MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Jennifer Kandemir, New York Beauty Industry Veteran and Owner of Advanced Derma Laser
As Owner of Advanced Derma Laser Tech Inc., Jennifer Kandemir, a New York Beauty Industry Veteran, has set trends while serving as an inspiration. From her encouraging personal journey, to her unparalleled level of skill and work, Jennifer is fearless, driven, inspirational and of course, a model business woman. Jennifer began her career as a sought-after hair colorist, working for such high-profile salons as John Frieda, Warren Tricomi and Elizabeth Arden.
As a woman, Jennifer had long felt victim to the issue of unwanted body hair, negatively impacting her self-image, causing her to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious in her own skin. Jennifer wanted to have some hairs permanently removed and decided to invest $3,000.00 in a series of SoftLight laser treatments. As laser history reflects, 100% of Jennifer's hairs grew back and to make matters worse, she unfortunately was badly discolored due to the type of technology utilized and its incompatibility with her skin type! Disappointed, but not daunted, Jennifer began researching laser hair removal.
She researched the field and discovered that lasers were considered the new future of hair removal— especially significant, Jennifer educated herself on the different types of lasers, each equipped to treat specific types of skin, as she found that the Cutera Nd: YAG is best for darker skin such as her own. Staying ahead of the trends, Jennifer underwent laser hair removal treatment and loved the results. Finding herself at a turning point, Jennifer decided that she would learn to complete the laser hair removal procedure herself and began to take classes. At her three-month mark, Jennifer was gifted with a laser hair removal machine and she has never looked back since.
Jennifer soon found a space in New York City and her business continues to flourish. Advanced Derma-Laser, conveniently located in midtown New York City, opened its doors for business in 1999. With a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance, Jennifer was inspired to work to transfer such a positive experience to other individuals experiencing similar body issues. Moving forth with a personal mission to rid the negative self-images that she experienced from others, Jennifer continues to transform the lives of her clients through her work. We are so pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker!
Peachy Deegan interviewed Jennifer Kandemir for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: You are from the Caribbean, correct? What do you miss about it most being in Manhattan?
Jennifer Kandemir: Yes, I am from Trinidad, and other than my family, of course, I have to say, I miss coconut trees most. I would be so happy if I could bring coconut trees here and strategically place them throughout Manhattan.
What should Manhattanites know about that part of the world?
Trinidad is a cosmopolitan country. We welcome all races and love people.
What did you enjoy the most about your career in beauty prior to doing laser hair removal?
The thing I miss most about my career before beginning laser hair removal is being in the environment of creating beautiful colors and the challenge of making women feel great about their appearance.
As you know Peachy was apprehensive about laser hair removal at first but of course now is psyched about it. What would you say to those who have irrational apprehension about laser hair removal?
For those who have irrational apprehensions regarding laser hair removal, I would say please come in and let me treat you one time and two weeks later, you can tell me how you really feel about laser hair removal.
Who is the ideal candidate for laser hair removal?
The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is anyone with thick coarse hair.
What innovations in the beauty industry have improved laser hair removal over the years?
Laser hair removal has changed over the years in the sense that the technology has now been perfected for lasers to treat darker skin types.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I personally was extremely hairy and was a good candidate for laser hair removal, but I am a darker skin type, so I had to challenge myself to become perfect or excellent with treating myself with an alexandrite laser which is intended to be used for lighter skin types.
What are you proudest of and why?
The best and hardest decision I ever made in my life was to migrate to New York City. I have discovered myself and fulfilled my hearts desire. I am very proud of that.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I would love to open a beauty school and share my knowledge and experience with the world.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
I love everything about New York City. My favorite place to be is Central Park. It is very peaceful and energetic at the same time.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
My favorite shop is Saks 5th Avenue. It is so convenient.
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is Champagne or coconut water.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
I appreciate all types of cuisine, but Greek, Turkish and Italian restaurants are my favorites. I do love trying different restaurants, so there is no particular restaurant I like more than the other.
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
My favorite book is Candice Bushnell’s Sex in the City. I love high heels and fashion!
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
I would love to own a beauty school in Manhattan, so if I could have something named after me, it would definitely be a beauty school.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
I actually learned how to swim in New York. My personal trainer taught me in the pool at the gym!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Manhattan truly is the city that never sleeps. At any time of day or night, you can go out and find something to do. I love how culturally diverse this city is. One of my favorite things to do is go restaurant hopping, trying all of the different cuisines available in the city. It really is a melting pot – and it’s delicious!
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
One of my best musical experiences was attending a Janet Jason concert Madison Square Garden. It was phenomenal. Also, the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is absolutely amazing!
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
The dropping of the ball in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is totally overrated to me! I think it can be quite dangerous actually with so many people standing in one spot for so long waiting for that ONE MINUTE! Central Park is underrated!! It has so much to offer. All of the free shows and events that occur in the park are seem to be underappreciated. I think the park is magical at any time of year, and everyone should take full advantage of all it has to offer.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
I love all your columns but I choose the column Fashion Alert. I like it because it is informative and I love to give little tips on how to improve one's appearance.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I would like people to know that I am very fair, honest, caring and love to pass on information and knowledge that will help others. I feel better when I’m making others feel better.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
