Today we’d like to introduce you to Tana Parry.
Tana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I spent almost 28 years as a real estate appraiser and Realtor. I went to esthetics school a little over a decade ago, knowing that my real estate career wouldn’t last forever. My path into esthetics wasn’t a straight line—it unfolded slowly, shaped by both hardship and healing. For much of my life, I lived in extremes: a devoted sun-worshipper, a lifelong perfectionist, and someone quietly navigating chronic illness. When my husband discovered a suspicious mole that turned out to be skin cancer, it forced me to pause and truly understand the importance of caring for my skin—not just for how it looked, but for what it was trying to tell me. Years of managing autoimmune illness and tick-borne diseases reshaped my understanding of wellness. I realized that true care isn’t just about appearances—it’s about nurturing the whole person. That insight led me to esthetics, where plant medicine, mindful touch, and the wisdom of the lymphatic system became central to my work.
Today, as the founder of Our Star Skin, I’ve created a sanctuary where nature and science coexist—a rainforest-inspired space where skin health and emotional restoration intertwine. I believe esthetics is no longer a vanity sport; it’s a deeply human practice that honors connection, resilience, and renewal. The sun, a constant companion in my life, reminds me that when we honor it, its light can restore and support both our bodies and the planet that sustains us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—more like a winding one with a few unexpected turns. I’ve had my share of family challenges and chronic illness, and while those stories are far too layered to fit here (they’ll make their way into my memoir one day), they’ve shaped everything about how I show up in my work and in life.
Those experiences continue to shape how I approach my work, even if life hasn’t exactly slowed down. I’ve been training with Gay Lee Gulbrandson and the School of MLD in California to become a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Specialist, with the goal of mastering the craft and eventually becoming an instructor. I began teacher assisting in October 2025 as part of this multi-year journey. On top of that, I start at a local massage school in November to earn my massage license—separate from MLD—all while building my business as it heads into its third year this spring. It’s a lot, but it’s incredibly rewarding, because it allows me to expand how I care for my guests and share techniques that support true wellness and balance.
Back in 2022, I set out to write my memoir. A teleplay came first, and the memoir is still in progress—but what blossomed from that creative spark was something even more meaningful: becoming a published author in Spa Diaries: InSPArational Stories of Spa & Beauty Professionals, a book that celebrates the beauty, resilience, and humanity behind those of us who’ve turned our own journeys through challenges into a composition of resilience that inspires others.
Our Star Skin grew out of all of that—a space where skin, body, and mind are treated as a whole. It’s a place where people can pause, reconnect, and leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived. Every person who walks through the door adds a new note to the story, and I’m thankful for each one.
As you know, we’re big fans of Our Star Skin, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Our Star Skin, skincare is about way more than what you see on the surface—it’s a chance to care for your skin, body, and spirit all at once. I specialize in plant-medicine, mindful treatments, including Dr. Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (full body and advanced Head & Brain), and I’ve carefully selected every product I use—LAUREL Skincare, TUEL, Face Reality, and TiZO Sunscreens—with care, so it works for both your skin and the planet. I even carry Gou Gou Pets, created by a friend and a local Kansas City pet brand for dogs, cats, and horses, because our furry friends deserve healthy skin too. We have four bulldogs and a cat ourselves, and if you know anything about bulldogs, you know they come with their fair share of issues and health quirks—so we’re basically living in a daily masterclass of care, patience, and love.
What makes Our Star Skin different is simple: I treat every guest as a unique person. Each session is tailored to their skin, their lifestyle, and what their body needs that day, all in a rainforest-inspired space designed for a little pause and reset. Even the table you lie on gets a little extra care—a crystal-infused infrared mat that warms, supports circulation, and gently encourages lymphatic flow, helping you settle into a calm, restorative state before your session even begins. I’m proud that my space reflects my values—connection, sustainability, and real care—so people leave feeling lighter, refreshed, and more like themselves. Taco obsession fully acknowledged: a cheeky little shelf piece from my mother-in-law always gets a laugh—“You can’t make everyone happy…you’re not a taco.”
Bottom line: Our Star Skin isn’t just about treatments—it’s a space to slow down, reconnect, and invest in yourself. Manual Lymphatic Drainage calms the nervous system, and as a naturally busy person, the quiet, focused moments in each session help me to reset too. My work doesn’t feel like work—it’s something I’ve never experienced before, and I get to share that with every guest who walks through the door.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Honestly, I don’t have a step-by-step guide for finding a mentor—mine mostly fell into my lap, or maybe I just manifested them. Networking, however, comes naturally; I’m often more comfortable talking to strangers than people I already know.
One thing that’s been incredibly valuable is joining the Wellness Consortium here in Kansas City, part of the Small Changes Big Shifts network. The Consortium brings together like-minded wellness professionals who are passionate about whole-person health and building community. Early on, I attended as many meetings as I could, connected with people, and scheduled one-on-one chats to really get to know other business owners. The key? Approach it without pressure to “sell yourself”—focus instead on how you can genuinely support each other. That “better together” mindset, central to the Consortium and Small Changes Big Shifts philosophy, has made networking feel natural, rewarding, and even fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ourstarskin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanaparry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurStarSkin
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanaparry/
