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

Hi Marci, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I was 49 when I decided to attend esthetics school. At the time, I was working at a bank, which felt stifling to my creative spirit—there’s not much room for creativity in banking! Receiving facials was a key part of my self-care routine, and one day while lying on the table, I realized how much I would love giving facials myself. I had wanted to pursue esthetics in my 20s, but it just wasn’t the right time. That day, I told my husband about my decision, and while his initial response was a no, by the end of the week we had plans for my little backyard spa. Within two months, I was enrolled in school, and five months later, I graduated as a basic esthetician. The spa was completed within the year. Built from the ground up by a supportive husband.

I’m a holistic esthetician, which is quite rare in my area. I use all-natural products, I have my own apothecary, and am passionate about helping women age naturally and beautifully. Holistic care means there are no quick fixes; it is seeing yourself as a whole. In a society that often favors instant solutions, my all-natural approach means I attract the right clientele who appreciate what I offer. Thankfully, my business partner (my husband) and I understood from the beginning that my business would take time to grow. The right clients find me, but it’s a slower, more organic process.

Women taking time for themselves is something I am passionate about. I love providing a safe and inviting space for women to do just that! I focus on facials & foot treatments that are relaxing and filled with all of the good energy I can provide. My little space is cozy & warm and just the right place to come pamper yourself.

Leaving a stable job to pursue a holistic and age embracing approach to skincare in an industry focused on anti-aging has been a series of risks. Despite the uncertainty of building something new, I wouldn’t change a thing. Even if these risks don’t lead to a booming business, I’ve embraced the paths I truly wanted to follow. I believe they are the right choices for me. I will never regret just following my heart and taking the chance.

Marci, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a 52 year old woman, I truly feel like this season in life is a gift. Something clicks in your 50’s, the things that used to matter so much kind of fall away. My life experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate and empathetic person, allowing me to listen and create a non-judgmental space for women. This environment helps them feel comfortable showing up as their true selves. We all need more places like that. I honor the opportunity I have been given to provide that for women.

I entered esthetics for reasons beyond just skin care. While I love helping you care for your skin, my ultimate goal is to provide a space for women to truly take time to care for themselves. Not in a traditional spa sense, something deeper. I want you to leave my space feeling genuinely cared for, empowered to show up for yourself. My aim is for that hour to be a meaningful experience, not just a facial or pedicure.

Find Your Wild Heart is my mother company, and Wild Heart Aesthetics is a part of something bigger. I also have Wild Heart Alchemy, my new line of all-natural products. I’m starting small with bath soaks and simmer pots, gradually expanding the line. My brand focuses on helping women reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been lost along the way. I’m passionate about empowering women to care for themselves, both body and soul. From full moon gatherings to a natural apothecary that allows me to create custom facials, I offer something for everyone. And if you can’t join us in person, you can still experience a bit of the spa with our products shipped directly to you from our website.

When women step into my space, I want them to feel that it has been prepared just for them. Every detail has been carefully curated to create that experience. The treatments are personalized, and they receive my full attention in a warm and inviting environment. With no interruptions and no waiting clients, I’m able to offer my best every time.

I provide an experience that stands out in our busy world: slow, uninterrupted, tailor-made, and deeply relaxing. Our tagline is “Pamper, Indulge, Relax,” and every thought goes into ensuring you receive that level of care.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

We understood from the start that our business would need to grow organically. I realized that my most powerful marketing tool is word of mouth, which obviously requires a solid client base. The growth has been slow, and I’ve had to maintain my enthusiasm even when giving up seemed like the easier option. Honestly, I believe that if I want this business to succeed, resilience isn’t just a choice—it’s essential.

Any advice for managing a team?

As a solo esthetician, I am my entire team. It’s crucial for me to invest time in my own growth as a business owner. I’ve built friendships with other holistic estheticians across the country, creating a supportive network within my industry. Connecting with other women has been incredibly beneficial.

Investing in group coaching calls was a great decision; I can’t recommend finding a good coach enough. While I couldn’t work one-on-one with someone, the group sessions turned out to be very helpful. I’ve also realized the importance of taking time to enjoy life. Running a one-woman show can be overwhelming, and burnout is a real concern. Small businesses can easily consume your life if you let them, so it’s important to carve out time for yourself.

I love the mountains and camping—unplugging for a few days is just what I need to recharge my enthusiasm. Simply putting my phone away for the weekend can be a game changer. Remember why you wanted to start your own business; flexibility to live life was likely one of those reasons. Don’t miss out on living because you let your business take over.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildheartaesthetic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheart_aesthetics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildheartaesthetics
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-welcker-7443b644/

Image Credits

Angie Monson – headshot
Bev Robinson – photo of space