We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meghann Lawrence a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Meghann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I have been in the Health & Wellness industry since 1999, starting as a massage therapist, later becoming a partner in a multi-location spa and product company, and now running my own business with a clear strategy and vision. My journey has been shaped by hands-on experience with clients, a deep curiosity about natural healing, and a life-altering event that changed my perspective forever.
Years ago, I was in a serious car accident. The aftermath left me in pain, with few options outside of pharmaceuticals—something I didn’t want to rely on long-term. I found myself frustrated by the lack of practical, natural alternatives for pain relief and recovery. This experience shifted everything for me. I began exploring the power of botanicals, oils, and traditional healing modalities, seeking solutions that were both effective and practical for real people to use in their everyday lives. I knew that if I was searching for something better, so were others.
My travels to study massage and bodywork introduced me to ingredients and techniques that had been used for centuries but were often forgotten in modern formulations. Many of these remedies had stood the test of time—not because they were trendy, but because they worked. This knowledge, combined with my experience as a massage therapist, shaped my approach to product formulation.
What I found in both bodywork and skincare development was simple: people need practical solutions. They need products that don’t just smell good but actually deliver results. They need someone to educate them on why these ingredients matter, how they work, and why nature often holds the best answers. Every ingredient I use is thoroughly researched, inspired by my clients’ needs, and blended with purpose.
Many mass-produced products focus on fragrance and feel, but why is our skin still dry? Why do our muscles still ache? My mission is to create practical products that give noticeable, lasting results—without compromise. We believe in natural ingredients, but we also believe in science. The challenge is that science doesn’t always prioritize studying indigenous oils, herbs, and remedies that have been trusted for hundreds of years. But the wisdom exists. It’s about understanding how to blend these ingredients in a way that is synergistic, practical, and results-driven.
At the heart of my business is this belief: nature and science can coexist to create something truly effective. Practical solutions for real people—that’s what I do.
Meghann, 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?
For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Meghann Lawrence—massage therapist, skincare formulator, business owner, and all-around ingredient nerd. I’ve been in the Health & Wellness industry since 1999, working as a massage therapist in some of the most prestigious spas in the country, later becoming a partner in a multi-location spa and product company, and now running Practicality—my own line of thoughtfully crafted, results-driven body and skincare products.
I got into this industry because I’ve always been fascinated by how the body works and how natural ingredients can help support healing. My hands-on experience as a massage therapist showed me the power of touch, movement, and plant-based ingredients in promoting overall wellness. But my true “aha” moment came after a serious car accident. I was left in pain, with pharmaceuticals as my only option—and that didn’t sit well with me. I started researching traditional healing methods, oils, herbs, and minerals that had been used for centuries but weren’t commonly found in modern formulations. That research, combined with my knowledge of bodywork and skincare, led me to create Practicality—a brand focused on effective, science-backed, practical products for real people.
What I Do & What Problems I Solve
At Practicality, I formulate skincare and body care products that actually work. That may sound simple, but in a world filled with mass-produced, over-fragranced, underperforming products, it’s a real challenge. My clients come to me because they’re frustrated—they’re tired of dry skin, tired of muscle aches, tired of products that smell great but do nothing. They need practical solutions that give noticeable, lasting results.
Every product I create starts with a purpose. Whether it’s my Get Growing & Repair Hair Mask for healthier, stronger hair, my Magnesium Oil for muscle relief, or my Facial Cleansing Oil & Serum for glowing, nourished skin, each formula is built around high-quality, practical ingredients that have stood the test of time. I don’t chase trends—I chase results.
What Sets Me Apart
A Practitioner’s Perspective – Unlike big brands that formulate products in a lab far removed from real people, I create products based on direct experience with clients. I’ve worked with thousands of people over my career, and I know what works.
Nature + Science – I believe in the wisdom of nature, but I also respect science. Unfortunately, science doesn’t always prioritize researching indigenous oils, herbs, and minerals that have been used for centuries. That’s where I come in—I bridge that gap, combining traditional knowledge with what we do know from modern research to create products that deliver real results.
Ingredient Integrity – I obsess over ingredients. Every oil, butter, herb, and mineral I use is researched, tested, and chosen for its practical benefits. No fillers, no nonsense—just thoughtfully blended formulations that work.
A Personal Touch – When people buy from Practicality, they’re not just getting another product off a shelf. They’re getting something handcrafted with intention, knowledge, and care. I take the time to educate my clients on why the ingredients work so they feel empowered in their self-care.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
Honestly? The fact that Practicality has grown into something that genuinely helps people. When someone tells me that my Magnesium Oil changed their sleep, that my Facial Serum transformed their skin, or that my Get Growing & Repair Hair Mask gave them confidence in their hair again, that’s everything to me. I set out to create practical solutions for real people, and hearing that my products are making a difference—that’s the best feeling in the world.
What I Want People to Know:
If you’re tired of overpriced, underperforming skincare and body care products, you’re in the right place. Practicality is about getting back to what works—natural, effective, no-fuss formulations designed with real needs in mind. I’m not here to sell you 20 steps in your routine—I’m here to make sure the steps you do take actually matter.
So, whether you need something to nourish your skin, ease your muscles, or support your overall wellness, I’ve got you covered. Practicality is here to help you feel good in your skin—naturally, effectively, and, of course, practically.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I started in the Health & Wellness industry at a relatively young age, not really knowing where my career would take me. I just knew I loved working with people, and I was curious about the body’s ability to heal. After a serious car accident, I found myself searching for solutions beyond pharmaceuticals, which ultimately led me to massage therapy school. That’s where I discovered something life-changing—I wasn’t just good at massage, I was incredibly good at it. But beyond that, I learned that I was also really good at listening, learning, and understanding people’s needs. That combination allowed me to quickly rise in my career, earning leadership positions at luxury resorts as a trainer and lead massage therapist.
When I moved back to Seattle, I took a position at a high-end day spa and massage school. What started as a massage therapist role evolved into something much bigger—I became a partner. Managing operations, growing the business, and expanding into new locations became my world. Eventually, we opened a second location. At the time, I thought, this is it—this is my career, my future, my retirement plan.
But business, like life, has seasons. There are seasons of growth, ease, and abundance. And there are seasons of hardship, where money is tight, staffing is difficult, and communication becomes strained. As much as I had poured my heart into that business, I had to face a difficult truth: it wasn’t my future anymore.
I had to take a hard look at what would truly make me happy—what would give my family stability, what would allow me to do what I love without sacrificing my well-being. My husband and I made the bold decision to leave Seattle, a city we adored, for Nebraska—a place where life was slower, maybe even softer.
At first, I thought I had given up my dream. But in reality, my dream had simply shifted.
I started a massage business from scratch, knowing very few people. Within a short time, my books were full. But something unexpected happened—I realized I was capable of something even bigger. I started my own product line. And unlike before, this wasn’t just a business—it had a mission. Every product I created was inspired by the real needs of my clients (and myself).
Now, Practicality offers:
Pain relief products that are second to none.
Skincare that is simple and actually works.
Lotion that heals the dry, cracked skin that comes with Midwest winters.
A natural bug repellent that WORKS (!).
A salve that soothes bug bites, heals minor cuts, scratches, burns, and deeply nourishes excessively dry skin.
I believe that every season—both the easy and the hard ones—shaped where I am today. The hardest seasons, the ones that felt impossible to see past, were the ones that ultimately created the life and business I have now. Pivoting at 43 years old, with no clients, no leads, and no safety net, was terrifying. But in the end, I liked starting over on my terms.
At 47, I now ask: What do I see in my own skin? What do I see in my clients? What do we need, and how can I create something practical for us? That freedom—to listen, to create, to innovate—is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Starting over is scary. It’s exhausting just thinking about it. But for those of us with the heart of an entrepreneur, pivoting isn’t an option—it’s just what we do. And we always find a way to make it work.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is that success doesn’t require walking—or running—through a brick wall. In my first business partnership, I absorbed the belief that leadership had to be stern, rigid, and unyielding. I tried to emulate that, thinking it was the key to success, but the truth was—it didn’t resonate with me. It wasn’t my leadership style, and it wasn’t who I was.
Looking back, I see that I made mistakes because of it. I handled situations in ways that didn’t align with my values, and I regret the hurt I caused along the way. But the real lesson? You can be successful as a leader with softness, communication, and clear boundaries. Leadership isn’t about demanding—it’s about guiding. It’s about setting expectations with clarity and compassion. What works for someone else may not work for me, and that’s okay.
Instead of pushing through walls, I learned to look for the open door—the path that made more sense, the one that didn’t leave me bruised. I believe in education, and one of the most impactful experiences I had was taking a class through the SBA in Seattle. The instructor was open to our real-life questions, and I shared examples of challenges I had faced as a leader. Her feedback was a revelation. She emphasized communication, options, and honest feedback. Finding a middle ground.
That moment clicked for me. My leadership style isn’t about telling people what to do—it’s doing the work alongside them. If I’m unwilling to do certain tasks, how can I expect my team to? It’s a simple concept, but I see so many businesses where clear lines are drawn between owners, managers, and employees. I refuse to run my company that way. Leadership doesn’t have to be about dominance; it can be about partnership. And yes, it takes effort to strike a balance—softness without being steamrolled—but it can be done.
As a woman in business, there’s often this unspoken expectation that we have to lead with sternness to be taken seriously. But that’s just not true. We, like anyone, can lead with understanding and empathy while still being strong. Being approachable doesn’t mean being weak. It means fostering trust, collaboration, and a culture where people want to contribute.
I will never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. That is a core value in how I run my business.
If there’s one phrase that makes me cringe, it’s “we’ve always done it this way.” That mentality doesn’t work—it stifles growth and innovation. The world evolves, people evolve, and what they need from us evolves. If we don’t adapt, we get left behind.
That’s why I embrace change in every part of my business. I keep up with technology (and actually use it!). I search high and low for the best quality ingredients and packaging at the best price, even if it means things look a little different sometimes. I’m not afraid to pivot, experiment, and try new approaches.
Unlearning old habits, especially those ingrained in us through experience, isn’t easy. But the best thing I ever did was give myself permission to lead my way—with communication, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to creating something practical and purposeful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emeraldhealingartsapothecary.com
- Instagram: @practicalityskincare
- Facebook: @practicalityskin&bodycare
