Glow, Community, and Courage: How Three Women Are Redefining Wellness in Pequot Lakes

Picture it: Main Street, Pequot Lakes. October chill clings to the air. Through the window of Glow Med Studio, a new sign catches sunlight—three women, family and colleagues, sharing laughter as they prepare for their very first client.

For Sandy (a seasoned mental health nurse), Rachel (a newly licensed esthetician), and Lizzie (a certified health and life coach), the opening of Glow Med Studio and Ritual Skin marks months of worry, hope, and determination.

Their mood swings from nervous anticipation to bold optimism. Licensing delays mean more waiting, but as Sandy puts it, “You come up with an idea, but then you’ve got to rely on somebody else… We’re not ready to give up. We want to make something good for this community.”

From nervous beginnings to a vision that’s bigger than business, these three women are setting out not just to provide services, but to offer a place where confidence is built inside and out—a one-stop shop for beauty, wellness, and emotional support.

The New Face of Rural Wellness
Creating Community and Building Confidence

“There’s a lot of Med Spas that just fill your face and send you out,” Rachel says. “But what about what you already have?” Glow Med Studio’s philosophy is simple: beauty starts from within. Sandy’s experience in behavioral health anchors this approach. “Your outer glow begins on the inside. You’ve got to care for the whole self—sleep, diet, mental wellness.”

Rachel, who’s had her own journey through school and licensing, sees the studio as more than a business: “I want our clients to feel like they’re getting an experience, not just a service.” For Lizzie, the goal is empowerment. “I hope people leave feeling encouraged, like they’re talking to a friend. It’s about a safe space to explore your goals.”

The trio’s reverence for small-town values stands out. Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point aren’t just locations—they’re communities. “Nine months out of the year, it’s not tourists,” Sandy notes. “We need to take care of each other.”

Services That Reflect Local Needs

Glow Med Studio isn’t a standard spa—it’s appointment-only, open Monday through Saturday, and blends a registered nurse’s expertise, an esthetician’s artistry, and a coach’s encouragement. Their journey starts with a consultation: a conversation that explores not just skincare, but lifestyle and wellness.

Featured Services Include:

• Glow Microneedling with StemFacial®: Advanced skin rejuvenation using stem-cell-derived growth factors; performed by Sandy, RN.

• Glow Microdermabrasion: Gentle exfoliation and hydration, available as a series for year-round care.

• Glow Neurotoxin (Xeomin®): Precision facial treatments for natural-looking results—no frozen faces here.

• Health & Life Coaching: Lizzie’s Dahlia Coaching offers discovery calls, goal-setting, and accountability for everything from better sleep to stress management.

• Customized Ritual Skin Treatments: Rachel’s expertise meets client goals for confidence and wellness, with multiple skincare lines and price points for every need.

• Service Add-Ons: Hydrating masks, continuing care duos, and enhancement options for neck and décolletage.

Tip:
Appointments are required—visit glowmedstudio.com to book or learn more.

“It’s Not About Fixing—It’s About Celebrating”

Sandy and Rachel know firsthand how social media and cultural pressures can affect confidence. “We want people to feel they are beautiful as they are,” Sandy says. “Instead of feeling like you need fillers or lashes, why not build on what you already have?” By integrating a massage therapist, wellness coaching, and someday even yoga and light therapy, Glow Med Studio seeks to make wellness approachable and personal.

Clients are greeted warmly and offered a personalized treatment plan, with ongoing support that tracks progress and provides at-home tips—whether it’s reminders to drink more water, or encouragement to keep up sleep hygiene.

“People don’t realize how relaxing a facial can be. You don’t need hundreds of dollars in products—sometimes, you just need someone to help build your confidence.” — Sandy, RN

Local Partnerships and Paying It Forward

The trio credits local women and small business owners with invaluable mentorship. Whether it’s Deb from Seeds of Sommers across the hall, Mary from Joonie Mae’s just down the hall, or Jessica from Divine North (who always reminds Sandy to “Manifest the Positive”), each has contributed advice, encouragement, and connections. Flyers and business cards are circulating, and plans are in the works for pop-up events and collaborations with nutrition shops and gyms.

Giving back is central. “I’ve become more committed to supporting small business,” Sandy reflects. “That’s what community is.” With plans for accessible pricing, recurring local specials, and community yoga classes, Glow Med Studio aims to make wellness a source of pride—not just a luxury for a few.

“I hope clients leave refreshed, renewed, relaxed, and beautiful—like they just sat down for coffee with a friend.” — Rachel, Esthetician

Challenges, Lessons, and the Road Ahead

“Opening a med spa, there’s a lot of red tape,” says Sandy. Licensing delays, insurance requirements, and vendor minimums have all slowed progress. But working as a family has helped them weather stress and uncertainty. “Rachel brings me back in when I get overwhelmed. Lizzie keeps us all accountable. We’re learning as we go, but we’re committed.”

Lizzie, as a health and life coach, models accountability herself—a trait her clients will surely recognize. “The biggest thing is empowerment. My job is to help people feel they are enough, and to celebrate their victories.”

The long-term vision? Building a hub where locals come for advice, fellowship, and treatment—a place where repeat clients become friends. Sandy hopes one day to hand the reins over to her daughters. “I want people to pop in for a question, hang out for wellness tips, and know they’re in good hands.”

Your Invitation to Glow

Glow Med Studio, Ritual Skin, and Dahlia Coaching aren’t just businesses—they’re reflections of what makes middle Minnesota resilient, connected, and caring. As Pequot Lakes settles into another long winter, Sandy, Rachel, and Lizzie invite you to experience wellness that starts from within and radiates out.

Ready for your glow-up? Visit glowmedstudio.com for info and appointments. Walk-ins aren’t accepted; all services are by appointment Monday-Saturday.

Quick Tips: Maximize Your Visit

• Book early—October and November fill up fast.

• Ask about package deals for multi-session savings.

• Bring questions—the team loves educating on self-care and skin science.

• Refer a friend.

We want to hear from you! How will these new wellness resources shape our area’s future? Email joshua@lakesareanewsletter.com with your thoughts or questions.