Today we’d like to introduce you to Alva McMillan.
Hi Alva, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am very proud of the fact that I have had a multitude of experiences that have led me to implement aspects of each to be a change agent in any task or position that I find myself in. My academic background is in science, math, and the fine arts.
In 1998, I began my professional career in corporate consulting with one of the biggest management consulting firms in the United States. My teams were under tremendous amounts of pressure to complete projects. I started to notice visible signs of stress and tension on the skin and body from the demands of the job on myself and everyone around me.
Frequent visits to relaxation stations, spas, treatments, etc. were a necessity. I enjoyed every aspect of that world and began to talk with my mother (a lifelong educator) about the possibility of us getting into self-care coaching one day. The amount of travel my spouse and I had to do for our careers was not feasible for both of us to continue once our kids were born, so I decided to stay home with them. Job duties began to require relocations.
Eventually, I went into training and education full-time.
In 2007, I decided to begin an evening program to obtain my credentials in massage therapy, and therapeutic bodywork, and become a Reiki Master. Thus, this training sparked the beginning of Abellathena Life and for me to enhance the beauty and wisdom in those around me. Twelve years ago, I completed graduate school and received my Master’s degree. I was able to teach and coach full-time, while providing therapeutic bodywork treatments part-time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey has traveled many roads and not all have been smooth. Just as road conditions change with the seasons, my path to where I am today has required me to pivot on more than one occasion. The ability to accept change, work with what I have, and protect my peace have become my top priorities in reaching my goals.
I have been married for twenty-five years. Throughout this time, my family has resided in four different regions of the United States due to my husband’s corporate relocations. Every move created obstacles that I conquered to provide the proper environment for my children, explore my diverse talents in various fields, and preserve my need to minimize stress.
“What have I learned from this?” In every challenge I encountered, that question has been answered with personal growth and the strength to continue. I lost my parents within eighteen months of one another. A personal loss of that magnitude was devastating to the entire family.
With much love and support, I was able to take the time to discover the best way for me to move forward. In my time of healing, I was able to professionally propel my entrepreneurial spirit and design Abellathena Life with warmth, peace, and education.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Abellathena Life LLC?
I am happy to provide a boutique spa environment with skin and body treatments engineered just for you. My clients can enjoy a tranquil space for them to relax, receive corrective skin care treatments, or have a nice retreat from the stressors of their world.
The skin is the largest organ of the body, provides protection, and needs to be protected. My treatment plans are customized to benefit ALL skin. Every client is unique and Abellathena is a place for every client to have that much-needed time to take care of their skin. Whether you need stress relief, relaxation, or a corrective plan, I will sit down with you, listen to your goals, and engineer a treatment JUST FOR YOU!
Additionally, I train and coach in education, esthetics, and life. I mentor others in developing their treatment plans and restructuring their services. It is an ongoing process of acting as a change agent in various aspects. My educational and professional background allows me to provide cross-functional instruction and guidance to many. I find joy in helping others in conjunction with fulfilling my professional aspirations.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was immersed in music, art, dance, and academic enrichment programs throughout my childhood. Critical thinking, exposure to the fine arts, and empathy for others were essential to my upbringing. My mother was the oldest of six and my father was the youngest of seven.
Their position in their families paved the way for them to bring two distinct vantage points to their children.
They instilled in me the traits needed to care for others and the ability to appreciate what came before me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abellathena.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/abellathena
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/abellathena
