Whether or not you’ve tried acupuncture before, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard of it. Cosmetic Acupuncture, however, might be totally new to you, as it was to me, and I’ve had acupuncture done many times before. Long ago, I remember a friend briefly mentioning using acupuncture treatments to help reduce wrinkles on her face, but it wasn’t until recently that I was introduced to the Acupuncture Facial. So what is it exactly? I’ve got three words for you: NATURAL. FACE. LIFT. While it won’t get you the results of an actual facelift overnight, cosmetic acupuncture can help improve your skin and tighten it too–all without going under the knife. I recently had the opportunity to try one myself thanks to Kacie Krecolowich, the owner of SILK + PALM, at her bright, airy and totally IG-ready Yorkville studio. Keep reading to learn more about her business and why she’s quickly becoming Toronto’s go-to acupuncture facialist.
Business Name: SILK + PALM
Name & Title: Kacie Krecolowich R.Ac (Registered Acupuncturist)
Age: 28
Location: 124 Cumberland Street, Toronto, ON (Yorkville)
Education: Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine (2017)
Edit Seven: Tell us about your business, what do you do?
Kacie Krecolowich: I’m a Registered Acupuncturist with a boutique studio in Yorkville called SILK + PALM, where I focus a lot my practice on cosmetic acupuncture and women’s health. That being said, I still treat everything from digestion issues, to sleep issues, to body aches and pains, and everything in between!
E7: How did you start your business? What inspired you to start?
KK: I knew years ago when I started school to become an acupuncturist that I wanted my own business. I was originally planning on working for a year at a clinic to build a clientele and more experience but life had other plans and I decided to take the opportunity right out of school to start my business. Everything sort of clicked into place effortlessly and I went along with it, it was very much meant to be!
E7: Why do you love what you do?
KK: I love health. I love beauty. And I love helping people feel better. I’m lucky enough that I get to put all 3 of these loves together and make it my career. Nothing makes me happier then to hear someone say that they don’t have menstrual cramps anymore, or that they are getting less breakouts on there skin and their skin is glowing!
E7: What makes your business special?
KK: I think being able to combine health and beauty in a holistic way, and treating the skin from the inside out makes my business special. I don’t just take the health of your skin into consideration when I’m treating you. I look at things like hormones, digestion, stress, sleep and much more. Everything is connected!
E7: What lead you to study Chinese Medicine and what was that experience like?
KK: I stumbled upon acupuncture when I was having my own health issues, specifically women’s health issues, which I wasn’t able to find any improvement within other fields. Acupuncture completely changed that for me, and changed my life. I started getting weekly treatments and within the first 3-4 appointments, I knew that I found what I wanted to do with my life. I immediately started looking at schools and enrolled to start in the fall of that year. The program ended up being a lot harder and more in depth then I ever expected but I made it through 3 long years and another year of board exams to become a Registered Acupuncturist!
E7: Why do you believe in Chinese Medicine and why do you recommend it?
KK: I think I believe in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture so much because they have answers that I never was able to get from other health fields, and at the end of the day, it works. I also love that they look at the body, mind and spirit as a whole, everything is connected!
E7: You’ve decided to focus your business on acupuncture for beauty. Tell us more about this untapped industry!
KK: Yes! Cosmetic Acupuncture! It’s an all natural facial rejuvenation treatment used to treat an array of skin concerns. I think people today are searching for a more natural approach to skincare and beauty and this is it! I think its a great alternative to some of the more invasive skin treatments. And its a great preventative to start when you’re younger!
E7: What are the main beauty benefits from acupuncture?
KK: Cosmetic Acupuncture works by causing micro trauma to the skin which signals the body to send collagen, blood and qi to the area to heal. It treats everything from fine lines and wrinkles, acne and hyperpigmentation, redness and uneven skin tone, and everything in between! You’ll be left with brighter, plumper, smoother, tighter and glowing skin!
E7: What exactly is an acupuncture facial and why do you recommend it?
KK: My Silk Glow facial, which is my cosmetic acupuncture facial, is my favourite treatment because not only do you get all the benefits of the acupuncture but I finished the treatment with a Gua Sha + Jade Rolling massage with my homemade skincare products, which leaves you super glowy and plump!
E7: What can clients expect when they visit Silk + Palm?
KK: You can expect a comfortable, calm and cozy space where you can talk about your health and goals, where healing and transformation can happen. You can expect to leave relaxed and glowing!
E7: What would you say to anyone who is new to acupuncture and Chinese medicine? Who should consider trying it if they haven’t already?
KK: Its not as scary as it looks! Promise! Once people have gotten past the needle part, I always tell them to find a practitioner that they connect and feel comfortable with. Most practitioners are aware that a lot of people have some reservations about acupuncture, so for the first few treatments will take things slow and allow you to get used to the needles and process of things. As for who should consider it… EVERYONE! Acupuncture can benefit every single person in some way or another.
E7: Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting your business?
KK: I’ve been lucky enough to have some boss babes for friends who have sorta coached me through the process of starting my own business, told me about the ups and downs that can come with it, so I feel like I was a bit more prepared for the worst, which made it a little easier. And also makes you appreciate the ups so much more!
E7: What is a challenge you’d tell future entrepreneurs in beauty and acupuncture business to prepare for?
KK: That there are going to be lots of ups and downs, and that you can’t take anything personally.
E7: What’s the biggest lesson you learned from running your business so far?
KK: Do you! There is always going to be other people doing what you’re doing, but stay true to yourself and know that everyone is different and will bring something different to their business and practice!
E7: What is your #1 piece of advice to keep in mind when starting your own business?
KK: Be open and go with the flow! Everything always works out in the end.
E7: How do you stay organized, balanced and motivated?
KK: My motivation comes from my patients and helping them along their health journey. My organization comes from my reminders on my iPhone… I’m terrible at remembering things! And my balance comes from leaving the city for a weekend and enjoying some good food and wine!
E7: Who are some of your mentors/role models?
KK: My friend of many years, Brandi Leifso, CEO of Evelyn Iona, is one of my role models, not just from a business point of view but because she’s been through so many ups and downs in life, more then anyone i’ve ever known and she still remains the kindest and loving person ever. Its something I aspire to bring into my life and business!
E7: Do you have a daily or regular ritual you practice that you love?
KK: So many! My favourite would have to be my skincare routine. I love spending time at night doing masks, applying serums and oils, and doing Gua Sha and Jade Rolling!
E7: Where do you go or what do you do to look for inspiration?
KK: I honestly get inspiration from my patients. Everyone is different so treating gives me the opportunity to learn new things and techniques all the time.
Who is the Silk + Palm client and why should they check out your business?
KK: The SILK + PALM client is ALL women who are health conscious, and wanting to take a more natural, holistic approach to their health and beauty!
For more info on SILK + PALM, click HERE!
xo
(Story by Editor-in-Chief, Gracie Carroll)