By Felicia Greekas

Getting a fresh start for the new year is important to most people. The new year provides an opportunity to set some new, clear goals and see how far you’ve come from the year before. Goals and “New Year’s Resolutions” vary from person to person and feeling good about our appearances is usually high on the list; relaxation and pampering is a great way to accomplish that.

Keri Helm, owner of Om Shanti Esthetics helps create exactly that for her clients. Her company offers a range of services from manicures & pedicures to massages and facials. She has recently added microdermabrasion and laser treatments to her list of services. Other services include ear candling, eyelash and brow tinting as well as waxing and infrared sauna. Her services provide a relaxing and comfortable environment where she says “some clients come in a little bit under the weather but leave very relaxed and a lot happier”. I know for sure, these services are a great treat when I’m in need of a little boost.

At 15, Keri worked at a hair salon. She was intrigued by the estheticians coming out of the room with their clients who were beaming after treatments. Keri realized this is what she wanted to do. Now, with over 10 years of experience she has created her own company that fits perfect with her independent spirit.

She offers a range of services with pricing starting at $12 up to $125 for more complex treatments and also sells face creams for facials. The most common request for services, “Pedicures!” – who doesn’t love to be pampered like that?

While traveling to Vancouver five years ago for her own treatments she got more information about laser treatments and microdermabrasion. She researched then took training in each, purchasing the equipment to add these services to Om Shanti.

She has received support through TACC and ABC to start her business with support from her parents as well. Her time in the industry has helped, “the experience is important so you can build up your clientele. If you have no clients, it’s not going to work.”

“In the beginning I found it hard to take days off. I would have calls at home and re-bookings,” Keri tells me. “I had a hard time leaving the business alone.” If these are some of the major challenges Keri’s had to face, I think she’s on a good track. Clients calling to book appointments and enjoying her business seems like a positive challenge. Now, it’s about balance with business and life.

Her biggest accomplishment, “Buying out my partner and being 100% owner of my company has been great,” Keri states, beaming with enthusiasm. She’s thrilled to have something that is all her own. She says she has always been independent and enjoys creating her own path.

She loves to see her clients leave happy explaining the laser treatments usually delight her clients, “A lot of people live their life with veins on their face, not realizing they can do anything about it. Then when it’s complete, they have tears of joy to have this fresh start.”

Her parents have been strong inspiration saying, “My dad has always been a super hard worker telling me, if you work hard you will succeed.” As for Keri’s advice for young entrepreneurs, “You’re hard work will definitely pay off in the end, even though you might not think that in the beginning. Just stick with it.” Good advice considering how far she’s come. She’s 28 years old and has been in business for almost six years. It looks like Om Shanti will keep on flourishing!


Keri Helm
Om Shanti Esthetics
250.618.4357
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