Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan McKinney.
Hi Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a teenager, like so many do, I struggled with acne, so this ultimately started my journey into skincare and skin treatments. In High School, I received a few microdermabrasion treatments in my hometown which helped, but it wasn’t until I had my first actual spa experience at the Don Cesar Hotel and Spa in St. Petersburg, Florida with all the bells and whistles that I realized that this was the industry I wanted to start a career in. The combination of the results from the facial, the relaxation elements of massage and the beautiful, serene ambiance had me hooked. It seemed like such an enjoyable and rewarding career and you could tell that the therapists really enjoyed what they were doing which was very appealing, so after taking some time off after graduation, I enrolled in the Esthetics Program at Tennessee School of Beauty in Knoxville and began my journey in the industry.
In the fall of 2005, I accepted a position at a Medi-Spa in my hometown, but really wanting to move to Knoxville to grow within the industry, I would soon find myself relocating and working at an Aveda Salon & Spa and I immediately felt at home. During my time here, I grew both personally and professionally and made life long friends. I was drawn to the Aveda culture and the rituals and elements within a treatment that took a facial or massage and made it an experience. That is something that really stuck with me and ultimately would be one of the elements I would create my business model around. In 2011, I decided to go a different route and accepted a position at a Resort Spa in Pigeon Forge. I really enjoyed working in a resort town and there was always something to do. I absolutely loved working in a resort spa atmosphere. Seasonal treatments became one of my favorite services to do because it really links with the client experience element. I got to create a lot of the facial treatments when I became lead esthetician and department manager and put a large amount of focus on the tiniest of details. All of the services were experience based and results oriented which is the foundation for the model I use now. During this time, I was also introduced to Eminence Organic Skin Care and became a trainer for them while simultaneously working at the resort spa. The growth I experienced, both professionally and personally during this time, changed my life. My drive to succeed and learn as much as I could developed on a much larger scale. I dove head first out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to face some of my biggest fears like public speaking for example. Being a trainer for one of the number one skin care companies in the world was a lot of pressure at times, but I constantly reminded myself of one of my favorite quotes, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear” and that constant reminder pushed me to keep growing, learning and evolving no matter how hard things may have been at times or what obstacles I had to overcome. This position also required a lot of travel which was a lot of fun but also tiring at times as I had several 7 day works weeks which I’m well used to by now. I also worked with each spa partner on building their business through retailing and marketing which has also been a really useful tool for my own business. While I enjoyed this time of my career immensely, the constant travel had me yearning for a more balanced lifestyle, so in 2019 I made the decision to move back to Knoxville to be closer to family and friends and would also venture down another path within the industry. After a few semesters at Pellissippi State, I was offered a suite at a long time friend’s salon. Having my own business at some point had always been in the back of my mind so I immediately said yes and started down the path of becoming a small business owner which has been the most rewarding role I’ve held thus far. I pulled everything I had learned over the years together and felt more than ready for this next chapter even though we were in the midst of the pandemic. I think my first week I had four clients. Having moved twice, this was my third time building up a clientele, but I put in the work and after about 2 years, I had created a thriving business. I have branded two businesses at this point after deciding to rebrand my initial concept along with a couple of moves. Both designs very different, but both authentically me and I think that is one of my strengths that has served me well as a small business owner. If you know me, you know I march to the beat of my own drum, but I also have a clear vision and that’s to always provide a unique, authentic experience and a superior service for everyone that walks through my door. Creating Velvaere has been a labor of love and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the numerous mentors I’ve had over the last two decades and the opportunities I’ve been given.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a small business owner, I have definitely had some speed bumps. I initially started during the pandemic so I had to get creative since we were all wearing masks. I sought out training to become certified in eyelash extensions and additional lash and brow services and focused on those when skin care treatments were down a bit. Also, being a very passionate person, I struggle, like a lot of small business owners with a work/life balance. When I get started on a project, there is no stopping until it is completed and the way I want it, which can make for some long days and nights, but well worth it in the end.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Velvaere Aesthetics & Massage?
When I created Velvaere, I wanted to create something totally different and more experience-based while also keeping the term “safe space” at the forefront of my decision making. I noticed during the midst of the pandemic, people weren’t just coming in for pain relief or to address their skin concerns or to have long, glamorous lashes, they were seeking a safe space because that had seemed to be taken away from us during all the chaos so that was very important to me that I create that for everyone. A self-care escape would be how I would best describe that. I tend to be a very themed designer and when you’re creating an experience for your clients, you have to think outside the box, so I believe I have created something very unique from the original treatments to the whimsical forest vibe of the space. Velvaere is the Norwegian term for wellbeing, with it’s foundation more rooted in nature. To slow down and create a more meaningful and mindful lifestyle that allows you to be more balanced and present. The term is closely linked to the more popular Danish term, Hygge. I wanted to create my own version of Velvaere and I believe I have accomplished that.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to experience many of the most well-known and unique spas across the country. I think these experiences gave me an edge when creating my brand. It’s the places that have something unique to offer that you remember, so I wanted to make sure that was achieved, even though it’s currently on a smaller scale being a one woman show. I have put a lot of thought into every detail – from the products I use, the intention behind each treatment and the aromatherapy used. My Signature treatment combines CranioSacral Therapy and a facial – The Velvaere CranioFacial. Being a massage therapist and an aesthetician has allowed me to really get creative with my treatments, which goes back to one of my focuses being on creating a unique & results oriented experience for people so I think this sets me apart. I am not afraid to put something totally different out there.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Opening up a small business during the pandemic was a risk, but our amazing community rallied around it’s small businesses and kept us going. That’s pretty special and I’m very proud to be from East Tennessee. Overall, I would say I am a risk taker, but before making any major decisions, I always consult those around me that I know will give good advice so I can make the best decision for myself and my business.
Pricing:
- • Facials – $65 – $160
- • Massages – $60 – $190
- • Eyelash Extension Full Sets $150 – $225
- • Waxing – $15 – $100
- • Lash & Brow Enhancements – $40 – $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/velvaere.aesthetics.massage
- Instagram: @velvaere.aesthetics.massage
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/VelvaereAestheticsAndMassage
- Other: Www.Vagaro.com/velvaereaestheticsandMassage
