventually promoted to leadership. Dr. Elvita Dominique joined the Surgical Department as a trauma critical care surgeon and became a faculty member for the residency. During her time working in the hospital, she expressed her desire to venture into entrepreneurship and Maggie connected us all. We are all working moms and had an interest in doing something that provides us more flexibility with our family and creates a footprint in our community as working women.

How do you work with clients to achieve a personal treatment for their hair and/or skin?

Kristen Lackaye: My approach to each patient is first to listen, make them feel comfortable, and encourage them to be the drivers of their journey. I believe we are a team in this process, and it is important to be open and honest about what the safest and best treatment plan for them can be. There is no one size that fits all to this approach. We are all uniquely different and that’s what makes us beautiful.

  

Tell us more about your services and products. Do you offer any types of membership?

Elvita Dominique: We carry a variety of medical-grade skincare, lasers, injectables, IVs, vitamins, body contour, acupuncture, massage therapy, medical weight loss and nutritional support. Our team has done extensive research on these products and procedures. Our clinical staff all come from various backgrounds in medicine. All our staff have been certified and undergo extensive training on all procedures and skin care. Our lead aesthetician, Alice, has been in this business for over 20 years, so her input has been crucial. We offer a monthly facial membership and a flex membership that can be used on some of our lasers in addition to facials.

Do you have your own personal skincare ritual?

Kristen Lackaye: Yes, it depends on the season. I’ve personally tried every medical grade skincare line we carry at the spa. It’s definitely not a “one size fits all” and I like to switch it and try new products. I only rinse with water then I apply Skinceuticals A&O eye gel (this stuff is amazing because it has caffeine in it and instantly makes you look more awake). I just started using Alastin’s newest product C Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum but I also love Skinbetter’s Alto Defense Serum. On days my skin looks a little red I use Skin Better Mystro to take down the inflammation under the skin. My last 2 steps are Alastin Ultra Nourishing Lotion because I tend to be dry. Last but not least sunscreen, my favorite is Skinbetter Tinted Smart Compact. In the evening I wash with Alastin Ultra Calming Cleanser, then a hyaluronic acid which holds 1000x water weight and then the ultra nourishing lotion. I also use retinol 2-3 times a week.

In your opinion, what is a good routine people can follow for everyday skincare?

Elvita Dominique: Cleanse in the evening and only rinse in morning. Use Vitamin C Antioxidant which prevents against environmental damages, reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes, and exfoliates dull, dry surface cells. Hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

How do you define wellness?

Elvita Dominique: It’s the need for connection, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing an inclusive space, such as we do at Jolie, where all are welcome. Wellness is a concept that is always changing or evolving. Mental wellness, I believe, is doing your best to show up for your community, family, friends, and yourself. Physical wellness, I think, is an effort to nourish your mind and body in hopes of being the best version of yourself. We have had many patients and friends come to our business not only to work on their goals but simply to have the opportunity to talk and share personal struggles or issues. Our commitment to longevity and a healthy future for loved ones, the people in our lives, and the patients we see is well-being. Working to take care of ourselves and each other is a priority and our mission for Jolie Aesthetics & Wellness.

How does wellness influence you professionally and personally?

Kristen Lackaye: Part of my passion as a nurse practitioner is to help support my patients in their everyday wellness journey. Often, that can mean listening because they find a suspicious spot, are worried about personal issues or are lonely. If their needs are to feel more confident when they look in the mirror, we discuss a plan to not only achieve results but ensure they are doing things for themselves that support a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. A lot of the services we offer, such as Nutritional support, acupuncture, and massage, can really help someone turn around their life. We are all humans with similar needs and struggles.

During the last year, while building the business, our friend and family member was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. Jennifer Lackaye valued education and had a passion for helping others. She worked for years as a registered nurse and eventually became a nurse practitioner at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, earning patients’ and colleagues’ respect and admiration. During the first wave of COVID-19, she volunteered to work in the ICU to care for critically ill patients. Jen became a driving force for my personal wellness and also my professional wellness journey. I would watch this beautiful friend, family member, Mother, and wife who I grew up with and shared the same career interests battle this disease. Jen was undergoing chemo and treatment while still working as a nurse practitioner in the hospital, taking care of others. I would sit in the hospital while she had treatment. I was so overcome with emotions not just from the shock of the disease but the way she carried herself and continued to care for all while being so ill. Jen died at home peacefully on September 29, 2022, at the age of 41. We have a plaque at Jolie in remembrance of her as a reminder to keep fighting and caring for one another.

What is one question you’re constantly asked or the biggest misconception about what you do?

Kristen Lackaye: That our work only focuses on appearances.

Elvita Dominique: One of the reasons we added “wellness” to our name is because we want our patients to know we are here to support them inside and out. We strive to achieve the most natural-looking results and work to enhance, not change, the individual.

How do you grow your business and how do your clients find you? Do you leverage social media to get work and how is that working for you?

Elvita Dominique: We have been very fortunate with the first year of opening. Most of the patients have been following Kristen for years and we have built strong relationships. We are lucky to have a diverse team working with us and that has added to our success. Ashley, who is also a nurse injector and social media guru, has built our website and runs our pages. We’ve also built connections in the community through work, the Dutchess County Chamber and Eastdale Village. Being a part of Eastdale Village is a privilege. We really feel like a community of business.

What is the most rewarding and most challenging part of your job?

Elvita Dominique: The testimonials of how the service and treatments make patients feel is rewarding. Seeing how all the work we put in to ensure we stayed true to our vision and values has paid off. We don’t follow what is “trending.” We follow what is right and feels best for us and the people we serve. The challenge is to keep up with the work and life balance.

Are there any new developments or upcoming projects you’d like to share?

Elvita Dominique: We have some exciting new projects and providers that will be joining the practice over the next few months. Follow our journey on our website or social media to stay tuned.

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it unique to live + work here?

Elvita Dominique: Nature; helps calm the soul. The sense of community and camaraderie between businesses. We were in awe of how many other small businesses were excited and supported us.

What impact does your business strive to have on your community?

Elvita Dominique: Inclusiveness and sense of belonging.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

Elvita Dominique: Other female-owned businesses, especially at Eastdale where everyone is so supportive.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

Elvita Dominique: More diverse activities for kids and culture.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

Elvita Dominique: I am a Trauma critical care surgeon in the Hudson Valley but live with my family in Long Island.

What would be your dream Staycation?

Kristen Lackaye: Cleaning and organizing my house, maybe a nap here or there.

What is your current state of mind?

Kristen Lackaye: It’s ever-evolving… but looking for peace and joy in all aspects.

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Connect with Jolie Aesthetics & Wellness via Website | Facebook | Instagram | Premium Page

LOCATIONS:

Poughkeepsie

3 Eastdale Ave South. Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
845-501-4215

Rhinebeck

18 W Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-501-4215

HOURS:

Monday – 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday – 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday – 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday – Closed

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