Beauty from within
Summerside woman wants wellness for all
Sharon Quann is dedicated to help others. It’s what makes her tick. “There is so much we can do as individuals to give back and do the right thing.”
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the most recent edition of NOW Atlantic, a Salt Wire Network publication, in honour of International Women's Day
SUMMERSIDE — Sharon Quann is dedicated to help others.
It’s what makes her tick. “There is so much we can do as individuals to give back and do the right thing.”
Quann is the owner and president of BioSpa (Quann) Cosmecueticals Inc., a local skin care company hailing from Summerside P.E.I. Quann, a Mirimachi, N.B., native moved to the Island when she was 18 years old.
“I didn’t have my licence, so my dad drove me over. I had always wanted to come to the Island,” she reflected.
After arriving she began working in aesthetics for a local company. She eventually when on to start the company Mystical Touch Holistic Therapies (now known as QuannSpa Holistic Beauty Therapies).
To learn more about the industry, Quann went to Germany and studied under a leading expert in the holistic pharmaceuticals field and creator of the Dr. Hauschka line of natural products.
It was that tutelage that inspired her to take the next step, creating her own skin care line.
The issue was finding the right person to partner with. There was also the expense of starting a line to consider, she said. Around 2008-10 Quann con- tacted and hired Reid Barnett a professional in the bioscience sector on P.E.I. to do the formula- tions for the Quannessence prod- ucts which contain natural and holistic ingredients.
Quannessence products are professional spa-grade items and can’t be found in the drugstore.
“Because of this we do the training and teaching about the ingredients. We’ll teach aestheticians and students how to properly do a chemical peel or facial, and so on,” said Quann.
WHAT IS WELLNESS?
While health and wellness is at the forefront of social media, news, fitness and more, Quann has been practicing wellness since she was 19 years old.
“To me it means beauty from the inside out. So, living it, breathing it, speaking it and eating it. There are so many elements that go with it. I’ve been meditating since I was 19. I meditate every day, twice a day for 20 minutes.”
She attributes her wellness lifestyle to the teachings of Dr. Hauschka, who opened her heart to natural healing, and to another mentor from Switzerland who taught her about energy healing.
She said people are more educated about natural, non-toxic ingredients and products they are putting in and on their bodies.
PAVING HER OWN PATH
“I’ve had mentors who have guided me for eight to 10 years and have given me so much. But I think I’m really on my own path.”
A driving force on this path is her desire for people to know what they are putting on their skin.
“My motivation is for people to have healthier skin. My alliance to help people.”
As she looks to the future, Quann said the focus will be on a couple of new products as well as getting the company situated in order to export internationally.
“First, we need to get in GMP, good manufacturing practices, in order to sell and export outside of Canada. I’ve had people from different countries approaching us about it, so it was the next logical step for the company. It’s exciting and scary all at the same time.”
Quann, who described herself as a people pleaser, said she’d like to make 2019 the year where she accepts that all she can do is her best.
“Learn to have a voice and speak your truth and know that it’s OK to do your best.”
GIRL POWER
“Women are power houses, they’re just coming to the surface,” said Quann about the changing cosmetics industry which has seen more women enter the field. She said as more women come into the industry people will see new creative and innovative products.
“Women in general often think on things a lot longer. We generally do things for the whole.”
Speaking to the masses, Quann said there will be lots of naysayers.
“They’ll say you’ll never make it or you’re not enough, but if you have a passion for something, just take one step in front of the other. Turn a blind eye and keep going. Because if you give up, then the nay-sayers have won.”
Quann’s daughter, Emma, is also involved in the business.
“She’s lived wellness as a lifestyle since she was born. It’s fun having your kids involved.”
Emma also teaches and practices yoga and aerial yoga.
One thing Quann knows for sure, “All we have is this moment. So, make the best of it.”