Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb McGrew.
Hi Caleb, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I suppose the seed was planted for my career when my mom had shoulder surgery. I was probably about 13 or 14 and I helped her do her hair every day. I never really developed an interest in doing hair, but aside from seasonal retail, my first real job was at Pensacola’s brand new MAC counter. I learned a lot at MAC about beauty industry standards, the power of transformation, and the gift of helping people feel beautiful. Those lessons I’ve carried with me throughout my career. Ironically, though I did pursue education and licensing in esthetics and skincare to support my makeup career, I never had any intention of working as an esthetician. However, as my education and knowledge base grew, so did my interest in providing services that went beyond illusion. After moving to Miami and gaining a wealth of experience while working at Spa e on Lincoln Road, I set my sights on having my own business. When the time came, I settled in a small treatment room in Wynwood’s local favorite salon, Junior & Hatter. It was here that I would begin to develop my brand identity and discover who I am as a clinical provider and entrepreneur. Paramount to my success was taking a chance on a new modality that was just becoming popular in South Florida.
In April 2016, I took my original microblading class with Everlasting Brows, a London-based leader in microblading education. At the time, it was beyond my means and I had to split the class fee on two credit cards. Fortunately, with a little natural ability, a lot of practice, some media coverage and great timing, microblading would become hugely successful for me and remains my most sought-after service. I believe in striving for the most natural results possible and always do my best to give my clients undetectable work. After outgrowing what had grown to two treatment rooms inside J&H, it was time for another leap of faith and relocation to Miami’s Little River District, where we opened our first free-standing location and Skn Elements was born. Here, we provide our clients with a 12 bed, 1600 square foot, state of the art skincare facility and results-oriented medspa, offering a wealth of services ranging from traditional skincare, advanced modalities like RF microneedling, body contouring with Emsculpt and cryolipolysis, cosmetic injectables and medical aesthetics with our Nurse Practitioners, and of course microblading and other forms of cosmetic tattooing. Obviously 2020 threw us for a loop with pandemic-related closures, but we are back and stronger than ever. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the support from our clients and patients, as well as our highly trained, incredible team.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m naturally a glass-half full type of guy. There have obviously been challenges, but all in all it’s been fun and rewarding. Perhaps the most challenging aspect is being an esthetician and a tattoo artist who is the owner of a medical spa. People expect businesses like mine to be owned by doctors, so it adds an additional layer of challenges when trying to procure new pieces of equipment or even engaging with sales reps who expect to deal with physicians. We are so fortunate to be supported and overseen by world-renowned facial plastic surgeon and all-around great guy Julio Gallo, MD, FACS. His belief in me and my brand by extension has been invaluable and I will always be in his debt.
We’ve been impressed with Skn Elements, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Skn Elements is a results-oriented clinical medspa in a surprisingly warm, chic environment. We are not your traditional stark white doctor’s office, but we offer most of the same treatments in a more relaxed environment. Our core philosophy is that beauty treatments should be undetectable. We want to help you perfect your look with subtle enhancements meant to highlight your natural beauty. We specialize in corrective skin care, microblading, body contouring and artfully applied cosmetic injectables.
One of the many things that make Skn Elements unique is our open-concept spa. Most of our services are provided on the main floor in a communal environment. This setup naturally lends itself to fun get-togethers with friends for side-by-side treatments and sparks the curiosity of our guests. Of course, we do have multiple private spaces for those who prefer a more discreet experience. We pride ourselves on offering accessible skincare solutions to everyone. Skincare shouldn’t be a luxury that few can afford. Our membership program brings our most popular services, many of which can be cost-prohibitive, into a much more manageable range while never sacrificing quality or experience. Expect a 5-star treatment in a luxurious, beautiful space at an affordable price. We guarantee it.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a handful. My parents had five biological kids and adopted ten. I’m 12th in the lineup and the last one my mom gave birth to, so I was her baby and I used that to my advantage. I had a big personality and way too much energy. My mom called me Twister growing up because I tore through the house, leaving destruction in my wake. Mostly I ruined things meant to restrain me; playpens, high chairs, walkers. No, thank you. I was not to be tied down. I was always a people pleaser so I did really well in school and never got in trouble beyond being scolded for being too talkative. So I guess you could suffice it to say I was a go-getter with a mischievous streak. Not much has changed.
Pricing:
- Facial Memberships start at $75/month
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@sknelements.com
- Website: www.sknelements.com
- Instagram: @sknelements
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/sknelementsofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohHg07R51TcRjMQHPWWp1A
- Other: TikTok: @sknelements
Image Credits
@sknelements
