We recently connected with Melissa Poley and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Risk-taking often gets a bad reputation, but for me, it’s actually about embracing my authentic self and aligning my actions with who I truly am. Whether it’s opening a business, navigating the difficult path of divorce, renting to people, or incorporating new ideas and services into my business, each decision might seem risky on the surface, but it’s a step toward being true to myself. These risks are not just about potential gains or losses; they’re about rediscovering my purpose and reclaiming the freedom to shape my life and my business the way I’ve always envisioned. It’s about breaking free from fear and leaning into growth, making choices that resonate with my core values, and allowing myself to evolve along the way. Every bold move brings me closer to the real me, reminding me that stepping into the unknown is often the most authentic journey of all.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been an Esthetician for 23 years and have owned a whole body wellness spa in Clive, Iowa for 12 years! The services I offer and overall client experience is what makes Serendipity so much different compared to your average spa! While I do offer facials, top of the line skincare treatments, and products, I like to dive a lot deeper and figure out the root of your problems so you can not only heal your body, but also your mind and spirit.

I originally got into the industry because I have always had a passion for makeup, skincare, and truly loved just helping others so I decided that Esthetics was the best way to go. It was really new at the time, there was actually only 1 esthetician school in Iowa. I worked at for some of the top plastic surgeons in the Des Moines area for 11 years and then decided it was time to go on my own and that’s when I opened Serendipity Spa!

The biggest problem I see in the industry is bandaids. A lot of practitioners use or people just want a quick solution instead of trying to find the underlying problem. You see the problem with bandaids is that they are only temporary. If you want real results, you have to look further. You need to find the root. This applies to anything from acne, mental health, physical health, your outlook on life, energy, you name it. That’s why at the spa, we don’t prioritize the body over the mind and soul. It is all connected. Taking the time to slow down, reflect, and learn how to heal from the inside out are some of the best things we can do to truly be the best version of ourselves. The only way to solve this problem is through education and access. Educating my clients, other practitioners, our online community, and offering services that tend to all 3 aspects is what makes the biggest difference. Because once you start to heal and see the results, it becomes addicting bettering yourself.

I’m most proud of the growth in myself, in my business, and my clients over the past 7 years. I want my fans and clients to know that no matter what happens in life or how old you are there it’s never to late to press the reset button and live your best life. What matters most is the willingness to grow, take risks, and live authentically you.

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

This past year has really shaped my outlook personally and professionally. You could say it was the most challenging year of my life. I went through a divorce, my mom got diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, I was and am still navigating the feelings of teenage kids during a divorce and teenage kids in general, and change in my business structure. All of this was stacked on at once and I’ve never felt the world weighing on my shoulders like that before. But it was all part of the Universe’s plan. It made me stronger and gave me even more purpose. As I’ve gone through these hard transitions, I always learn something in the process. I’ve learned how to see the blessings in the pain.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A pattern that I’ve struggled with is people pleasing especially when it came to renting space at my spa. I’ve always helped my renters in every way I could in pursuit of the success of their business as I’ve been in the same shoes of starting my own business from the ground up. After 11 years of owning Serendipity, I’ve realized the only thing people pleasing did in my choosing renters was negatively impact my mental health, helped me ignore red flags, and not stand up for myself. I am beginning to realize that my validation doesn’t need to come from anyone else, but myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.serendipityspadsm.com
• Instagram: @serendipityspadesmoines
• Facebook: @Serendipity Spa
• Other: Tik Tok – @serendipityspadsm

Image Credits

Kaydence DeWoody – Muse Marketing @muse_marketing_