Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makayla Askew. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Makayla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Salt Vault Wellness Center was born out of my personal journey toward holistic healing and spiritual wellness. For over a decade, I had been deeply committed to my own spiritual journey, exploring various modalities that helped me heal and grow. Throughout that process, I realized how important it was to have a safe, inclusive space where people could explore their own paths to wellness, free from judgment and with access to a wide range of healing practices.

The turning point came when I visited a salt cave during a particularly challenging period in my life. The experience was transformative – I felt an immediate sense of calm, clarity, and renewal. It was in that moment that I knew I wanted to create a space where others could experience the same profound sense of healing and connection. I wanted to combine the benefits of salt cave therapy with other holistic practices, creating a sanctuary for mind, body, and spirit.

What excited me the most about this idea was the opportunity to bring together a community of healers, artisans, and wellness practitioners under one roof. By offering a co-op model, we could provide diverse services and products that cater to different aspects of well-being. This approach also allowed us to support small, local businesses, particularly those owned by women, which is something I’m incredibly passionate about.

In terms of the logic behind why I felt this would work – it was a combination of my own positive experiences with holistic healing and the growing demand for wellness spaces that prioritize both physical and spiritual health. More and more people are seeking out alternative methods of healing, and I believed that by creating a space that offers a range of services, we could meet that demand in a way that was both effective and inclusive.

Ultimately, I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it aligned so closely with my own values and passions. I wasn’t just starting a business; I was building a community and creating a space that I wished had existed when I first began my healing journey. The excitement of being able to provide that for others, and seeing the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives, was what drove me to bring Salt Vault Wellness Center to life.

Makayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the holistic wellness industry began over a decade ago when I embarked on a personal quest for healing and self-discovery. Like many people, I faced challenges and transitions in my life that left me searching for deeper meaning and a sense of balance. This search led me to explore various holistic practices, from energy healing and meditation to salt therapy and spiritual guidance. Over time, I found that these practices not only helped me heal but also awakened a passion within me to help others do the same.

With this passion as my guide, I founded Salt Vault Wellness Center – a holistic wellness co-op located in downtown Colorado Springs. Our center is more than just a place for physical healing; it’s a sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit can come together in harmony. We offer a wide range of services, including Salt Cave Halotherapy, Marconic Energy Healing, Sound Therapy, and a carefully curated selection of local vendor products, many of which are women-owned. We also have an in-house apothecary, Earth’s Elements Apothecary, run by our talented co-op partner, Celina Celeste, offering bulk herbs and personalized herbal consultations.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and sober environment where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re seeking relief from physical ailments, spiritual alignment, or simply a space to unwind, our center offers something for everyone. We’re proud to host several monthly events, workshops, and gatherings that foster community and personal growth.

The problems we solve for our clients go beyond the physical – we address the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Our services are designed to help individuals reconnect with their true selves, achieve a deeper sense of inner peace, and navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience. Whether it’s through a transformative Marconic Energy Healing session, the calming atmosphere of our Salt Cave, or the guidance provided in our spiritual coaching sessions, we aim to empower our clients to take charge of their own wellness journeys.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built at Salt Vault Wellness Center. Seeing our clients leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and more connected to themselves is the most rewarding part of what we do. We’ve created a space where people can come as they are, find support, and explore different modalities that resonate with their unique needs.

For potential clients and followers, the main thing I want you to know is that Salt Vault Wellness Center is here to support you in your journey toward holistic well-being. Whether you’re new to these practices or a seasoned wellness enthusiast, we’re here to provide the tools, guidance, and space you need to thrive. Our brand is rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and the belief that true wellness encompasses every aspect of your being – body, mind, and soul.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In January 2020, I made a significant life pivot that, in retrospect, set the stage for everything I’m doing today. For four years, I worked as a barber, and during that time, I developed strong connections with my clients—not just as their stylist, but often as an unofficial therapist. I enjoyed holding space for them, listening to their stories, and offering guidance where I could. But as much as I loved this aspect of my work, I began to feel a deep, internal pull to serve in a different way—a bigger way. I knew it was time to step away from the beauty industry, even though I wasn’t entirely sure what my next step would be.

Trusting my instincts, I made the difficult decision to leave the barbering world in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit. Around the same time, my husband and I visited New Mexico, where we experienced our first salt cave. That visit planted a seed in my mind—the idea for a wellness center that could help people heal and find balance on a deeper level. It was a profound moment of clarity that came at the perfect time.

Then, the world changed. By March 2020, we were in lockdown due to the pandemic, and I suddenly found myself with the “free time” to reflect and recalibrate my life. I used that time to reconnect with myself, build new habits, and focus on becoming the best version of myself. It was a period of intense personal growth, where I let go of what no longer served me and embraced a new path.

Once the lockdown ended, I took on a job at a smoothie bar, believing it aligned with my newfound commitment to health and wellness. But I quickly realized that working for someone else no longer fulfilled me. Around this time, I also started a side gig cleaning houses with a friend, and I remember clearly the day I made more money cleaning in one day than I did in two weeks at the smoothie bar. That was the turning point. I decided I would no longer work for someone else—I was going to build something of my own, no matter what it took.

I threw myself into building my cleaning business, gradually growing it to the point where I had to hire staff to meet the demand. That business has supported me financially since 2020, allowing me the freedom to pursue my passion for wellness. Now, as I focus on Salt Vault Wellness Center and the personal services I offer, I’m preparing to hand off my cleaning clients to another company, fully committing to this new chapter in my life.

This journey of pivoting from the barber industry to building my own wellness center and cleaning company has taught me the power of trusting your instincts, taking bold leaps of faith, and being open to where life leads you. It wasn’t an easy path, but it’s one that has brought me immense fulfillment and growth.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience often comes from the most challenging experiences, and for me, that journey began when my husband and I decided to open our first wellness center in partnership with another business owner in Colorado Springs. We were excited about the potential of this collaboration, believing it would be a successful venture. In December 2022, we opened the doors of Salt Vault Wellness Center, with high hopes of creating a space where people could find healing and balance.

However, as time passed, it became clear that our partner’s priorities were not aligned with ours. While we were deeply committed to helping people and building a supportive community, our partner was more focused on making money. Of course, financial success is important, but we knew that in the wellness industry, the heart of the business must be about genuinely caring for people.

By April-May 2023, it became apparent that this partnership was not sustainable. We made the difficult decision to dissolve the partnership and walk away from the location we had invested so much time and energy into. It was incredibly hard to let go of something we had built, especially knowing how much work I had personally put into creating a community there. But we knew it was the right decision for our values and our vision.

Despite the disappointment, my husband and I didn’t let this experience hold us back. We focused on our other businesses, using the time to regroup and plan our next steps. By August 2023, just a few months later, we found a new location in downtown Colorado Springs that felt like the perfect fit for our vision. We were thrilled to have a fresh start and didn’t let the previous setback taint our excitement or determination.

Opening the new Salt Vault Wellness Center was a chance to do things differently, and I felt more prepared than ever. The lessons I learned from our first location—what worked, what didn’t, and how to stay true to our mission—were invaluable. We had a soft opening in October 2023, followed by a ribbon-cutting and grand opening on November 11th. It was a triumphant moment that symbolized not just the opening of a new chapter, but the strength and resilience it took to get there.

I am incredibly grateful that we didn’t give up. My husband and I used that challenging experience as fuel to keep going, and it brought us to where we are today. I’m also thankful for the unwavering support of my husband and business partner, who believed in our vision every step of the way. This journey taught me that resilience is about putting your pride aside, learning from your experiences, and staying committed to your values—even when the road gets tough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saltvaultwellnesscenter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltvaultwellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltvaultwellness