We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meredith Featherstone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Meredith, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business, Enlightened Esthetics, began to take shape during a period of personal transformation. As an Esthetician, I had spent years working in an environment that no longer felt aligned with my values or passions. It became clear that I wasn’t growing or thriving there, and I started feeling a strong pull to create something for myself. Around the same time, I saw friends and family members stepping out and starting their own businesses, which was inspiring. It made me wonder, “What if I could do the same?” I didn’t have a clear picture yet of what my business would look like, but I began writing down my thoughts—ideas about what I loved, what I wanted to offer, and the vision I had for creating a space where people could feel both seen and nurtured. As I continued to feel the shift in my work environment, it became undeniable that I needed to make a change. The atmosphere at my job was deteriorating, and I realized that staying there would only hold me back from what I truly wanted to do. At the same time, I was searching for a new direction and a place where I could share my gifts and build something more meaningful. I began looking for studio spaces that would allow me to bring my vision to life. When I found the right location, it felt like a sign to take the plunge. Even though I wasn’t sure if my clients would follow me, I decided to take the leap and leave my job at the end of 2023. This wasn’t an easy decision—there was a lot of fear and uncertainty, but I knew that the only way to move forward was to trust myself and the process. Making this shift meant confronting my own doubts and working through a lot of mental blocks. I had to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace the idea of stepping into something new and unknown.
As I navigated through those challenges, I began to see a larger vision. This wasn’t just about building a business—it was about creating a space that seamlessly combined skincare with spiritual wellness in a way I had never encountered before. This vision led to the creation of Enlightened Esthetics, where I could truly honor my authentic self, share my gifts and offer something unique to the industry. It became clear that my passion for beauty and wellness could merge into a holistic environment where clients not only improved their skin’s appearance but also felt more centered and emotionally rejuvenated.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always been passionate about skincare and taking care of others, but I never really knew a career in this field was an option until someone mentioned it to me while I was exploring other career paths. Once I heard about it, I knew I had to learn more, and after touring several schools, I found the Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, which felt like the perfect fit. I graduated in 2011, and from that moment, I became deeply passionate about both the art and science of skincare.
Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of spa settings, gaining experience with different services, techniques, and modalities. It was through this hands-on experience that I realized my true passion wasn’t just about improving my clients’ skin—it was about helping them relax, unwind, and reconnect with themselves. I’ve always felt that true beauty goes beyond the surface, and I wanted to create a space that nurtured not only healthy skin but also inner peace, self-acceptance, and confidence.
One thing I noticed about the beauty industry is how it often profits by making people, especially women, feel insecure or pressured to meet unrealistic standards. That wasn’t something I wanted to be a part of. Instead, I wanted to create a space where clients could feel seen and accepted for who they are, a place where they could nurture their skin while also embracing and accepting themselves as they are.
My approach is all about holistic self-care. I don’t just focus on treating the skin; I focus on the whole person. I offer non-invasive treatments with little to no downtime, including services like dermaplaning, chemical peels, enzyme facials, microdermabrasion, and oxygen treatments—all designed to enhance skin health while also promoting relaxation. Additionally, I incorporate upper body and facial massage techniques, acupressure, and gua sha tools to help release tension and restore balance.
One aspect that truly sets my services apart is the inclusion of crystal healing, which I offer as an add-on after facials. This form of energy work allows me to help balance the body’s energy flow using crystals placed on specific areas that may be holding blockages. I intuitively choose crystals based on what I sense my clients need, with the intention of bringing harmony to both body and mind. My goal is to help my clients connect with higher frequencies and encourage them to go within to create positive changes in their lives. To further enhance this process, I may guide them in pulling an oracle card, offering a tool for reflection and self-discovery to continue their journey of healing even after the session ends.
I’m also incredibly proud of the community I’ve built through my work. I offer monthly memberships to support ongoing self-care, and I’m thrilled to be able to help my clients make self-care a priority in their lives. What excites me most is seeing how my clients feel after our sessions—not just because their skin is glowing, but because they’ve also taken the time to care for their mental and emotional well-being. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m making a difference in people’s lives, not just through beauty treatments, but through offering a space where they can feel truly at peace with themselves.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: I want to help my clients feel good in their own skin—inside and out. I believe that when we take the time to care for ourselves, we can show up as our best selves for those around us.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been referrals from my regular clients. This is a huge compliment, as it shows that they trust me and value my services enough to recommend me to their friends and family. It really reinforces the strong relationships I’ve built with them. Additionally, I’ve also gained new clients through my social media presence, particularly Instagram, where I share updates and engage with my audience. Being part of a few online community groups has also been beneficial in connecting with new people who are looking for my services. These channels have helped me grow my client base while fostering trust and community.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I keep in touch with clients by ensuring they book their next appointment before leaving the current one. This approach helps to maintain a steady flow of business. Additionally, I utilize my scheduling software to send out reminders and special offers via email and text messages, keeping clients informed and engaged. I also make sure to stay active on social media. These platforms allows me to get creative, showcase my work, and share updates about new offerings, promotions, and specials. It’s a fun way to connect with clients, remind them to book their next appointment, and build excitement about upcoming services. Through consistent communication and engaging content, I’m able to nurture relationships and foster brand loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/enlightenedesthetics
- Instagram: enlightenedesthetics_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/152UJTYvPT/
