Community Highlights: Meet Rayna Crouse of Balanced Beauty by Rayna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rayna Crouse.

Hi Rayna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story, like many others, is full of highs and lows. I honestly never thought that I would end up being an esthetician, let alone owning my own business. I was rediscovering myself as an adult, searching for a deeper purpose. Witnessing some of the hatred and selfish acts of violence in the world at a young age slowly drove me to put a metaphorical wall around myself.

At the end of the day, all I knew was that I wanted to take care of those around me. If I could give just one person a safe, judgment-free sanctuary where they could just come and feel unconditionally loved, that would make everything worthwhile. Through many years of using negative coping mechanisms and trying to find validation through other accomplishments, I found myself enrolled in an esthetics program right out of high school. During this time, I discovered just how much we underestimate the power of touch and human connection. This was the beginning of my personal healing process, as I continued to further educate myself on the more holistic side of the practice. Though I appreciated all the experience working for other professionals after school, I felt like I could make more of an impact than I was making. So that being said, I dove headfirst into the wonderfully wild world of entrepreneurship.

I opened the doors of Balanced Beauty by Rayna right after my 23rd birthday. Now 25 years old, we are officially entering the 3rd year of helping others feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. My little business has been steady flourishing into something more precious than I could have ever imagined. I have found my passion for life and people through my work here, specializing in customized facials and treatments for all skin types with a holistic approach. It has taken long hours, self-discipline, a painful growth process, and even some tears along the way. But I made it, despite any and all impediments. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, seeing as the potential for greatness is limitless.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road, but more like a road sprinkled with speed bumps and the occasional pothole. I always had issues with anxiety growing up and was later diagnosed with an extreme panic disorder along with PTSD triggered from a couple of undesirable life experiences. The feeling of not being in control was beyond overwhelming for me, and before I knew it, I had developed an eating disorder. I never quite felt comfortable in my own skin and punished my poor body over and over for years like it was the reason for all the darkness in the world. My reflection was as warped as my mind at that point.

Thankfully, I became more stable over the years with the support of my family. My life turned around completely when I realized that although we may not always have control over what happens to us, our power lies within how we react to those situations. For me, loving and taking care of others has helped me relearn to do the same for myself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Balanced Beauty by Rayna?
Since the very first moment I envisioned Balanced Beauty by Rayna, I knew the direction I wanted to take with this business. It was crucial to provide a safe place for those seeking spa services, such as our specialty facials, to arrive and be taken care of in a judgment-free setting. There are no words strong enough to express how incredible it is to be able to give someone a moment for themselves where they can be at peace. Our hands hold the power to create, to destroy, to care for, or tear apart. Years ago, after witnessing others use their hands simply for the destruction of my and my families peace of mind, I vowed to never let mine harm anyone or anything. I wanted to use my hands to comfort others and have found a way to incorporate that through my facials.

My clients aren’t just clients to me, but more like a second family. We make sure to never rush an appointment and focus on making each individual a priority during their time here. Creating these relationships with my people is number one, making sure they feel as important and loved as they deserve. I tell my clients, ‘My job isn’t to make you beautiful, you already are. My job is to help you see it.’

Contact Info:

• Website: Balancedbeautybyrayna.com
• Facebook: Balanced Beauty by Rayna