Alumni spotlight: Gillian Stuart

Finding her passion as a mature student

When Gillian Stuart returned to VIU nearly three decades after first enrolling, she was ready for a new career. After raising a family and working in finance for years, she decided to pursue an interest in skin health through the Esthetics and Spa Therapy program.

Gillian graduated in 2011 and works as the Lead Medical Aesthetician at Campbell River Medical Aesthetics (an extension of Campbell River Plastic Surgery). She shares more about her experiences as a mature student and the path that led her into a leadership role at a growing business.

Why did you choose VIU for your education?

I was a Malaspina College business student in 1984. At the time, my father was teaching accounting classes. After 26 years of living in the Lower Mainland, raising a family and working in finance, I chose to follow my heart and retrain in Esthetics. After researching different programs in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, I reactivated my student number from 1984. I enjoyed the structure and clarity of the course offerings, led by Lesley Osbourne. I moved in with my retired dad in Nanaimo for the duration of the seven-month program. Who gets to do that in their late 40s?!

Where were you in your life when you realized education would help you achieve your goals? 

Throughout my upbringing, lifelong learning was emphasized. I instilled the same value in my children. While I initially enjoyed my career in finance, I had the opportunity after my divorce – and with guidance from a therapist – to redefine my professional trajectory. This led me to retrain in a field I am passionate about: skin health.

Can you tell us a bit about your experience at VIU and in your program?

I valued the structure of the Esthetics program and appreciated the smaller class sizes. This allowed for lots of mentoring, feedback, oversight and hands-on opportunities during “open to the public” modules. I appreciated the no-nonsense dress code (clean, short nails, hair tied back, uniform clean and pressed), reminders of “softer voices” and discretion when serving the public. Both instructors, Lesley and Darlene, were always well prepared and ensured we stayed engaged with guest speakers and interesting group and team projects.

Any highlights you can share from your time as a student again?

I was a bit anxious returning to school in my late 40s. I was concerned about keeping up with younger classmates – many were even younger than my own adult children – and wondered how I would adapt to being a student after such a long break. However, on the first day, I was relieved to see classmates of various ages, from their late 20s to early 30s, and even another woman my age. Engaging with my classmates and learning about their lives really enriched my experience. It helped me step outside of my own perspective and gave me an appreciation for current ideas, society and different life paths.

How did your program prepare you for your current role in the workforce?

After graduating, I returned to the Lower Mainland and completed a Medical Esthetics program by the summer of 2012. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the esthetics industry, I was determined to specialize in energy-based platforms to help clients achieve optimal skin health. I have embraced the core values of the field and understand that my role as a Medical Aesthetician is fundamentally one of service. Delivering targeted treatments or conducting skin assessments and developing treatment plans requires thorough preparation, continuous research and attentive listening to the concerns and needs of each client. I appreciate this was the message from the Esthetics program from day one.

What’s next for you?

For around 14 years, I worked as a medical aesthetician, spending 10 of those at a dermatologist-led clinic. As I approached my 62nd birthday in 2025, I learned that a group of plastic surgeons had purchased a building in town with plans to expand into medical aesthetics. Encouraged by my adult children, I contacted them to learn more about their expansion. It turned out they needed someone with my background to lead this new initiative. Unexpectedly and happily, as I built our team, I reconnected with Rosa – a fellow VIU esthetics alum from my class – who is now pursuing medical aesthetics and has become an invaluable part of our clinic.

What are you most proud of since completing your program at VIU?

Throughout my career, I have often questioned whether my age would be a barrier within this industry. However, these apprehensions have consistently been disproven by a dedicated clientele who appreciate my expertise and recommendations, colleagues who recognize the value of my experience and employers who recently offered me a two-year full-time contract. I am truly humbled and grateful for such trust, support and encouragement.

What advice would you give VIU students following a similar path?

It’s never too late to be what you were always meant to be – go for it!