Full disclosure: Dr. Tami Cassis is my dermatologist and the dermatologist of most of my friends. Why? It’s an easy answer. We all know she is one of the best. But also, she is a woman, around our age, who is really honest with us; we feel comfortable with her immediately. She is ruthless about the sun, mole checks and taking care of your skin. All I know is that I want my skin to look like her skin.
She is the director of Cassis Dermatology & Aesthetics Center in Norton Commons which is a comprehensive medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology practice. Decorated by Bittners, with her signature fresh flowers, this doctor’s office doesn’t feel like a doctors office. It feels like you are going to visit a friend —Â a friend who tells you to wear sunscreen even in the winter (yes, it’s true) and always wear a hat.
Where did you grow up?
Janesville, Wisconsin.
How did you end up in Louisville?
I came to Louisville after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison to go to Medical School at the University of Louisville.
How did you make the decision to be a dermatologist?
After finishing all of my third year medical school rotations, I knew that I liked all parts of medicine, I just didn’t love any one specialty. A good friend encouraged me to start my fourth year with a Dermatology rotation. He was right! I loved every minute I was on that rotation. I knew that was the career for me.
Did you tan in high school? I want the truth.
Yes, I am very open and honest about my mistakes in life. I hope someone can learn from my foolish choices. I grew up in freezing cold and snowy Wisconsin. I spent every chance I could going to the tanning salon. My parents hated that I went. They had no science to help back up their fight, but they just felt it could not be good for my fair skin.
What is your skin-care regimen?
I have the very unique opportunity to mix and match. Every morning I wash with Obagi on my Clarisonic brush, then I follow with the simply b, MD Crystal Clear stick to exfoliate my face in the shower. Then depending on how my skin is doing I will follow the Obagi or the Neocutis skin care line. I always tone with the simply b, MD Glyclear and I always finish with a daily moisturizer with SPF.
What is your favorite skin-care product?
I really don’t have a favorite. I have favorite products within different lines. And, without being totally gross, of course my favorite is MINE (simply b, MD)!
What is the best advice you have received in business and in life?
Business and life both: Believe in yourself and don’t set limits. You can do anything you are willing to work for!
Who is your mentor?
My parents, Duane and Diane Buss and Dr. Jeffrey P. Callen.
What is something small that women can do for their skin that makes a big impact?
Make sure daily moisturizer has SPF and exfoliate their skin. That is why my partners and I started simply b, MD. It is a great way to exfoliate and we promise to always keep the prices very reasonable.
What is some advice that you give women constantly?
Stay out of the sun and protect your kids from the sun.
What is your weakness?
Sweets.
What do you do to relax?
Travel, shop and long walks with my husband.
I love that you wear the fancy earrings and the fancy shoes to work. Who are your favorites?
Not fancy, just fun! I really believe in shopping local for everything that I can, so for work I love Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch and Cole Haan. Earrings are a total vice! Â I love love love Summer Eliason, and Work the Metal.
If you could have any job, what would it be? It does not have to be glamorous and you cannot say dermatologist.
Easy. I would love to own a flower shop. (*Editors note, twice recently I have been in the office when the huge weekly arrangement arrives in her foyer from Nanz and Kraft Florists. And, it is divine.)
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Go to dinner with my husband and our friends.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I can’t cook to save my life!
What three words best describe you?
Reliable, hard working, determined.
What are you reading right now?
No pleasure reading for me. I spend my time reading dermatology journals, and this month I am teaching a PA student so we have a textbook with nightly reading. I am a tough teacher!
What is your favorite thing in Louisville?
I love all the great places to go out to eat and shop and of course I LOVE the Derby! I get to wear a hat, a dress and great shoes all in one day!
Name three things you can’t live without (excluding family, friends and God.)
Sunscreen, iphone/ipad, running shoes.
To learn more about Cassis Dermatology and Aesthetic Center, click here.
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We would like to thank Adele and Sean Reding from Adele Reding Studio for their wonderful photography. They are located in Westport Village. For a behind-the-scenes look at our photo shoot, click here. Hat below from Headcandi by Britni Knable.
Don’t miss our Friends of StyleBlueprint Sale this Thursday April 19 and Friday April 20 at 87 Wampum Way, in partnership with Blessings in a Backpack. For more information, click here.
