Written by Katherine Alamilla, Licensed Esthetician, Massage Therapist and founder of Simply Skin
Holistic skincare has been a lifelong passion of mine, but it was a long journey to find the great joy that I have now created with my healing craft at Simply Skin.
As a child, I was drawn to making natural concoctions in my mother’s kitchen, but when the time came to grow up, I headed to the corridors of New York’s financial district to make my mark as an investment banker.
After long, stressful days at the office, I found comfort in the simple act of returning to my kitchen and creating my own skincare products.
After the birth of my first child, I was forced to reckon with how unsatisfying my career path was, and I decided to pursue my lifelong passion in esthetics in 2004. To further my holistic education, a year later I graduated from massage school.
After years of working in high-end spas, it has been a fulfillment of a lifelong dream to open Simply Skin, where I can practice my healing craft and deliver the most authentic, holistic experience to all of my clients.
One of the unique approaches to skincare that I enjoy is incorporating strategic thinking into my work, carefully tracking each session with meticulous notes to elevate the level of results for my clients.
And while I enjoy the analysis part of my healing work, I hope my clients are restored by the soothing nurture and lovingness I emit into my treatments.
One of my hopes is that through my work I can help others shift their perspective and fully enjoy self care.
There is no single path. My hope in this peaceful space is to nurture the unique journeys that we are all on.
My passion of creating potions in my kitchen extends into my practice, as all the products I use for holistic massage and facials are free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and GMOs.
To this end, I have partnered with Laurel Skin to bring 100% whole plant, organic skincare to my practice to use during treatments, and I am beyond excited to share them with you.
I strive to utilize my knowledge and expertise to help my clients achieve results and improve their overall well-being.
I am certified in natural methods and techniques for skin health and rejuvenation, including: Vodder Lymphatic Drainage for Face and Neck, Kundan Metha Facial Rejuvenation, Advanced Techniques in Facial Gua Sha and LaStone Therapy.
I have also furthered my education as a massage therapist studying Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Prenatal Massage, and Sacred Stone Massage, and I am constantly searching for techniques to study and add to my practice.
After many years of being a massage therapist and having been blessed to give birth to five beautiful children, I am interested in working with women throughout their pregnancy to empower them to achieve the best pregnancy and birth experience possible.
Recently I had the benefit of participating in a nine-month Foundations of Herbalism course taught by the well-known herbalist, Kat Maier at Sacred Plant Traditions here in Charlottesville, VA. I am excited to incorporate some of what I have learned during these nine months in my sessions and continuing my education as a student of herbalism.
I believe that a great regular facial and massage, combined with a healthy diet and exercise, is essential to be the best of oneself every day.
Shop Laurel Skincare and book an appointment by visiting: www.simplyskincville.com
