Oasis Is Changing – Part 5

As promised, I will continue to update you every step of the way. 

This is Message #5!

 (If you missed the first couple, head over to our Facebook page to get caught up—we don’t want you to miss a thing!)

Right now, I’m in the middle of a big shift.

For 9 years, Oasis Skin & Wellness has been a thriving, at its height earning half-million-dollars in revenue with a team of team of seven amazing women. It’s been full of life, laughter, growth—and a lot of laundry. I’ve poured my heart into this place, and it has grown into everything I imagined when I left my comfy accounting job to chase the dream of helping women prioritize self-care.

In the last 18 months, I’ve come to realize that I’ve built something truly incredible—something I’m deeply proud of. But it no longer aligns with the lifestyle I want or the version of myself I’m becoming. That’s why I’ve chosen to downsize.

Yes, there have been challenges—finances, staffing, training, the never-ending need for structure and clarity—but that’s simply part of the business of working with people. It’s not a failure, and I want to be clear  it’s not about fault. If anything, those experiences have been some of my greatest teachers.

What I noticed was this: I started feeling impatient—not with my team, but with the patterns. The same conversations, the same roadblocks, the same cycle. That was my cue. I had changed. My goals, my energy, and the way I want to lead all shifted.

This pivot isn’t about leaving anyone behind. It’s about stepping into a new way of doing business that feels lighter, more aligned, and rooted in what I now value most.

I’m choosing a model that no longer requires managing a team in the traditional sense. Instead, I want to empower providers to lean fully into their own strengths—to build businesses, networks, and communities that reflect their values and goals, not just mine.

This isn’t a step back. It’s a conscious evolution—one that I hope creates space for others to grow on their terms, just like I’m learning to grow on mine.

This  doesn’t mean I’m shrinking. It means I’m making space—for alignment, for vision, for the next version of Oasis.

Here’s what I’ve learned over these past 10 years:

1. Being a Problem Solver Is Still the Key

Even in the middle of letting go, I’m not running away from anything. I’m solving problems. For myself. For my clients. For the long-term future of my business.

Scaling back isn’t a failure—it’s strategy. It’s a return to what I do best: offering solutions, creating experiences, and building systems that work for real people in real life.

I still show up every day like a “useful engine” (thank you, Thomas the Tank Engine)—not to do everything, but to do the right things.

2. I’m Saying Yes to the Opportunity That Scares Me (Again)

Let’s be real—downsizing feels vulnerable. I’m walking away from the “big team” model. I’m giving up some of the comforts that came with having a full staff.

But I’m also walking toward something: clarity, creative freedom, and new opportunities to build something even more powerful.

That scary opportunity? It’s calling me again—and just like in 2014, I’m saying yes.

3. I Give Myself Permission to Change My Mind

What I wanted five years ago is not what I want now. That’s not flaky. That’s growth.

I am not the same woman who built this place brick by brick—and I love her for getting me here. But I honor the current version of myself by being honest about what feels aligned today.

And today, I want more presence. More peace. More play. And a spa model that allows for that.

4. I Still Show Up in Excellence (Even When I’m in Transition)

Excellence doesn’t mean perfection. It means integrity. It means doing my best work—even if my “best” today looks different than it did last year.

Some days, showing up in excellence means confidently seeing my clients and tweaking protocols. Other days, it means asking for help, canceling a non-essential task, or journaling through my next idea.

Through it all, I stay committed to quality, to education, and to the women who trust me with their skin and their stories.

With a Heart Full of Gratitude…

To the incredible team members who have been part of this journey—you have shaped this space. I admire the what you have done in your roles at Oasis. Whether you stayed a year or several, I believe you got exactly what you needed, and I’m honored Oasis was part of your story.

To our loyal clients—you’re the reason this place exists. You’ve believed in the vision, trusted us with your faces and your hearts, and shown up year after year with love, grace, and loyalty. Thank you for allowing Oasis to be your escape, your recharge, your skincare sanctuary.

What’s Next: Expansion

The team-based Oasis model was my version of trying to build the Chick-fil-A of spas. But as it turns out, delivering results in age management and wellness isn’t quite as simple as putting chicken on a bun with a warm smile.

There’s a lot more nuance involved—deeply personalized care, emotional intelligence, and layered client needs that go far beyond a menu board. I envisioned a streamlined, systematized experience, but what I’ve learned is that skin, self-worth, and service require a whole different level of empathy and adaptability that comes naturally to me. I really took my gift for granted. I may be downsizing now, but my vision is just getting bigger.

Over the next five years, I’m expanding the mission in a whole new way. I’ll continue teaching and coaching, helping spa pros build strong, ethical businesses that serve real people. And I’ll be laying the groundwork for what I lovingly call the “ the Jumping Off Point”—well-run, values-based wellness centers that empower women and honor community, opening all across rural Southern Illinois.

With the help of aligned partners and those that embody the K.E.N.A.P. framework, we’ll be creating turnkey spaces where the Oasis vibe lives on—with compassion, community, and consistency.

Meanwhile, Oasis (the OG) stays open. She’s my playground, my lab, my testing ground. A place where I get to stay sharp, serve women from all walks of life, and play with new ideas in real time.

This isn’t the end. This is the reimagining.

Less hustle. More purpose.

Less chaos. More clarity.

Less of what looks good—and more of what feels right.

If you’re with me, stay tuned. The next chapter is going to be so good.

General updates:

The title work for the building sale is all done. We are set to close at the end of May. My realtor, Ms. Kathy tells me she can tell GOD had his hand in this transaction. Ya’ll it when so smoothly.

Reminders of Frequently Asked Questions

1) What if I have an appointment scheduled with Kelci and she leaves before it is completed?

While Kelci has not yet transitioned, we are committed to the 90 days notice given to all staff regarding the downsizing of the spa. Should Kelci find a new position prior to the end of May Lilly will accommodate as many appointments as possible to ensure your service is fulfilled.  If the service doesn’t align with Lilly’s schedule, the appointment will be canceled, and you will be added to a waitlist. You’ll be contacted as soon as something becomes available.

2) What if I already have a service scheduled with Lilly? Do I still have to be a member to keep the appointment?

If you’re already scheduled with Lilly and did not receive a cancellation notification, your appointment is still valid—we look forward to seeing you! You do not have to be a member to keep your appointment. Membership simply provides early booking access for those who were not already on Lilly’s schedule.

3) What if I’m not a member—will Lilly still see me?

Yes! Lilly is accepting both members and non-members. Members pay for the convenience of first right of refusal, meaning they’re offered available time slots before the general public. After that, all other clients are welcome to book. Long-time clients have already been contacted with booking opportunities.

4) When are appointments starting at the new location?

Lilly plans to begin seeing clients at the new location starting in May. If you’re scheduled with Lilly in May or June, you will receive detailed instructions on where to go and where to park.  If you do not  recieve any instructions your appointment will be at the old location , 707 Walnut Streeet. If you’re scheduled with Kelci, you’ll continue to go to the current large location at 707 Walnut.

Thank you for taking the time to chat, please let me know if you have questions!