At Lipgloss + Aftershave, we love celebrating skincare professionals who are making a true impact in the esthetics industry. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Beatrice (Bea) Van — a dynamic educator, entrepreneur, and leader in the skincare world. Bea is part of Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, one of the most respected schools in the industry, and a Diamond Sponsor of L+A. Her work and leadership are not only respected by her students and peers but are deeply admired by Spectrum’s owner, Mary Nielsen — a true industry icon herself.
Thanks to Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics for sponsoring this article so that we can share Bea’s story with the L+A Community.
Mary personally nominated Bea for this spotlight, sharing with us just how instrumental Bea has been to Spectrum’s continued growth and success. With two decades of hands-on experience, an impressive resume of credentials, and a deep passion for mentorship, Bea embodies what it means to elevate the esthetics industry.
A Career Dedicated to Empowering Others
Licensed since 2002, Bea holds multiple credentials, including Licensed Esthetician, Certified Advanced Esthetician (Oregon), Licensed Esthetics Educator, Oregon Nail Technician License and Phlebotomist. But her influence reaches far beyond her list of certifications. Bea has spent the last 20+ years building a career centered around empowering others — whether it’s her students at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, her private coaching clients, or the greater esthetics community.
As the Clinical Master Esthetics Educator and Coordinator at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute, Bea leads both the full-time and part-time esthetics programs. She’s also deeply involved in curriculum development, educator training, and the strategic direction of the school’s educational offerings. Through Spectrum, Bea is helping train the next generation of estheticians, ensuring they are fully prepared to thrive in an evolving industry.
A Deep Connection to Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics
Bea’s journey with Spectrum began in 2017, when she was seeking an advanced esthetics exam prep course during Oregon’s licensing transition. What started as a single course quickly became a career-defining opportunity. “I was immediately impressed by their professional, forward-thinking approach,” Bea shared. “Spectrum felt like a place where I could thrive—not just as an educator, but as a lifelong student of this industry.”
Since then, Bea has played an instrumental role in building and evolving Spectrum’s educational programs. One of the things that drew her to Spectrum was the school’s dedication to offering product-neutral education — allowing students to truly learn the science and art of esthetics, without being limited to a single brand or system. This flexibility ensures that Spectrum’s graduates are prepared to work in any number of spa, med spa, or medical settings, with the confidence and skills to adapt to new technologies and protocols.
Leadership that Builds the Industry
Bea’s leadership at Spectrum is multi-faceted. She leads both the core esthetics programs and advanced curriculum development, including Spectrum’s upcoming Spanish-language program. She also mentors new educators, ensuring that Spectrum’s faculty maintains its high standard of excellence.
Beyond Spectrum, Bea serves on the Oregon Board of Cosmetology, where she plays a role in shaping the industry’s standards and regulations at the state level. She is also an educator and coordinator for Fearless Beauties, a powerful initiative focused on bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion into esthetics education — ensuring that all skin tones, ethnicities, and identities are represented and celebrated within the curriculum.
Still Connected to Clients + Real-World Practice
In addition to her educational leadership, Bea continues to practice hands-on skincare through her Portland-based businesses, Beauty by Bea and Glow by Bea Skincare. Here, she provides services, skincare retail, education, and business coaching for emerging estheticians.
“I think it’s so important to stay connected to the treatment room,” Bea explained. “It allows me to bring real-world experience back to my students and helps me stay current on the evolving needs of both professionals and clients.”
Through her private coaching, Bea also helps estheticians refine their skills, build strong resumes, launch their own practices, and gain the confidence they need to succeed. She understands that building a business in this industry takes much more than technical skill — it also requires mindset, strategy, and mentorship. Bea offers all of that and more to her coaching clients.
National Recognition and Industry Contributions
Bea’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was named Dermascope’s Esthetics Educator of the Year, and recognized as Mentor of the Year by the Legendary Asian American Makers Market. Her written work has been featured in both Dermascope and Skin Inc. magazines — two of the industry’s most respected publications.
In 2025, Bea will reach another career milestone as a contributing author to Milady’s highly anticipated esthetics textbook and educational video series. This upcoming series will shape the way esthetics is taught across the country, and Bea’s expertise will be central to its success.
As a proud member of the AAPI community, Bea frequently leads wellness talks and speaks at events for organizations like Nike, where she shares her unique insights on skincare, identity, and healing.
A Word to Prospective Students
For skincare professionals considering Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, Bea has a clear message:
“If you’re looking for a school that evolves with the industry, Spectrum is the place for you. You’ll find a collaborative, passionate team with over 100 years of combined experience. What truly sets us apart is that every single team member—from our front desk coordinator to our director—is a licensed esthetician. You’re supported by people who genuinely understand the field and are committed to your growth.”
It’s this community-centered, professional approach that makes Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics one of the most respected schools in the country — and Bea plays a central role in that success.
“Say yes, and figure it out later. It’s the mindset that’s pushed me through fear, imposter syndrome, and uncertainty. Growth happens in the doing—and sometimes the most transformative opportunities come when we’re willing to leap before we feel ‘ready.'” Bea
Mary Nielsen’s Admiration for Bea
Mary Nielsen, owner of Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics and a long-time leader in the medical + spa skincare space, couldn’t be more proud of Bea’s work.
“Bea represents everything we value at Spectrum — passion, innovation, leadership, and compassion. She’s an incredible educator and mentor, and her contributions to our school and the greater esthetics community are immeasurable. I’m beyond thrilled that L+A is showcasing Bea — she truly deserves this spotlight.”
The Future is Bright
As Bea continues to educate, mentor, and elevate the skincare industry, it’s clear that her passion for esthetics runs deep. Her ability to balance education, hands-on practice, business ownership, and industry leadership is nothing short of inspiring.
Bea’s story is proof that with dedication, education, and community, skincare professionals can create deeply fulfilling, impactful careers that go far beyond the treatment room. And thanks to schools like Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics — and leaders like Mary Nielsen and Beatrice Van — the future of the industry is in incredibly capable hands.
Enrollment is now open for Spectrum’s Spanish Standard Esthetics Program—a big step forward in creating more accessible and inclusive education in the industry.