We recently connected with Mercedes Valencia and have shared our conversation below.
Mercedes, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Amid the pandemic’s uncertainty, as Harvard’s hallowed halls transitioned to virtual corridors, and the prospect of returning to the office seemed a distant future, I found my sanctuary in the sun-kissed embrace of Florida. It was during this introspective period that I turned to social media, not just as a platform, but as a canvas to paint strokes of motivation and positivity for souls tethered to their homes. Yet, amidst my narrative of upliftment, an unexpected chorus arose – inquiries about the secret behind my radiant skin.
I confided in my rapidly blossoming community about my bespoke skincare concoctions, born from my own battle with skin sensitivities. The revelation sparked a curiosity, a demand that couldn’t be ignored. So, I took the plunge and introduced my labor of love, the Goddess Elixir beauty oil. The response was meteoric – the initial batch vanished in less than 24 hours, setting in motion a whirlwind of creation and inspiration.
As the months unfurled, so did the intensity, leading me to a crossroads: the security of my job or the wild, uncharted territories of entrepreneurship. Venturing into self-employment was daunting, a path veiled in uncertainty, yet it beckoned with an irresistible allure. The decision crystallized, and the results were nothing short of miraculous. In one month, my venture eclipsed what would have been a year’s worth at my erstwhile job.
The journey didn’t stop there. It rekindled an old flame – my passion for aesthetics, a craft I dabbled in during the halcyon days of my twenties with a cosmetology license in hand. This renewed pursuit was met with open arms; my career as an esthetician flourished, adorned with high-profile clients, a transformative internship with Shani Darden, and the honor of becoming an ambassador for Zemits. Looking back, embracing this journey wasn’t just a decision, it was the prelude to a destiny that unfurled like a blooming rose, each petal a testament to a dream pursued with heart and soul. It was, unequivocally, the best leap I ever took.
Mercedes, 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?
Nestled in the heart of Lake Mary, FL, my private studio stands as a testament to a journey of empowerment and self-discovery, embodied through Master Thyself Skincare. This brand, my pride and creation, goes beyond the surface, offering a deeply personal narrative of embracing individuality and harnessing inner strength.
Each product under the Master Thyself Skincare line is a labor of love, meticulously handcrafted by me, ensuring every batch resonates with the purity of all-natural ingredients. But the essence of my creations doesn’t just lie in their physical composition; it’s infused with the spiritual energy of prayer and the harmonious vibrations of sound healing. As I meticulously blend each concoction, I instill a part of my soul into it, ensuring that what you receive is not just skincare but a sacred elixir, designed to nurture both your skin and spirit.
From my early ventures as a Reiki Master and Meditation Coach to the vibrant days of hair and facial experiments in Miami, my path has been a tapestry of rich, varied experiences. The intricate dance of ingredients and their harmonies was unveiled to me in my dalliance with pharmacy, a realm where I not only understood the science of compounds but also embraced the art of healing.
In my studio, every facial is a narrative, a unique story woven specifically for the individual, with Zemits devices and products serving as my instruments of choice. My dedication to authenticity and excellence is unwavering. Each session is sanctified with an intention, a silent invocation that ushers in an ambiance of healing and serenity.
As a Sound Bath Facilitator, the symphonies of healing resonate beyond the confines of my studio, enriching my social media presence and setting my brand apart. But my mission transcends the superficial; it’s about nurturing a glow that emanates from within, ensuring that every interaction, whether on my treatment table, through a screen, or at an event, is a catalyst for love, empowerment, and profound beauty.
Master Thyself Skincare isn’t merely about transformation; it’s a movement, a celebration of every individual’s potential to radiate, both inwardly and outwardly. It’s a narrative steeped in love, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of beauty in its most authentic and holistic form.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My journey, a narrative of resilience, has been a series of profound trials and triumphs, each chapter shaping the person I am today. The ordeal began with two C-sections, each a testament to life’s fragility and strength. The aftermath was a dire confrontation with my own mortality, culminating in an emergency hysterectomy at 29 after giving birth to my second son, a pivotal moment that redefined my perspective on life and health.
Emerging from this harrowing experience, I was determined to reclaim my well-being. Overcoming the weight gain that had burdened me for so long, I marked my resurgence with the Boston Marathon in 2018, a milestone that symbolized not just physical fitness but a profound mental and emotional victory.
However, life’s rhythm is often unpredictable. In a cruel twist of fate, right after celebrating this monumental achievement, I was faced with the daunting reality of having a tumor removed. This unexpected setback threatened to undo all the progress I had made, casting a shadow over the hard-won strides I had taken toward health and vitality.
Yet, in the face of adversity, my spirit remained unyielding. Turning a personal challenge into a public commitment, I shared my weight loss journey openly with my community, transforming a battle into a beacon of hope and inspiration. This journey, 75 pounds lighter and infinitely stronger, is a testament not only to personal resilience but also to the collective strength and support of the community that has been with me every step of the way.
My dedication to the gym and Pilates is not merely about fitness; it’s a celebration of life’s preciousness, a commitment to every hurdle overcome, and an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. This transformation is a daily source of inspiration, a narrative of courage, empowerment, and an unwavering resolve to face life’s challenges head-on and emerge not just victorious, but revitalized and profoundly connected to a community that embodies the true power of unity and support.
Can you tell us a little more about the products you make and what makes your facials special?
At the core of my brand, Master Thyself Skincare, lies a profound commitment to purity, quality, and personal touch. Every product I craft is a labor of love, meticulously created by hand using only the finest natural ingredients. This dedication ensures that each item not only meets the highest standards of skincare but also carries a touch of personal care and attention that only handcrafted products can offer.
My facials are renowned for their bespoke nature. Having been mentored by Shani Darden, I bring a slice of Hollywood and Beverly Hills right to my clients, no matter where they are. This touch of luxury, combined with a deep understanding of skincare, allows me to tailor every facial to the individual’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized experience that is as effective as it is indulgent.
But my mission goes beyond just providing top-tier skincare. I’m passionate about empowering others, sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years. This is why I’m thrilled to announce an upcoming course designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those talented in crafting with their hands. This course isn’t just about building a business; it’s about nurturing talent, fostering growth, and creating a community where success is a collective achievement.
With Master Thyself Skincare, it’s always about adding value, uplifting those around me, and ensuring that every lesson I learn is passed on. Whether through my products, facials, or educational endeavors, my goal is to enrich lives, one person, one experience at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vitalbytm.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theunicorngoddess?igshid=YWJ6YXd0ajhhbHps
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@masterthyselfskincare?si=8Skg04-msKP1AMLe
- Other: MasterThyselfSkincare.com
Image Credits
Just one for Getty Images which is the red carpet from the tiktok event