Rachel Devine: Continuing Education Leads to Award-Winning Career

Rachel Devine is an award-winning Aesthetician and Makeup Artist and is the owner of two Hamilton-based businesses, Aesthetics by Devine and R Devine Skin Care. A proud Mohawk grad, Devine was the Entrepreneur recipient of a Mohawk Alumni of Distinction award in 2016. In Touch caught up with Devine to talk about her experiences as a Continuing Education student at Mohawk. 

Q: What programs have you taken through the School of Continuing Education and how have those programs helped you advance your career? 

A: I’ve taken the Aesthetics, Applied Cosmetics and Nail Technician programs. After I graduated in 2003, I worked at 2 different spas, and then started up my own aesthetics business in 2004. Mohawk College gave me the knowledge to be the best aesthetician that I could be. I worked really hard to gain a solid clientele. 

My passion was always in Skin Care. In 2013-2014 I started doing a lot of research into holistic skin care ingredients. My research combined with my skin care knowledge helped me create my own holistic skin care line, R Devine Skin Care, which was launched in August 2015. My skin care line is currently sold in 17 spas, including the Marriott Hotel and Spa in Niagara Falls. I have won 18 local Reader’s Choice Awards, a 40 under 40 business achievement award and the 2016 Mohawk Alumni of Distinction. 

Q: Why did you choose to continue your education at Mohawk? 

A: “I was born and raised in Hamilton, so I wanted to stay close to home. At the time, there were quite a few private aesthetics schools around, but I preferred the idea of a well-established, reputable community college.” 

Q: Have all the courses you’ve taken at Mohawk been focused on achieving career/business objectives? Have you taken general interest courses as well? 

A: I have been really focused on just growing my business and raising my two children, so as of now, I’ve only taken courses that helped me in my career. With that being said, as my business becomes easier to manage with help, and my kids become more independent, I’d love to take a few courses in order to find some new hobbies, like photography! 

Q: Do you think it is important for people to continue their education through formal programs like those offered at Mohawk? 

A: Absolutely! Regardless of what industry you’re in, the world is constantly evolving and changing. If you want continued success, you have to stay on top of learning and evolving with those changes, otherwise you’ll quickly fall behind. 

Q: Is there a course or particular teacher that stands out? Someone you’d like to acknowledge or something you think Mohawk does really well? 

A: Lisa Kadet, who was my skin care teacher. She had a lot of experience in the industry and was so passionate. She was a strict teacher that kept us on our toes, so we never missed a beat. Her passion and knowledge inspired me and skin care became my true passion, partially because of her. I am so grateful to have had her as an instructor. 

This story was originally published in Spring 2017 in the Mohawk Alumni In Touch magazine.