January 30, 2017

Meet Natalie Michele of NRxSKIN

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Michele.

Natalie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been in Los Angeles’ beauty and spa industry over 15 years, working for international spas, doctors and wellness clinics. This industry actually put me through college while I studied Business Finance. After college, I landed a great position in a large New York financial institute, but it wasn’t fulfilling. Deep down, I’m a caretaker and educator. I really missed forming those deep connections with the people I took care of and teaching them about their skin. I missed problem-solving and changing lives in the process. So I jumped back into the industry determined to create my version of what a luxury skincare brand meant to me: personable service and a professional product line that uses effective, highly active ingredients while remaining affordable. I can’t believe I’m living in my true passion, and honestly, I don’t work because I have to. I work because it sets my heart on fire. I feel completely motivated by this being my zen. It’s an honor to take care of others through education and love, and my client and fellow estheticians testimonies demonstrate how effective my method is… Yes, I’m the Esthetician’s Esthetician!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
First off, the beauty industry gets a bad rap. Lots of people snub skincare and facials as being superficial, luxury ways to flush your money down the toilet. But it simply isn’t true! Skin is often overlooked in preventative care, yet many cultures around the world practice skincare to improve health and prevent problems down the road. You don’t have to have acne, wrinkles, brown spots or skin cancer to care for your skin! Often, our skin is our body’s way of communicating what is going on inside. I help people learn how to change their diet, exercise, stress levels and daily routines based on what their skin is communicating. Your skin is the largest detox organ, and it speaks volumes of what is currently happening in your life and skin care routine. It’s amazing how simple changes improve my clients’ skin while affecting them in a positive way both mentally and emotionally. I’ve literally watched my clients become happier people because of changes to their skin.

But even with the knowledge and the experience I have, the hardest part of my journey was going out on my own. It’s hard to be a small business owner and a mom. I have many sleepless nights because I literally do everything – my own website, photography, social media, accounting, oh and of course I’m the grilled cheese sandwich maker for the little one. I’ve faced a lot of fears and challenges during this journey of being a small entrepreneur, and I’m sure I’ve got a lot more to conquer. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Nothing compares to living in your truth.

NRxSKIN – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Most clients who walk through my door are burnt out on cold doctor offices and impersonal luxury spas. When I began NRxSKIN, I wanted to fuse the benefits of a doctor’s office and the benefits of a luxury spa without the negative associations. NRxSKIN is tucked away in a private setting, and my clients love having a safe, quiet place where they can confide their skin problems and goals. They especially love forming a relationship with a provider who remembers them and keeps track of their skin’s trajectory alongside them.

Unlike most luxury spas, my clients never have to choose from a skincare menu and hope they picked the right facial for them. I carefully craft facials for each of my clients, consult them about their regimen and pair them with the right products for their skin. My facials can either be more clinical for recurring skin problems or more nurturing for when life has taken a toll and the skin just need some extra rejuvenation and TLC. Either way, I see my client as a whole person, taking into account their skin as well as current stress and lifestyle factors. They might have a pimple that needs to be addressed, but that pimple could also be caused by underlying stress and a few minutes of therapeutic touch is just as important as the topical treatment of their pimple. I always follow up with my clients to see how their skin is responding to their facial and regimen—what is working and what isn’t.

The way I choose to practice has been wildly successful. My clientele ranges from creatives in the entertainment industry to busy CEOs. Most of them are savvy about the beauty industry and have tried a wide variety of skincare trends before walking through my door. They love the breath of fresh air my studio offers, and they remain extremely loyal to my practice because it works.

What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.

As a child, I was extremely curious and adventurous. I wanted to know why things are they way they are. I experimented with everything I could get my hands on – food, clothes, art, thoughts and limitations. This only increased with age. My father is a very chilled-out parent, but I even got him a little worried from time to time with my inquisitive nature—by diving out of a plane, jumping off a cliff and shoe-string traveling to third world countries… I’m sure I’ll get a little payback from my son who is also a boundary pusher.

Pricing:

I encourage my first-time clients to try my NRxSKIN Custom Facial, a 60-minute facial tailored to their needs. During the facial, I evaluate their skin problems, discuss their skin goals, assess their current regimen and put them on the starting line for amazing skin!
I also offer 3 different “SkinCamp” packages for clients who want to visit weekly for maximum results in the shortest amount of time. It is a cost effective way to buy a bundle of facials at once.

Contact Info: