Chanel Jenae Of Arcona Skincare On The Self-Care Routines & Practices Of Busy Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

All of us know that we have to take breaks in our day to take care of ourselves. “Selfcare is healthcare”, the saying goes. At the same time, we know that when you are a busy leader with enormous responsibility on your shoulders, it’s so easy to prioritize the urgent demands of work over the important requirements of self-care. How do busy entrepreneurs and leaders create space to properly take care of themselves? What are the self-care routines of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders? In this interview series, we are talking to busy and successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and civic leaders who can discuss their self-care practices and self-care routines. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Chanel Jenae.

Owner Chanel Jenae is the chief creative officer of ARCONA Skincare. A licensed esthetician for 20 years she is passionate about formulating pure and efficacious products that incorporate the newest technologies and scientific discoveries into the creation of exceptional skin care products. Among the celebrities who have experienced ARCONA’s signature facial treatments are: Diane Lane, Julia Roberts, Regina King, Zoe Saldana, Colin Farrell, Kristen Wig, Mandy Moore, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Katherine Heigl, Lisa Marie Presley, Emily Deschanel, Cillian Murphy, Rachel Zoe and Lauren Graham.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! It is an honor. Our readers would love to learn more about your personal background. What is your “why” behind what you do? What fuels you?

My obsession with skincare has been lifelong. I was interested in all facets of skin health, treatments, and ingredients from my earliest adolescence — so much so that I got my esthetician’s license while I was still in high school. I was fortunate early in my career, to meet and work with some exceptional mentors, who guided me, and supported my passion and love of skincare. What is most gratifying to me are the close relationships I have formed with my clients, and witnessing the incredible transformations to their skin — -seeing their confidence soar. I feel incredibly fortunate to do work that I am truly passionate about.

How do you define success? Can you please explain what you mean from a personal anecdote?

I think of success in terms of self-fulfillment. By this, I mean the deep satisfaction that comes from doing what you love and the further satisfaction of knowing that people have benefited from it. It is gratifying to know my efforts have helped people achieve their skin goals, and equally rewarding to see their confidence soar. Another of my goals is to achieve financial freedom for myself and family.

Ok, thank you for all that. Let’s now shift focus of the to the core focus of the interview about self-care. Let’s start with a basic definition so we are all on the same page. What does self-care mean to you?

Cultivating my physical health, enriching my mind, and making time for people and activities that I love and are important to me.

What is the role of a growth mindset in your success? Can you please share 3 mindset mantras that keep you motivated, sane, and propel you forward?

An unwavering belief in oneself. A determination to overcome obstacles in your path. Following one’s instincts. The only thing that stands between the individual and his goals is himself.

You are by all accounts a very successful person. How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

It is my belief that, in providing a service that brings joy and satisfaction to others, I have brought goodness to the world.

Can you share a mistake or failure which you now appreciate, and which has taught you a valuable lesson?

I do not see mistakes as failures, but rather opportunities to learn and grow. When they occur, they can be frustrating. In reality they enable us to reassess our course of action, and to make the necessary adjustments. We are all works in progress and always learning whether from success or failure.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

l accomplished this through my unwavering determination, mindset, work ethic, ingenuity and having the foresight to surround myself with talented people. There will always be detractors, those who will tell you can not achieve your goals. You must see such people as your greatest incentive to succeed, for they will prove as valuable as all the others who encouraged you with their kindness, knowledge and belief in you.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting new projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

We are always in a state of constant development and research. We have been receiving some incredible feedback with some upcoming products that specifically target the visible signs of discolorations and sun damage.

OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about Self-Care. Let’s start with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. What does self-care mean to you?

Cultivating my physical health, enriching my mind, and making time for people and activities that I love and are important to me.

As a successful leader with an intense schedule, what do you do to prioritize self-care, and carve out regular time to make self-care part of your routine?

I always begin my morning with a nutrient dense smoothie, exercise. I love the Peloton bike for the convenience it provides in the course of my busy day. Self-care means different things to different people, but for me carving out time for exercise and meditation both of which clear my mind, and provide me with great happiness. I maintain an organized daily routine — that includes replying to emails, texts, consulting and preparing for the day and week ahead. Another source of happiness is my skincare ritual. It is a part of the day that I always reserve for myself both morning and night. I am a voracious reader on many subjects of interest to me, e.g. business, health, growth and mindset. Reading expands the mind

Will you please share with our readers 3 of your daily, or frequent self-care habits?

Exercise, meditation, baths, dry brushing, skincare, and reading.

Sometimes we learn a great deal from the opposite, from a contrast. Can you please share a few ways that NOT taking time for self-care can harm our lives?

Self-care is really a matter of balance. In forgetting this, one can also forget what it means to be human. It will undoubtedly affect one’s health, relationships and one’s perception of the world around us. Our health is fundamental to our general well-being. There are far too many examples of those who have not created and demanded balance necessary for well rounded success.

What would you tell someone who says they do not have time or finances to support a regular wellness routine?

I think it is a matter of first deciding to make time for one’s health and well-being. Everything else depends upon it. There are many free resources available e.g. YouTube and various apps that offer countless exercise and meditation classes; the internet and library provide incredible content to support those who’s resources are limited.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them.

Jamie Kern Lima the founder of IT Cosmetics. In reading her book and watching various interviews with her, I have been deeply impressed with her incredible success, perspective on business and how relatable she is.

What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?

On Instagram @arconalosangeles or @chaneljenae

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.

About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher, and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness, and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.