Empowered Spa Boutique

My July was insane! So many memories made! Life is to be lived regardless of heartache, doubts, grief, growth....we only get one, fear can't hold us back forever.

I’ve had these photos back for a little while now, and I’ve been procrastinating making this post—not because I don’t have anything to say, but because I haven’t been able to find words that feel big enough for the experience. 🤍

My Oncology Esthetics training in New York was so much more than another certification or another class to add to my education.

It was humbling. Eye-opening. Emotional. Inspiring.

There is something incredibly powerful about learning how to safely care for someone’s skin and body while they are going through one of the most vulnerable times of their life. Things that may seem so simple—a facial, caring for someone’s hands or feet, gentle touch, helping someone feel comfortable in their own skin—can mean something entirely different when cancer and cancer treatment have changed the way someone experiences their body.

This training reminded me that sometimes our job isn't to "fix" anything.

Sometimes it's simply to provide comfort.
To create a safe space.
To help someone feel cared for instead of clinical.
To give them an hour where they can just feel like themselves again.

After more than 20 years in the beauty and wellness industry, I walked into this experience thinking about everything I was going to learn.

I walked away thinking about how much more I want to learn.

I feel incredibly grateful for this experience, for the people I learned alongside, and for this next chapter that continues to bring together so many pieces of the work I've loved for years.

These pictures captured the class.

I'm still not sure any words can completely capture what it gave me. 🤍

We are on our way to the Oncology Skin Solutions class (horrible traffic causing a 3 hour extension to our drive, 10/10 don't recommend). Made a pit stop and I am watching my car while waiting for my coffee and 6 people stopped and took pictures of Moira. I agree, she's adorable.

SO EXCITED!!! Even though the physical business of Empowered Spa has closed, I wanted to continue to share my industry journey, because you have all supported it!

Next week, I'll be traveling to New York for an intensive two-day, hands-on certification in oncology skin care!!!! I'm currently working through the online lecture portion, and I couldn't be more excited with what I'm already learning! It's also a great refresher on Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology so yes my brain hurts.

This specialized training focuses on providing safe, compassionate skin care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and forward. Like her literal first sentence in the workbook is about LOVE being the most important thing to remember.

This has been on my heart for a long time, and it's one more step toward the future I'm working to build as I combine my esthetics background with my nursing journey.

While I'm learning, I'd love to bring you along! Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing little pearls of knowledge and practical tips that I think anyone can benefit from—especially those navigating cancer treatment, caring for a loved one, or simply wanting to better understand how our skin changes during times of healing.

Thank you for continuing to follow along. Your support means more than you know, and I'm excited to share this next chapter with you. 💙

Just a little life update from Charleston. 🌊

Life looks a little different these days, and while I miss seeing so many of your faces, I'm incredibly grateful for this new chapter. I did get to sneak a brief trip in back home, you know a girl needs to get her hair done 🤭 And since I have just now decided I should start looking for a job I figured I should get back while I can.

I've been settling into coastal life pretty easily, spending lots of time with Moira, focusing on my health and fitness, not only physically but also mentally, while also continuing to work toward my dream of becoming a nurse and advancing my knowledge in oncology.

Thank you to everyone who has checked in, cheered me on, and been part of my journey. The friendships and memories from Empowered Spa & Boutique continues to have and will always have a special place in my heart.

Sending love from the South. ❤️

My heart is heavy tonight, and I learned a lesson the hard way. I had a special client, friend, mentor (as you all have been to me) pass away. She had to miss our last appointment together due to illness but asked that I call her back, she would like to see me one more time before I leave...and I allowed the loud, chaotic, overwhelming life of moving across country— move faster than my intentions. I thought about it so many times...

So now I sit here with regret, thinking about someone who trusted me with more than skin and nailcare appointments over the years. Clients become part of our lives, our routines, our stories.

This your reminder to tell people you love them. Call them back. MAKE THE TIME. Say the thing. Hug them a little longer. We convince ourselves there will always be another day, another conversation, another chance. But reality reminds there isn’t always.

To my dear friend, and all of you, thank you for letting me be a small part of yours. 💛

This has been Moiras favorite spot the last few days. She would lay behind the pedicure chair alot the last few weeks of the business, I think it settled her. She loves it here in Charleston, you should see how excited she gets when we get near the 'big water,' but I know that she is missing her people as much as I do! Can we also talk about her derpiness 🤣😅