Community Spotlight: The Hive Spa and Wellness
Acne can be a persistent and confidence-shattering issue, but at The Hive Spa and Wellness in Cabot, Brandy Brannigan and her team are dedicated to transforming troubled skin into a source of pride. Founded on principles of collaboration and community, The Hive is more than just a spa; it’s a sanctuary where clients can find both expert care and a sense of belonging.
Brannigan, the owner and driving force behind The Hive, opened the doors of her business in 2018 under the name Brannigan Aesthetics. Starting with a single rented room, she quickly outgrew her initial space, moving to larger premises and gradually expanding her team. Today, The Hive Spa and Wellness boasts a collective of skilled estheticians who are committed to the same vision: helping clients achieve their best skin.
“We have a really cool vibe here where our motto is, ‘Don’t compete, collaborate,'” Brannigan explained. “We really just work on lifting each other up and promoting each other, finding each other’s strengths and helping grow those.”
Brannigan’s journey to becoming an esthetician was unconventional. After a 20-year career in the Navy as an Arabic linguist, she retired and decided to pursue her passion for skincare. “I’ve always had a passion for skincare, and when I was in school, I discovered I had a huge passion for it. It was a natural progression,” she said.
Photo courtesy of The Hive Spa and Wellness
“I can remember being in Iraq and giving facials to the girls I was working with because our skin was all messed up,” she said. “I’ve always stayed on top of what’s new… I taught myself how to wax in a CONEX box in Iraq. We were stuck out there for anywhere from six to 18 months and nobody there was doing Brazilian waxing, so I did it for me and my friends, and by the time I went to school I was a little bit ahead of the curve.”
One of the standout services at The Hive is their comprehensive acne treatment. Brannigan’s personal connection to the issue, having struggled with her own skin in the past, fuels her dedication to helping clients overcome their acne. “I always tell people before you go to your dermatologist, give us a chance,” she urged.
The process begins with a thorough assessment to determine the type and severity of acne. “First of all, we figure out if you have acne or not,” Brannigan said. “A lot of people think they have acne, but sometimes they just have clogged pores or a missing step in their skincare routine.” From there, a personalized treatment plan is developed, considering lifestyle, diet, and hygiene practices.
One client’s success story stands out in Brannigan’s mind. “We had a client who came to see me from Searcy because one of her friends had recommended us. She was having really bad acne issues and was in a bad place,” Brannigan recalled. “We worked closely for about six months, and as her skin got better, I saw her confidence grow. She got a cute new haircut, got back on the dating scene, and eventually got married. I felt like we played a little part in that.”
The Hive’s philosophy extends beyond acne treatment. They are known for their exceptional body waxing services, earning Brannigan many repeat customers.”There’s not a lot of places you can go for intimate waxing, and even fewer people who are trained to do it right,” she noted. “My longest clients are probably my wax clients. Once you go wax, you never go back.”
The Hive is also a safe space for everyone, regardless of gender, race, or sexual identity. “We want to make sure people know when they come in here, they’re in a safe space with no judgment,” Brannigan emphasized. “We have a lot of plus-size women that come here specifically because they feel comfortable.”
Looking to the future, Brannigan has plans to expand The Hive’s offerings with more holistic therapies. “I really want to put the wellness in The Hive Spa and Wellness by offering things like sound therapy and energy work,” she shared. “Next year, my goal is to bring in more holistic therapies to help people reset and leave in a better place.”
Clients at The Hive don’t just receive top-notch treatments; they experience genuine care and attention. “For that one hour out of the month, they’re the most important thing to me,” Brannigan said. The sense of community and support at The Hive extends to the team as well. “It’s important to me to create a space where other women can grow their skill sets and eventually, I hope, work for themselves.”
Brannigan recounted how her first colleague, Stephanie, a disabled veteran at a crossroads in her life, found a new direction and purpose through becoming an esthetician. “Stephanie was the first person to come work with me. She spent so much time here and was so interested in what we did that I suggested she become an esthetician,” Brannigan explained. “She went to school, and when she graduated, I gave her a place to work. It’s been incredible to see her grow and thrive.”
As the team grew, so did the need for a larger space. “We needed a bigger place, so we moved to another location and added more estheticians,” Brannigan said. Each new team member brought unique skills and passions to The Hive, enriching the services offered. Peyton, for example, found her niche in permanent makeup, while Briley excelled as a lash artist.
“We’re always kind of working towards more and growing our skill sets,” Brannigan said. “Right now, I’m in massage school, and I’ll be offering massage services soon. Briley is also going to massage school, and Olivia is considering nail tech school. We’re continually evolving.”
The Hive’s commitment to education and professional development is matched by its dedication to client satisfaction. “Our clients are literally our lifeblood,” Brannigan said. “It’s really important to me that they get the best. They’re number one here.”
Brannigan’s passion for skincare and her desire to help others are evident in her approach to treating acne. “It’s transformative, especially for people who’ve had trouble with their skin all their life,” she said. “Helping someone feel comfortable in their skin and gain confidence is incredibly rewarding.”
The Hive Spa and Wellness stands out not just for its expert services but for the nurturing environment it provides. Clients know they can count on Brannigan and her team for more than just treatments—they find a supportive community dedicated to their well-being.
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Aug. 9th, 2024