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Support Kayla's Journey to Wellness Education

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Hello everyone, my name is Kayla, and I’m so thrilled to connect with all of you today! Whether you’ve known me for a while or are just hearing about me for the first time, I’m excited to share a bit of my story and why I’m reaching out for your support. By day, I’m a dedicated member of the Massage Envy team, where I’m able to work with clients and help them improve their well-being through personalized care. It’s a rewarding career, and it allows me to connect with so many people from different walks of life. But outside of my work life, there’s another side of me that’s deeply passionate about exploring the world, trying new recipes, and most importantly, cherishing the time I get to spend with my loved ones.

Self-care is something that I hold very close to my heart. It’s not just a buzzword for me – it’s been a personal journey that’s shaped the way I approach every day. I’m sure many of you can relate to the struggles we face when life gets tough, and for me, one of the biggest battles was with depression. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I didn’t know how I would make it through. But over time, I learned that self-care isn’t just a one-time act or a fleeting moment of peace. It’s an ongoing commitment to my own mental, emotional, and physical health, and it’s something that has been critical in helping me rise above challenges in life. It’s through my own healing that I came to realize just how transformative it can be for others as well.

With that in mind, I’ve decided to take a major step toward turning this passion into a lifelong career: I’ve enrolled in the American Academy of Esthetics to pursue my education in esthetics. This is a huge step for me, as it combines my love for wellness, my desire to help others, and my long-term goals of building a career that I truly feel connected to. Esthetics is more than just skincare or beauty – it’s about empowering people to feel good about themselves, helping them to feel rejuvenated and confident, and providing a space for individuals to take care of their body and mind.

While I’ve already enrolled in the program and I’m excited to get started, there’s still one major obstacle standing in the way of reaching my goal: the financial aspect. To complete my education at the American Academy of Esthetics, I need to raise $10,000 by February. I know that this is a big ask, but I’m determined to make it happen. My hope is that, with your help, I can take this leap forward toward a future where I not only build a career I’m passionate about but also use my knowledge to make a positive impact on others’ lives.

To understand why I’m so passionate about esthetics and the field of wellness, it’s important to first take a look at how self-care has impacted my life. As I mentioned, I’ve faced some difficult battles with depression in the past. Mental health is something that’s often overlooked or brushed aside, but for many of us, it’s one of the most critical factors in determining our overall well-being. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and that’s something I’ve come to realize firsthand. In my lowest moments, I felt like I had nothing left to give. But through a combination of therapy, reflection, and creating space for self-care practices, I slowly started to fill that cup back up.

Self-care has meant different things to me at different times, but at its core, it’s about giving myself permission to be kind to myself. It’s about finding ways to recharge, whether that means taking a long walk in nature, cooking a nourishing meal, or simply spending time with the people who lift me up. One of the most powerful self-care practices I’ve discovered is massage therapy – not only does it help relieve stress and tension, but it also provides me with a much-needed sense of relaxation and calm.

This is why I decided to pursue a career in esthetics. I want to be able to provide others with the same opportunities to care for themselves that I’ve found so helpful over the years. Whether it’s through skincare treatments, body treatments, or simply creating a calming environment for clients to relax and recharge, I believe that the work I’ll be doing as an esthetician can have a profound effect on others’ mental and physical health. I want to help people discover their own path to self-care, just as I have.

The decision to pursue esthetics didn’t come overnight. In fact, it was a culmination of years of personal reflection, experience, and growth. After working in the wellness industry for some time, I realized that I was ready to expand my knowledge and make a bigger impact. Massage Envy has been an incredible environment for me to learn and grow, but I realized that there was more I wanted to offer to my clients. I wanted to take the skills I already had and build on them with the expertise I could gain through formal education in esthetics.

When I discovered the American Academy of Esthetics, I knew it was the perfect fit. Their program is comprehensive, hands-on, and offers the kind of training that will allow me to work not just with the skin, but with the body and mind in a holistic way. I’m excited to learn everything from advanced facial techniques to body treatments, and I can’t wait to share these skills with others. It’s not just about making people look good – it’s about helping them feel good, too.

However, education comes with a price, and as much as I’ve worked hard to save up and plan for this journey, I find myself in need of additional financial support. The $10,000 I need will cover my tuition, materials, and other necessary fees to complete the program and obtain the certifications I need to start working in the field. I’ve already committed to this path, and I’m determined to see it through. But I can’t do it alone. That’s where your generosity comes in.

I understand that times can be tough for everyone, and asking for financial support is never easy. But I also know that many of you believe in the power of community and connection. By supporting my fundraiser, you’re not just helping me reach my goal of completing my education; you’re also investing in the future of self-care, wellness, and positive transformation.

There are a few ways you can contribute, and every little bit helps. First and foremost, I truly appreciate any financial contributions you’re able to make. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your support will make a tangible difference in my ability to reach my goal and complete this important step in my journey. I’ve created an online fundraiser where donations can be made easily and securely. Additionally, sharing this fundraiser with friends, family, or anyone you think might be interested in supporting me would mean the world. Even if you’re not able to donate financially, simply spreading the word is an incredible help.

For those of you who might not be familiar with the field of esthetics, you might wonder what makes this investment worth it. In short, estheticians provide invaluable services that go beyond just improving someone’s appearance. We’re in the business of helping people feel better about themselves, both inside and out. In a world where stress, anxiety, and societal pressures can weigh heavily on so many, self-care and wellness have never been more important. And as an esthetician, I’m committed to bringing that to life in every treatment I provide.

This isn’t just about getting an education; it’s about transforming my life and the lives of others. I’ve spent years learning how to navigate difficult emotions, how to care for myself in meaningful ways, and how to rise above challenges. My journey has brought me to this point, and I believe that with the education and training I’ll receive from the American Academy of Esthetics, I’ll be able to take everything I’ve learned and share it with others in the most impactful way possible.

Esthetics is a field that offers endless opportunities for growth and change. Every client is different, and every day brings new experiences and challenges. But what remains constant is my dedication to the people I’ll work with. I want to help others feel empowered, relaxed, and confident in their own skin. I want to provide them with the same kind of care that’s helped me through tough times, and I want to create a space where people can focus on themselves and their well-being, without judgment or pressure.

The road ahead won’t be easy – I know that. But I’m ready for the challenge. And with your help, I’m confident that I’ll be able to achieve my goals and make a real difference in the world. I truly believe that when we come together, we can accomplish amazing things.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and learn more about my journey. Whether you’re able to contribute financially or simply share my fundraiser with your network, your support means the world to me. I’m so excited to be taking this next step toward building a future that I’m passionate about, and I’m even more excited to share that journey with all of you.

Self-care, wellness, and empowerment are at the heart of everything I do, and with your help, I’ll be able to turn this passion into a profession that allows me to make a lasting impact on others. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey – I couldn’t do it without you!


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Give $20 and be a founding donor

Your donation is the start of Kayla's journey to success. Your early support inspires others to donate.

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Make a donation
Illustration of helping hands

Give $20 and be a founding donor

Your donation is the start of Kayla's journey to success. Your early support inspires others to donate.

Make a donation
Make a donation

Organizer

Kayla Stenhouse
Organizer
Aurora, IL

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