Conversations with the Inspiring Rachelle Sayer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Sayer.

Rachelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story began two decades ago when I went to an Aveda Salon for the very first time in Hot Springs, AR. One of the services they provide is a free make-up touch-up when you are done with your hair service. I decided to try it. The girl who worked with me was young and full of life and so happy to be doing what she did for a living. She was beautiful and I was in awe of her. She made everything seem so effortless. She told me she thought I would be good at it… and should consider training with Aveda.

Life went on and fast forward to 10 years later and I was now a divorced Mom with a son to now consider. I had my own house cleaning business so that I could work around my son’s school schedule. I was determined to become an Aesthetician!!! I looked into every school available and chose the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and Natural Aesthetics in Tempe. As I was getting registered they offered me the opportunity to also receive my license for massage… seemed like a no brainer for me. I’m so thankful I did because as classes began in Aesthetics, I realized just how much I loved the massage part. I am a natural nurturer, so this allowed me to be in my wheelhouse.
After school, I had my own space where I rented a room from a Chiropractor. And soon after that, I found the home I currently live in which has a room where I can have a home office. And thus, The Bungalow Spa began. Bungalow means home… and my style is a mix of cottage and vintage… a natural fit!! And more recently, I got my LLC and added the Boutique side of things because I love selling the vintage things I find while thrifting as well as some items I’ve curated from local vendors. My online Etsy and Instagram accounts have allowed me to connect with folks from all around the world. I have been able to help women who live out of state, with their skin. Helping to guide them with beneficial products and find local Aestheticians.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been all wine and roses. I needed financial aid to pay for school and had to take night classes which made for very long days at times. But I knew it was worth it. I’ve always tried to have a variety of body products to offer my clients as well. It took me a long time to weed through some brands that were not a good fit for my overall goals. I am SO happy to report that I currently am working with some of the most amazing women who are local brands producing amazing products and are women of integrity and just flat out crazy talented!!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Bungalow Spa and Boutique story. Tell us more about the business.
One aspect I love most about working from home and being my own boss is being able to pull from my toolbox anything I want during a given facial treatment or massage. I am NOT a la carte! I don’t stick to a 50, 55 or 60 min schedule unless I know for sure the client needs me to. If a client comes to me for say, a facial, if I want to spend an extra 10 minutes on their feet or scalp massage or face massage… I do!! I don’t up-charge for extra services that I feel are necessary, such as hot rocks or cupping. I customize every facial and massage with the addition of using products from Lotus Wei. I want to take my treatments to the next level, by using these flower essences which are bio-energetic infusions of flowers that work with the body’s acupuncture meridian system to enhance clarity, peace, and happiness. I want each and every client to leave my home feeling like they are a part of my inner-circle and a part of my home. I want them to feel so nurtured and beautiful and on the road to healing, if it was that sort of massage treatment. Even if all a client came in for was waxing, they will hopefully leave feeling like not just the next in line. I do not have an environment that feels sterile and cold… it is warm and playful and inviting!! There is only one of me, nobody has my touch, my heart, and my passion… I have to trust in that!! Even down to details like sending a client home with fresh flowers from my own yard in a vintage vase I’ve thrifted.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Thankfully, my industry if FULL of women… and women in roles of leadership and ownership. It’s a wonderful career for women. In my industry of aesthetics and massage, I have never personally dealt with, nor heard others discussing barriers for a woman. The Spa industry is so led by women… beautiful, intelligent, caring woman.

Pricing:

• 1-hour Therapeutic Massage – $60 and up by the minute (I specialize in many modalities)
• Peels and Facials – $65 (each treatment specialized)
• Dermaplaning – $65+ depending if paired w/ a peel

Contact Info:

• Phone: 602-432-7471
• Email: thebungalowspa@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @the_bungalow_spa_and_boutique
• Other: http://leetielovendale.com/bungalowspa

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