By Virginia Dean
One of the unique aspects of the newly-opened Elderflower Esthetics is its true emphasis on the client — not just individual lifestyle and needs but customized products that touch the skin. With the business launched Aug. 20, owner Emily MacGregor operates her small, independent skin care studio under the premise that our skin protects and cares for our bodies in a profound way.
Gua Sha stones and mixing tools are used in treatments.
“It’s so important to know what you are putting on your largest organ, how to protect it and care for it daily,” said MacGregor. “When I meet a new client, I want to know all about them so I can help guide them in the best way to care for their skin. Relaxation is a major factor in my treatment room. I want each client to melt into my table and enter in a parasympathetic state so that their skin can accept the beautiful ingredients I’m applying.”
Licensed as an esthetician in 2000 after attending esthetician school in Durham, North Carolina, MacGregor has worked in small day, large day, and medical spas. She is trained in a variety of skincare lines and is adamant about seeking out advanced education and training in the field.
She operates her studio with a holistic and natural focus, hand mixing and customizing every product that touches her clients’ skin.
“In my treatments, I use Botnia Skincare, Wilder North skincare and Gua Sha tools, and I formulate an herbal infused facial oil that I use in my treatments,” MacGregor explained. “I chose these companies not just because of the ingredients and skincare approach but their attitude toward the environment and the best way to slow their carbon footprint from packaging in glass to refillable bottles. Both align with my beliefs about how to best care for the skin and our planet.”
Elderflower Esthetics signature services include Facial Gua Sha, Signature Facial, and Escape Facial. She creates seven different types of balms, each with a targeted purpose: from soothing little ones to sleep to hydrating the body and calming the mind — all with essential oils for specific aromatherapy benefits and handmade in Vermont.
“I fell in love with making these balms and oil infusions which led me to search for professional skincare lines that used plants and high-quality ingredients in an apothecary style treatment,” she noted. “The best part about using raw ingredients and hand mixing skincare is that I can treat anyone in my studio no matter their sensitivities and health concerns.”
The Elderflower Esthetics treatment room has plants, minimalist lighting and essential oils to help create a relaxing atmosphere.
Native to Vermont, MacGregor relocated to North Carolina where she met her husband and together had two children.
“I lived there for 23 years,” she said. “North Carolina will always be special to me, but Vermont is my true home.”
MacGregor built up a loyal following of clients in North Carolina and even won Best Aesthetician in 2014 in the Durham-Chapel Hill-Raleigh area. She and her husband had discussed moving before their children were grown, so when the pandemic hit, the couple knew the time was right. They moved back to the Green Mountain state a year ago.
“I still can’t believe we get to live here, that I get to raise my kids here and have a sweet little studio to give people one-of-a-kind treatments,” she said. “I strive to build lasting relationships with my clients, achieving long-term skin health goals by creating thoughtful, personalized treatment regiments. My hope is that you leave the studio with a calm mind, a greater understanding of your skin along with a feeling of empowerment to meet its needs, and a renewed sense of self-love.”
The new skin care studio is located at 72 Allen St. in Rutland. For more information, visit elderfloweresthetics.com.
