Cancer Can’t Stop Her – Esthetics Standout Liz Flowers

Liz Flowers was one of the first Esthetics Students to join our new school last year. She entered Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology passionate, driven, and talented. She not only believed in herself and her ability, but she believed in the power of transforming her clients and using esthetics to help others feel amazing about themselves. With this mindset, Liz quickly developed regular facial clients while simultaneously becoming a mentor and leader for new students joining the Esthetics Program.

As Liz was approaching her graduation date, her eyes were set on her future in the industry; and there was no doubt her future would be bright. Clients who visited Liz during her time as a student raved about her skills and knowledge, with many clients broadcasting her to be “better than the professionals.” People like Liz are destined for success.

But with graduation in an arm’s reach, Liz was hit with a devastating diagnosis – cancer.

“I have been diagnosed with stage 3 Cholangiocarcinoma.  Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare liver cancer that affects 1 in 100,000 people in the U.S.
I am currently undergoing Chemotherapy.  Depending on the outcome of first block of Chemo treatments, I might be looking at surgery, additional chemotherapy and other methods of treatment.”

The word “cancer” itself can be paralyzing to some, but not to Liz. From the moment of her diagnosis, quitting wasn’t an option. Quitting was never even a consideration. Instead, Liz reported back to school with a shorter hairstyle and a plan for how she would conquer cancer while completing her schooling. She has always believed becoming an Esthetician is her purpose in life, and how can you give up on that?

“When we know our God given purpose, nothing that comes down our path should ever divert us from what we were placed on earth to do.  Finishing school and obtaining my esthetic license will enable me to provide esthetic services to people who are going through the same thing I am going through.  I will be able to love on oncology patients while helping them with their skincare and makeup needs and desires.”

But if one thing is certain, it’s that Liz has not had to face her battle alone. Through her time at school, she developed friendships that turned into sisterhoods. And her sisters have walked through this battle with her.
“I absolutely love my Esthetics sisters! They are so amazing! They knew something wasn’t right and continued to stay on me until I finally went to the doctor.  That doctor visit prompted to all the testing that lead to my diagnosis.  They are a piece of the puzzle that has saved my life.
My sisters have been extremely compassionate and helpful towards me during this difficult season in my life. They have lifted my spirits beyond what any of them can imagine.
Going to school as a working adult is hard.  Going to school during a very trying time is even harder.  Going to school while being surrounded with a group of people that genuinely care about you is absolutely amazing! I am blessed and humbled to be surrounded by such a group of smart, talented, compassionate, considerate, positive, diligent, fun and grounded group of ladies.  I couldn’t have picked a better group of Estheticians to go to school with!”

And while Liz feels her Esthetics sisters helped to save her life, her fellow students feel she has transformed theirs forever. Liz is a daily reminder to be bold and fearless in the pursuit of your dreams and to never give up on your purpose, no matter what life throws your way.

Liz still has a tough battle ahead, but with her positive mindset, unique set of talents, and fiery passion, she has set plans far beyond finishing school. And you should know when she sets her mind to something, it is always accomplished.

“I’m so excited to finish school, pass my state boards and proceed to the next level of providing compassionate skincare and makeup services!  I am a true believer that if you look good, you will feel better, have more courage and achieve more in life.  My main area of focus will be working with Oncology patients to assist in providing relief, ease some of the symptoms and skin reactions related to the treatment of cancer and improving their overall sense of well-being- Spirit, Body and Soul.”

We couldn’t be any prouder to have Liz Flowers as a student, mentor, and friend. Her devotion to her craft is rare, and we are thankful we were able to be even a small part of her journey. If we know one thing for sure, it’s that she is not finished. In fact, she is just beginning