At The Skin Games, our mission has always been to celebrate the artistry, skill, and dedication of estheticians across the globe. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned veteran, one truth remains constant: your case study begins and ends with the client you choose. I’m Taylor Rebagliati, Player Liaison for The Skin Games, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right (or wrong) client can make or break a case study.
Want to watch the full training—with even more tips and client-selection secrets? Catch the recording here: Client Selection Secrets for The Skin Games | Esthetician of the Year Jennalee Dahlen on YouTube.
That’s why we’re thrilled to share insights from Jennalee Dahlen, owner of Yoso Wellness Spa in Santa Cruz, CA, multi-year TSG competitor, and 2024–2025 Esthetician of the Year. With over 15 awards under her belt, Jennalee has learned through experience what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to building impactful case studies. What follows are her personal experiences, strategies, and opinions, offered to help inspire and guide you as you craft your own.
Why Client Selection is the Foundation of Success
Jennalee emphasizes that, in her experience, choosing the right client sets the tone for everything else—your protocol, your before-and-after photos, your narrative, and ultimately your results. Judges aren’t just looking for a pretty transformation. They want to understand your process: where did this client start, what did you do, and how did it change them inside and out?
For Jennalee, a “fresh slate” client—someone new to professional treatments, perhaps using only bar soap or drugstore products—offers more dramatic potential for visible transformation. Working with long-time clients often limits what you can showcase, since much of the change has already occurred before your eight-week journey even begins.
The Four Pillars of the “Right” Case Study Client (Jennalee’s Approach)
1) Start Fresh
- Select someone who is new to you and not currently under your care.
- Avoid reusing the same client across multiple categories at the same time—in Jennalee’s experience, this weakens entries and risks redundancy.
2) Look Beyond the Skin
- Ask about stress, hormones, diet, medications, or autoimmune conditions.
- For Jennalee, understanding root causes allowed her to design more holistic, judge-resonating protocols.
3) Check Their Commitment
- Will they show up weekly for treatments (or even twice weekly if needed)?
- Are they willing to fully adopt your homecare regimen and stop outside products?
- Jennalee stresses that commitment is non-negotiable—non-compliance derailed some of her early case studies.
4) Camera & Soul Readiness
- Photos and videos are required, but emotional openness matters just as much.
- Clients who shared authentically—even about struggles—gave Jennalee stronger, more relatable case studies.
Red Flags to Avoid
Jennalee warns that not every eager volunteer makes a great case study partner. In her opinion, be cautious if your potential client:
- Already receives regular treatments from you (skews your baseline).
- Has inconsistent communication or frequently cancels.
- Refuses to give up certain products or routines.
- Only wants free services with little interest in transformation.
- Is uncomfortable with being photographed or filmed.
She also recommends a signed agreement or deposit to safeguard your time and resources.
Real-Life Example: Transformation Beyond Skin
One of Jennalee’s most memorable models was a woman experiencing post-cancer hair loss. Despite years of medical interventions, nothing worked. Through their TSG journey, not only did her hair begin to return, but her confidence and energy transformed as well.
Jennalee’s takeaway? A strong case study isn’t just about smoother skin or lighter pigmentation. It’s about emotional breakthroughs, lifestyle shifts, and a visible spark of confidence that judges can feel through your photos, videos, and narrative.
Final Tips from Jennalee
- Document everything. Her case study write-ups often started at 17–20 pages before editing.
- Be transparent. If challenges arise—illness, non-compliance, or even starting over—include that in your write-up. Judges value honesty.
- Energy matters. Choose a client who inspires you rather than drains you.
- Follow the rules to a T. Page limits, video lengths, and deadlines are non-negotiable.
Connect with Jennalee
Want to connect with Jennalee, ask follow-up questions, or get a dose of energy + skINspiration? Follow her on Instagram at @jennaleedahlen.
Prefer to learn by watching? Don’t miss the full recording: Client Selection Secrets for The Skin Games | Esthetician of the Year Jennalee Dahlen on YouTube.
Closing Inspiration
As Jennalee reminds us, “Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you. Every esthetician questions whether they’re good enough, but the truth is you’re capable of more than you realize. You got into this industry for a reason—trust yourself, trust the process, and let your case study prove it.”
Your case study is more than an entry—it’s an opportunity to elevate your skills, transform a client’s life, and maybe even claim the title of Esthetician of the Year. Choose wisely, commit fully, and remember: the journey itself is where the growth happens.
Taylor’s Note: These insights are drawn from Jennalee’s personal experiences and opinions as a competitor. Every esthetician’s journey will look different—take what resonates, adapt what fits your style, and always follow official TSG rules.
If you’d like Jennalee’s Case Study Application Template, email me at [email protected] and I’ll send it your way.