Antoinette Haddad
Antoinette Haddad is a seasoned medical esthetician and the owner of Antoinette’s Aesthetics in Glendora, California. With over 35 years of experience in skincare and aesthetics, she has built a thriving practice specializing in treating acne, melasma, and fine lines. Originally from Lebanon, Antoinette moved to the United States with aspirations of becoming a dentist but chose skincare as a shorter path that allowed her to pursue her passion for learning about and improving skin health. Drawing inspiration from the popularity of aesthetics in Europe decades ago, she developed a holistic approach that combines personal care, advanced treatments, and client education.
In addition to running her private practice, Antoinette has dedicated the past eight years to teaching at Hacienda La Puente Adult School, preparing nearly 100 students annually for state boards and helping them launch careers in aesthetics. Known for her transformative teaching style, she nurtures confidence and professionalism in students who often arrive unsure of their potential, guiding them to become skilled and self-assured estheticians. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she continuously stays on top of the latest research, equipment, and techniques, including stem cell therapy, oxygen treatments, LED light therapy, and early adoption of Korean pharmaceutical skincare products.
Antoinette’s expertise has also made her a sought-after speaker at conferences, where she addresses skincare, health, nutrition, and the distinction between chronological and biological age to audiences of nearly 200 people. Her professional excellence has earned her recognition as the number one educator in her district, regionally, and statewide, as well as accolades for operating one of Glendora’s top esthetician spas. Clients travel from across the country, including medical professionals, to receive her signature treatments, reflecting her reputation for innovation, skill, and heartfelt dedication to both her clients and students.
• Medical Esthetician
• Teaching Credential from University of San Diego
• Bachelor's degree
• Teaching Credential from University of San Diego
• Number One Educator in the District (2025)
• Number One Educator Regional (2025)
• Number One Educator Statewide (2025)
• Number One Aesthetician Spa in Glendora (2025)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for what I do and teaching from my heart. When I teach, it's not just a job - I feel it's from my heart. I come to my students as an instructor, as a mother, as a friend. I don't put them down, no matter how they come in. When students walk in here, they're often broken, not confident, and neglected, but the way I encourage them and inspire them, sharing my business experience and expertise, by the time they finish, you don't recognize them. Even the admin tells me the transformation is unbelievable - they come in one way and leave a totally different way. I look at the whole person, and I help them represent themselves well as estheticians, from their hair to their makeup to how they dress. I am always on top of my research and have the latest equipment and ingredients. I was using Korean pharmaceutical products 6 or 7 years ago before anyone knew about them, and now it's everywhere. This dedication to staying cutting-edge and truly caring about people as a whole is what has made me successful.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to believe in themselves, stay inspired, and never underestimate their potential. Confidence and resilience are essential, especially when navigating new challenges or unfamiliar environments.
My own journey — coming to the United States, building a business from the ground up, and dedicating myself to educating and empowering others — has shown me that perseverance and hard work truly pay off. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with determination, continuous learning, and self-belief, it is absolutely achievable.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest opportunities in my field is the rapid growth of the industry. Advances in technology and product innovation—particularly the rise of Korean pharmaceutical skincare and cutting-edge equipment—are transforming the way we serve clients.
For practitioners who stay current with research and leverage the latest tools, there’s tremendous potential to expand their impact, improve outcomes, and meet growing consumer demand. Embracing these innovations allows us to not only stay competitive but also set new standards for excellence in the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I truly value the person as a whole. When students come to me, I don't just see them as students - I come to them as an instructor, as a mother, as a friend. I look at the whole person and help transform them completely, not just teaching them skills but building their confidence and helping them represent themselves professionally. I also deeply value family - I am a mother of three successful daughters, and I'm so proud of what they've achieved. My daughters tell me, 'Thank you, Mom, thank you that you were strict with us, because what we are today is because of you.' Being successfully married and raising my family while building my business from nothing after coming to the US as a pioneer has been one of my greatest achievements. I also value helping and encouraging other women, especially since I lost my mom at a young age. I minister to others one-on-one, sharing my story of living through war, losing my mom, coming here and starting from minus, minus, minus to be where I am today, to inspire them that they can do it too.