Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Griffin.
Hi Kristine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story goes way back but I did not know at the time how all those experiences would serve me nor how it would provide a platform for what I do today. As a seasoned certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor for over 17 years, I prided myself on being more of a “functional trainer” and had a book of clients that included those with physical challenges, athletes, weekend warriors to some seniors who wanted to be able to play golf without pain and walk the course.
Alongside my training, I worked as a Medical Assistant for an Integrated physician and that was the beginning of how my story evolved. I was a sponge listening to the doctor speak with his patients and think outside the box. Patients were drawn to the doctor because of his ability to listen and his expertise to see how there were alternatives to just throwing them on medication or sending them on to a different doctor. That stuck with me and I am grateful for all that I learned during my 5 years working for him. I still was unaware of the path that would soon come together but felt there was more for me to learn. I decided to go back to school and become a licensed esthetician.
Sound crazy, I know… how does this all comes together, but it does. I was a single mom raising 3 kids and trained in the mornings and went to school in the afternoons. Although I didn’t see myself working in a spa, I knew that this was another piece of the puzzle. I always loved helping people and am a nurturing person, by nature. I am also a curious person who wants to uncover things that are lying below the surface. I continued to train and teach classes but there were pieces still missing. An idea was brewing but I remained quiet and ignored those who thought I was crazy. I was intrigued by “cupping” and researched every article I could find, listen to the history and read up on its origin and what it was used for.
At that moment, I knew I needed to continue my education and learn this practice and somehow incorporate it into what I was already doing. My first certification wasn’t enough, so I continued on to add more certifications that included “Medi-Cupping” as well as magnet therapy. If you didn’t think I was crazy then, my kids would probably argue that point, but I was on a mission. At times, I questioned what I wanted to achieve with all of this knowledge and experience, but my heart told me that there was a purpose to all of this, so I marched on.
I incorporated all of my experiences into my practice and at this point, had left the corporate gym setting and was flying solo. My kids had all graduated from college and doing their own thing. I lived outside of Chicago for over 21 years and felt the pull to try something new. I failed to mention that over the past 2 years, I decided to add coaching to my resume. My love of Psychology and the desire to help people had me once again returning to school to earn my certificate as a Health Coach. I went on to graduate from the Master Coaching program and become a Master Health and Wellness Coach. Anyone can call themselves a coach… I wanted the respect of others and felt the need to know my craft!
As a Master Coach, I was fortunate enough to qualify to sit for the National Boards. The boards are the highest credentials one can receive as a Health and Wellness Coach. I will now bring this full circle to help you understand how I got to this place. The change I referred to was making a move out of Illinois and taking my two dogs and moving to Knoxville. I have some family here and thought it would be a nice change of pace. Swimming is huge in Tenn and the idea of being in a college town sounded awesome! My twin daughters actually attended UT. I came to Tenn thinking I would be coaching.
A rare and special thing took place and I owe my thanks to “google”. I needed a haircut and wanted an urban vibe with artists that I could connect with. Little did I know but my google search took me to a salon called “Grow… a Shane Archer Concept” My hairstylist listened to what I did and said I HAD to meet their owner, Shane Archer. I am thinking… why would this guy give me the time of day? but guess what, he did!!! He had finished up his work and spent 30 minutes talking to me about what I did and asked me to please stop by his spa that had just opened a few months ago.
I combined my experiences to get to the point of what I do today. Everything I have learned, experienced, and worked for has led me to this place. I came up with the name “Body Ageless Living” because my business incorporated so much. Bottom line… I have cocktails all my experiences and knowledge and provide a service that incorporates both healing and anti-aging. My business is a “whole health” approach and works on the body from the inside out. Cupping, magnets, red light therapy are a few of the things I offer. Those struggling with some of the aging effects but not wanting surgery or needles, my facials and body contouring can work on that.
In a short period of time, I have begun to build a business model that is unique to this area and my “toolbox” contains so many exciting techniques… I smile because I love what I do. The years of school and my passion for helping people have led me to this place and for that, I am beyond grateful!!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
If the road had been smooth, I wouldn’t have the appreciation for what I have accomplished and where my business is going. Obstacles are a part of life. There are things that slowed me down but I never gave up.
As a coach, I hope to share with others, that it is never too late to pursue a passion, return to school or reinvent yourself. Being a single mom and working two jobs for many years seemed overwhelming but it didn’t stop me. I could have remained in a marriage that was toxic and never worried about working or finances, but I decided that my legacy was not going to be defined by someone else.
I started to gain confidence yet was scared to death about where my passion would take me. Struggles and obstacles are not bad things. It’s how we handle adversity that makes a difference. Everything I went through got me to where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Many people are feeling frustrated because they don’t feel as though their doctors are listening to them. While I am not a doctor, I have taken my education, knowledge, and passion for unmasking the root of someone’s pain and helping solve the client’s issues. As a Cupping Practitioner, I pride myself on using my years of experience working on bodies in the health and fitness industry and applying that to my practice. I look at Body Ageless Living as being “one-stop shopping”.
As a licensed Esthetician, I incorporate my expertise in skincare and provide the ability to work on the person, head to toe. Health and wellbeing are more important now than ever. I don’t want to be a run-of-the-mill spa and I know what I am good at. Health begins with what is going on inside and shows itself. How does one feel about themselves? I went on to continue my education to better understand the human mind.
I am a Master Health and Wellness Coach and have taken all of these experiences, threw them in a mixing bowl, and created a business model that approaches everyone as an individual. I customize a plan that is geared just towards that person. I believe that I bring a fresh look to what health looks like. I listen and take careful notes to provide a service that people are not going to get anywhere else.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Everyone’s journey is different and there is no clear-cut path. My recommendation is to make sure you are well trained in the modalities you want to incorporate into your business plan. Don’t be afraid to be different and set yourself apart from others.
In starting out, I had so much I wanted to offer but soon realized that I needed to pick my lane. I then decided to pick 2 lanes to focus on… healing and anti-aging.
Research is key in knowing what is going on around you and where your competition is located. Starting a business takes time, so patience is key.
Pricing:
- $100/hr – Cupping and bodywork
- $175 – 90 minute Red light facial
- $200 – Signature facial + décolleté
- $75 – micro-needling (add on)
- Packages available and gift certificates
Contact Info:
- Email: kristinegriffin@bodyagelessliving.com
- Website: BodyAgelessLiving.com
- Instagram: @bodyagelessliving
- Phone number: 1.865.463.1188
