Carolina Tristante
1. So tell us Carolina, how did Swiss Harmony start?
Several years living and working around the world offered me a rich variety of experiences as well as the opportunity to learn a lot about different cultures. The behavior of people and their lifestyles inspired me to create my own business with a positive working climate, which is also one of the most important tools for making a client feel comfortable and in good hands. At that time, I had the feeling that this was the right moment to set up my own company. I wanted to be independent and use my energy for my work. That was back in April 2011 when I started to build up Swiss Harmony as a one woman show. A few months later, I hired two employees and we have grown continuously since then.
2. Swiss Harmony is a specialist in permanent hair removal, newest body forming and anti-aging treatments, are these treatments customized to each individual?
Yes, of course. First of all we listen to the needs of the person. Then we make a complete analysis, including skin condition, body shape, etc. Following that, we offer the best treatment package to help her or him to reach their personal goal.
3. In facial treatments, Swiss Harmony offers ULTRATHERAPY an alternative to facelift, what is HIFU and how does it function?
HIFU (‘high intensity focused ultrasound’) is an innovative, painless and non-invasive way to reduce wrinkles. HIFU is also skin-friendly and effective for up to two years. Additional applications include face and brow lifting, tightening of the connective tissue and cellulite treatment. Highly concentrated ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. 20% of the results can be seen immediately after the treatment. 3–6 months later, the final result is visible. The highly focused ultrasound activates and accelerates the body’s own healing process in the face, neck and décolletage areas and thereby helps sagging skin to tighten itself and become more firm. This method requires no creams, no artificial filler products or toxins. It relies solely on the body’s natural regenerative capacity. Since the treatment targets deeper layers, the surface of the skin is not affected. After the treatment, you can simply go about your usual activities.
The Ultrasound Therapy procedure stimulates collagen production via a targeted input of ultrasound energy into the deep tissue layers of the skin. This warms the tissue, which in turn triggers a natural skin response that initiates a regenerative process through the production of neo-collagen.
Lasers generally target the uppermost layers of the skin (e.g., to counteract fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in pigmentation). The HIFU Ultrasound Therapy procedure bypasses the skin’s surface and focuses entirely on the deep, structural layers of the skin where collagen is deposited. The main applications are: eyebrow lifting, lifting of the cheeks and nasolabial folds, chin reduction, correction of the facial shape and lacrimal sac reduction.
The HIFU Ultrasound Therapy treatment is completely painless.
4. Radiofrequency and Mesotherapy are also recommended to stimulate collagen. Can both treatments be applied simultaneously?
Mesotherapy is conducted by injecting active biological substances (such as elastin, collagen, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, coenzymes etc.) subcutaneously which begin to act immediately on the skin. This therapy stimulates circulation and biological activity in the surface of the skin. When using radio frequency therapy, we work with special electrodes that are moved across the skin’s surface, emitting radio waves deep into the tissue. This allows the radio frequency energy to reach the dermis (the lower layer of the skin). The mild warmth generated promotes the formation of new collagen and elastin. As we warm the skin up to 42°C , we recommend a two-week break between both treatments to allow the active substances injected with the meso-gun to become fully effective. We use the radio frequency therapy very often after the HIFU Ultrasound Therapy in order to accelerate the collagen production, which provides faster visible results.Radio frequency is also very effective for tightening flaccidity of all body tissues.
5. What other treatments can be applied to reduce fat, shape the body and lift?
Our absolutely latest Body Shape concept is the HIFU Body with the new applicator, we received just a few month ago. Being the first centers in Switzerland offering this new treatment, which is a highly precise method to burst the fat cells at 13mm depth and to tighten skin at 4.5mm activating the elastin and collagen fibers, without damaging the surface of the skin. Results are visible after two weeks. You can repeat the treatment after four months until you have reached your personal body shape goal. In combination with the radio frequency therapy you will achieve wonderful results. Of course a healthy diet and physical activity helps to improve the results. Drinking plenty of water or tea is recommended during the treatment, since the body starts an intensive detoxification of the triglycerides out through the lymphatic system.
Actually we have an introductory Spring offer of 15% off on HIFU Body treatments. So we all are on time to get in shape before the Summer!
6. As a female entrepreneur in Switzerland, you are the owner and manager of three beauty salons in Bern, Biel and Pfäffikon. Were there challenges you had to face to be where you are today?
I think the biggest challenge was to manage the rapid growth of the company, facing issues like implementing organizational structure and processes and leading my staff to adopt the philosophy I had for Swiss Harmony (my philosophy) and to live it day by day with passion. At this point I want to mention that I am very proud of my team in all three beauty centers. They are really doing a great job!
7. If you were not at Swiss Harmony, where would you be?
I don’t know exactly, but I think I would still be discovering the world having another exciting challenge.
8. Which are your favorite restaurants in Switzerland?
El Azteca for authentic Mexican Food in Interlaken. In Bern the National Restaurant with their Slow Food concept and the Zähringer with Mediterranean gourmet kitchen next to the Aare. An outstanding culinary delights I experienced in the restaurant Spettacolo located inside the Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort in Lenk.
9. What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending my time with my 5-year-old daughter and, as a balance to my work, I love doing sports.
10. And your favorite travel destination?
The country I lost my heart to definitely is Mexico.
11. What would we find in your fridge?
Olives, Cheese, lettuce and of course a good bottle of Verdejo or Albariño.
12. And finally Carolina, what item identifies you?
My positive attitude towards life…I love to be in motion!.