ABOUT A3
Founded in 2019 by master aesthetician and educator Heidi Daly, A3 Spa was created with a clear purpose: to offer a space where aspiring aestheticians could refine their craft in a real-world, hands-on environment while providing guests with exceptional spa experiences. What began as a vision to elevate the standards of skincare education in the Lowcountry has grown into a thriving clinical spa and learning center rooted in professionalism, passion, and purpose.
At A3, we believe that education and experience go hand in hand. Every treatment offered here is performed by students under the guidance of licensed instructors, ensuring a safe, personalized, and deeply rejuvenating experience. Guests benefit from the latest skincare techniques while supporting the next generation of highly trained skincare professionals.
What We Do
At A3 Spa, we blend education and aesthetics to deliver a unique spa experience that supports both our guests and our students. As the clinical spa for Advanced Aesthetics Academy, we serve two key purposes: to provide professional, affordable skincare services to the public and to offer hands-on training for the next generation of licensed aestheticians.
Every service at A3 is performed by a student who is actively enrolled in our aesthetics program and closely supervised by a licensed instructor. This allows us to offer a wide range of treatments—from customized facials and chemical peels to advanced skincare therapies—using high-quality products and techniques backed by science.
Whether you’re here to enjoy a results-driven facial or support a student’s journey toward licensure, you’ll receive attentive care in a clean, calming, and professional environment.
Our Values
🌿 EDUCATION FIRST: We are committed to shaping confident, knowledgeable professionals through hands-on, real-world training rooted in both science and compassion.
🌿 EXCELLENCE IN CARE: Every guest deserves to feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether you’re here for a treatment or training, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and results.
🌿 INTEGRITY ALWAYS: We hold ourselves—and our students—to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and honesty in every interaction.
🌿 EMPOWERMENT THROUGH KNOWLEDGE: We believe skincare is more than a service—it’s a form of self-care. We strive to educate and empower our guests to better understand and care for their skin.
🌿 GROWTH, TOGETHER: We grow as individuals and as a team by staying curious, welcoming feedback, and lifting each other up. Our community thrives when we learn and improve together.
55+
Students enrolled
17
Faculty members
500+
Students Graduated
A3 superstars
Meet our Team
Behind every service at A3 Spa is a team of passionate educators, skilled instructors, and driven students—all dedicated to the art and science of skincare.
HEIDI DALY
Owner, CEO, Licensed Esthetics Instructor
Heidi has been a resident of Hilton Head Island for almost 40 years. She chose a new mid life career as a Licensed Aesthetician and her passion for this industry prompted her to go back and get her Instructors License. Her favorite mantra is “Knowledge is Power”!
Heidi believes in empowering women and she feels blessed that she is able to work with such amazing women who are ready to change their lives! Heidi has had a vision for this school for years and is extremely excited to see it come to fruition. She has many plans for future endeavors that will benefit our local community and anticipates new projects to begin in the near future.
MELISSA GARBUTT
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Melissa Garbutt brings an extraordinary blend of leadership, discipline, and compassion to the world of education. A retired Marine Corps firefighter with 21 years of service, she now channels her extensive experience in personnel management, formal instruction, and organizational strategy into shaping future skincare professionals. A proud mother of five, she is also the owner of her own skincare suite, where she continues to practice her craft and stay connected to the ever-evolving beauty industry. In addition to her work in education and aesthetics, she turned a hobby into a thriving business—creating custom merchandise and apparel for the academy. Her journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of purpose!
ANNE GRAVES
Human Resources Manager
A native of Charlottesville Virginia, Anne moved to Hilton Head 48 years ago. She worked for Sea Pines Resort and Hilton Head Hospital during these years. She brings many years of Hospitality and Human Resources experience to our team.
DEBBIE BASSETT
Director of Education
Debbie Bassett is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in the beauty and skincare industry. For over 25 years, she served as Vice President of Training and Education for Coty Beauty, one of the world’s leading beauty companies. In this role, Debbie was responsible for developing and implementing nationwide education strategies, leading training programs for beauty professionals, and launching brand initiatives across the country. Her ability to connect with people, motivate teams, and drive excellence in education earned her wide respect in the industry.
In 2010, Debbie made the move to the Lowcountry and brought her extensive knowledge to the medical aesthetics field. She worked for a prominent dermatologist in Savannah, where she deepened her understanding of advanced skin treatments and clinical skincare.
Debbie is now proud to be part of the team at Advanced Aesthetics Academy, where she combines her years of industry experience with her love for education. She is deeply committed to training, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of licensed aestheticians.
Ali Whelchel
Instructor
Ali Whelchel is a seasoned beauty professional, educator, and creative leader with over a decade of experience in the esthetics industry. She began her esthetics career in 2012 and went on to earn her license as an Esthetics Instructor in 2020. An entrepreneur since 2017, Ali has built a career that blends artistry, business, and education.
As a professional makeup artist, her portfolio includes working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim and more. Starting as a volunteer, Ali’s talent, leadership, and vision quickly earned her roles as Lead Artist and Beauty Director for fashion shows across the country. In these positions, she has recruited, trained, and mentored teams of beauty professionals—an extension of her passion for helping others achieve their goals.
Ali’s leadership extends beyond the runway and classroom. She is deeply committed to academic excellence and professional development, bringing both her industry experience and her love of mentorship into her role as Chief Academic Officer. Recently relocating to the Lowcountry, Ali has embraced her new community while continuing to inspire the next generation of estheticians and beauty artists.
When she’s not shaping the future of beauty education, Ali can be found writing her upcoming book, cooking, painting, reading, traveling, and supporting the arts.
LOURRI
Spa Manager
Lourri, originally from New Oxford, Pennsylvania, has called Bluffton and Hilton Head her home for over 30 years. During that time, she has occupied multiple positions in the high-end beauty industry. From Nail Technician all the way to manager of a well-known spa on Hilton Head Island. Her vision as a member of the beauty and health industry has, and always will be, to ensure students and clients alike have a comfortable and rewarding experience.
JULIA
Front Desk
Originally from Upstate New York’s North Country, Julia brings a diverse background of dedication and service to everything she does. She spent over 20 years honing her craft as a professional chef at a premier executive retreat on Lake Ontario before transitioning into a successful 12-year career in the banking industry. Now a resident of South Carolina, Julia traded the snowy winters for the coast, where she enjoys the vibrant beach lifestyle and the Southern sunshine.
CHRIS
Administrative Assistant
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Chris has called Bluffton home for the last 5 years. Chris brings years of high-end luxury sales experience to Advanced Aesthetics Academy. Chris now focuses on cultivating premier client experiences. She is passional about helping students turn their skills into a lucrative, rewarding esthetics career.
DIANA
Instructor
Diana is a licensed esthetician originally from California, now based in South Carolina since 2007. Her passion for beauty began as a makeup enthusiast and grew into a deeper desire to help others look and feel their best. After gaining experience in high-end beauty retail and working at a spa, she sought greater fulfillment, left her job, and enrolled in Advanced Aesthetics Academy. Now on her own solo esthetician journey, Diana is excited to share the knowledge she has gained over the years with others. In her free time, she enjoys biking, traveling, and shopping.
MIKAYLA
Instructor
Mikayla is a licensed esthetician and an alumnus of Advanced Aesthetics Academy. She was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina. Mikayla always knew she would end up in a career that catered to helping other. Skincare has always been a passion of hers leading to becoming licensed. Mikayla has opened her own business and is helping others on their skincare journey. Her experience ranges from working the front desk at franchised spas to practicing at day and medical spas. She is dedicated to continuing learning and helping the students achieve their goals.
JANELL VAUGHAN
Teacher’s Assistant
Janell Vaughan was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. She attended South Carolina State University on both academic and athletic scholarships, excelling as a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. In 2015, she graduated with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, concentrating in Fashion Merchandising. Following graduation, Janell moved to Luxembourg to explore Europe and embrace new experiences abroad. After returning to the U.S., she settled back in Charleston before moving to Bluffton, South Carolina, where she and her husband chose to raise their family.
While being a stay-at-home mom, Janell discovered a passion for skincare and beauty, which led her to pursue a career in aesthetics. She enrolled at Advanced Aesthetics Academy, where she earned her license as a wax specialist. Today, she continues to grow in the field, currently serving as a teacher’s assistant—supporting new students as they begin their journey in the industry.
SKYLAR MARCINKO
Teacher’s Assistant
Skylar Marcinko is a licensed esthetician and proud graduate of Advanced Aesthetics Academy, where she now serves as a part-time teacher’s assistant. Having gone through the program herself, she brings a unique perspective to the classroom and offers students firsthand insight and guidance.
Outside of teaching, Skylar works at a plastic surgery office in Savannah, Georgia, where she continues to grow her clinical skills and knowledge of advanced skin treatments. She’s passionate about solving skin concerns, sharing her knowledge, and helping students explore the many career opportunities their license can offer. She also finds deep fulfillment in uplifting others and helping them discover their passion. Skylar’s goal is to equip future estheticians with the confidence and skills they need to thrive—wherever their path may lead.
REBEKAH
Enrollment Manager
Rebekah has grown up in California and South Carolina. She is a recent graduate of Advanced Aesthetics Academy and is working as a Teacher’s Assistant. Rebekah loves helping the students find their passion and reach their fullest potential. She is continuing her education in this role and enjoying helping and uplifting the new students. Rebekah loves seeing students learn and hopes to become an instructor in the future.
KAMERON
Teacher’s Assistant
Kameron is a licensed esthetician, business owner, and Marine Corps veteran originally from West Virginia. While serving, she experienced severe hormonal acne and scarring, which led her to seek help from an esthetician — ultimately sparking her passion for skincare. Kameron knew esthetics was the perfect path to combine her personal experience and desire to help others. She is dedicated to creating a space where clients, students, and anyone she works with feel seen, supported, and confident.