Amanda Totchek

Amanda Totchek is an accomplished entrepreneur and medical aesthetician from Outlook, Saskatchewan, now based in Edmonton, Alberta. With a diverse background that spans law, accounting, and real estate, Amanda has channeled her extensive experience into the health and wellness sector. She founded BareSkin & Health Studio, focusing on plant-based skincare and holistic health solutions. Additionally, Amanda owns HotMess Handiwork, where she crafts moccasins and offers teeth whitening services. Her dedication to community service is evident through her involvement in various charitable events and advocacy for breast cancer awareness. Amanda is a dynamic speaker at universities and law functions, discussing topics like domestic violence and mental health. Her ongoing commitment to education, community involvement, and holistic wellness underscores her mission to empower others through her entrepreneurial endeavors.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

I typically review my schedule over breakfast, which includes client appointments, managing my skincare studio, and working on my crafts at HotMess Handiwork. Productivity comes from strict time management and prioritizing tasks that align with my personal and professional goals. I make sure every activity has a purpose towards growth or well-being.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Whether it’s a new skincare technique or a unique design for my handiwork, I like to gather feedback from peers and clients, experiment with prototypes, and refine the concept based on practical outcomes. Regular training and staying abreast of industry trends also fuel my creativity.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The increasing consumer interest in holistic health and plant-based products excites me immensely. It validates the direction I’ve chosen for BareSkin & Health Studio and encourages further innovation in how we approach beauty and wellness.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

I break larger projects into manageable tasks and enjoy the satisfaction of ticking them off my list throughout the day. This not only keeps me motivated but also ensures I’m making steady progress.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to trust her instincts more and worry less about the conventional paths to success. Each setback is a setup for a comeback, and resilience is more valuable than perfection.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that traditional business models, particularly in wellness and beauty, are outdated. A more personalized, holistic approach not only yields better results but also builds lasting relationships with clients. This philosophy isn’t always popular, especially in more conventional circles.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Regular self-reflection is something I practice and recommend. It helps me stay true to my values and goals, and reassessing my path ensures I’m aligned with my vision for personal and professional life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I step back and take a break, usually involving physical activity like a gym class or a walk. It helps clear my mind, and I often return with a fresh perspective or a new solution to a problem.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Attending industry events, participating in community services, and maintaining an active role in charitable causes have opened many doors and built trust within my community.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Early in my career, I tried to diversify too quickly which led to burnout and financial strain. I overcame this by refocusing on my core strengths and gradually building my business back up. The key lesson was to scale responsibly and ensure stability before expanding.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A mobile app that integrates virtual skincare consultations with tailored product recommendations could revolutionize the beauty industry by providing personalized care at your fingertips.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Task management tool that helps me organize my projects, from client appointments to business development tasks. It’s essential for keeping my team and myself on track with deadlines and responsibilities.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries has been instrumental in shaping how I approach business growth and innovation. It emphasizes agility and responsive changes based on customer feedback, which is crucial in the fast-paced beauty industry.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed watching “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley.” It’s a fascinating study of ambition and ethics in the startup world, providing both cautionary tales and insights into the entrepreneurial spirit.