We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Indiana Madrid a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Indiana, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the beauty and wellness industry is managing overhead costs while maintaining high-quality service and products. Rent, utilities, equipment, and product expenses can quickly add up, especially for small, independently owned spas like M Spa. Additionally, demand for beauty treatments can fluctuate, as they are often seen as a luxury, leading to inconsistent revenue streams.

For example, at M Spa, construction delays significantly impacted profitability. The longer-than-expected buildout postponed our grand opening, preventing us from generating revenue while still incurring operational costs like marketing and staffing. Offering top-tier products like Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts and Allergen requires upfront investment, but it’s essential for brand integrity and client satisfaction.

I also think showing up every day, whether or not there is a client, is one of the biggest hurdles. Consistency is key and is the only way to be successful in the beauty industry. Building a loyal clientele takes time and persistence, but maintaining a daily presence is crucial for long-term growth and profitability.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Indiana Madrid, the owner of M Spa in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. My journey into the beauty industry started after my college soccer career, when I discovered my passion for skincare and aesthetics. I was inspired by my mentor, Marti Hutchison, who has been a trailblazer in the beauty industry for over 15 years. Her influence, along with my desire to help others feel confident in their skin, motivated me to open M Spa in Enchanted Hills, where I offer a range of advanced skincare services.

At M Spa, we specialize in treatments like microneedling, acne treatment, dermaplaning, hair restoration, and radiofrequency skin tightening. We also offer professional-grade skincare products, including Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts, which are designed to help clients maintain healthy, glowing skin. Our goal is to solve skin concerns ranging from acne and signs of aging to overall skin maintenance, helping clients feel their best.

What sets M Spa apart is our commitment to both education and personalized care. Not only do I provide advanced treatments, but I’m also passionate about educating clients and fellow aestheticians on the latest skincare techniques and products. I’ve always believed that skincare goes beyond just the treatments we offer—it’s about helping people build confidence and empowering them through education. I love mentoring others in the industry, whether they’re new aestheticians or seasoned professionals seeking to expand their knowledge.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built at M Spa. Growing up in Bernalillo, I’ve always had strong ties to this area, and opening M Spa here has allowed me to give back to the community I love. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive space where both men and women can come to feel empowered and confident in their beauty.

For anyone who hasn’t visited us yet, I want you to know that M Spa is more than just a place to get skincare treatments. It’s a space where we truly care about each person who walks through our doors. We take the time to understand your unique needs and customize treatments to help you reach your skincare goals. Whether you’re dealing with specific concerns or just looking to enhance your overall glow, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle did turn into my full-time business and career, and it’s been an incredible journey. I initially started in the beauty industry while working other jobs, doing skincare consultations and treatments on the side. At that time, it was more of a passion project, something I enjoyed while helping people with their skin concerns. My love for skincare grew from personal experiences with my own skin issues and the desire to learn how to treat them effectively. I found that many people in my community had similar struggles but didn’t know where to turn for real solutions.

One of the key milestones that pushed me to go full-time was when I realized the impact I was making on my clients. The feedback I was getting was so positive, and word of mouth began to spread. Clients started to come back not just for treatments but for the education and personalized care I provided. I also began to dive deeper into advanced skincare techniques and products, which allowed me to expand my offerings.

The decision to open M Spa was a pivotal moment. Initially, it was a leap of faith, but I knew I wanted to create a space where I could not only offer advanced treatments but also build a community focused on empowerment and confidence. Securing the location in Enchanted Hills and going through the construction process were major milestones. It took patience, but it allowed me to create a space that reflected my vision.

Scaling M Spa to where it is today involved key partnerships with industry experts and brands like Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts, which helped elevate the quality of services we offer. Another significant milestone was expanding my role as an educator. Teaching other aestheticians and offering product knowledge training has been a fulfilling part of the business’s growth.

Every step along the way, from offering treatments as a side hustle to building a full-time business, has been driven by my passion for helping people feel confident in their own skin. Looking back, I can see how each small decision—whether it was investing in new equipment, attending educational workshops, or just showing up for my clients—helped grow the business into what it is today.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is essential for the success of any business, especially in the beauty and wellness industry, where client satisfaction depends heavily on the team’s performance and energy. Here’s some advice that has worked for me at M Spa:

1. Lead by Example: As the business owner, your team looks to you for guidance. Be the standard for professionalism, work ethic, and attitude. If you show up every day with a positive mindset and a passion for your work, your team will likely follow suit.

2. Communication is Key: Open and transparent communication is crucial. Make sure your team feels heard and valued. Regular check-ins and team meetings are a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page and to address any concerns before they become bigger issues.

3.Recognize and Celebrate Wins: Recognize your team’s hard work and celebrate both big and small achievements. Whether it’s hitting sales goals, receiving positive client feedback, or simply seeing improvement in a particular skill, acknowledging these milestones helps boost morale and encourages continuous growth.

4.Create a Supportive Environment: Your team needs to feel supported, both professionally and personally. Make it clear that you are there for them, whether it’s through mentorship, helping them improve their skills, or providing flexibility when personal matters arise.

5. Provide Opportunities for Growth: In the beauty industry, staying current on trends and techniques is essential. Offering continuous education and training not only helps your business stay competitive but also keeps your team engaged and motivated. Encourage your staff to learn new skills, attend workshops, or even take on new responsibilities that align with their strengths and interests.

6. Foster a Positive Workplace Culture: The culture of your spa or salon should be one where everyone feels included and respected. Encourage teamwork, kindness, and collaboration. A positive work environment naturally leads to higher morale and better client experiences.

7. Be Flexible and Understanding: Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Being flexible and showing understanding when your team members face challenges creates loyalty and reduces stress. A compassionate leader can foster a more committed and motivated team.

8. Set Clear Expectations and Provide Feedback: Clarity in roles and expectations helps avoid confusion and frustration. Regular feedback is also important for growth. Be constructive with feedback but also encourage what they are doing well to help them feel confident in their roles.

Maintaining high morale requires consistent effort, but when your team feels appreciated, supported, and empowered, they’re more likely to deliver great results, provide excellent service, and stay engaged with their work. This ultimately leads to a more successful and harmonious business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mspaandsalon.com
• Instagram: @mspa_enchanted hills
• Facebook: M Spa Bernalillo

Image Credits

Amberlynn Photography