Conversations with Tara VanderValk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara VanderValk.

Hi Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For me, leaving high school was a little intimidating, as I didn’t have a passionate calling for a particular career path. I eventually settled on Hospitality Management and was off to KSU to pursue my ‘dream’ of owning a restaurant. Later, I would study Culinary Arts at JCCC and eventually landed in Nashville to begin my career in the world of restaurant management. Any brave soul that has endeavored down that path can relate to the exhausting toll the industry takes on you. Before long, I was back in KC trying to sort my future out.

I remained in the hospitality world for a number of years, where I would meet my best friend. We eventually became roommates and she introduced me to the world of skincare. I would come home depleted from the restaurant, pour a glass of wine, and chat with her about the things she was learning in Aesthetics School. My interest was piqued and I had nothing to lose. Off to school, I went again.

After graduating, I went on to work for a couple of local companies but found myself yearning for more. I was looking for a brand that focused on not only the client but the wellness of the team as well. In truth, it wasn’t hard to find a company who took great care of their guests but to find a spa that put as much emphasis on the staff was surprisingly challenging. One day, it hit me like a ton of bricks…If you build it, they will come.

I took this wild idea home to my husband, and without batting an eye, he fully supported my vision. Within a month, we had a business plan and in two months, we had a company.

My background in hospitality has undoubtedly played a key role in helping me brand Radiance. While it was a journey to land here, we truly feel that God has played the biggest part in our success. And everyday, I make it my number one goal to ensure my team feels valued, trusted and respected. When they are equipped with this confidence, they are able to offer the best service in town. It is important to me that Radiance is recognized for the team within who pour into our community everyday. I am eternally grateful to these women who trust me to lead them as they grow their personal careers.

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?
Learning to operate a company has certainly tested me over the years, but that has been part of the fun for me. I do not want to sit idly in a place of comfort as that obviously will not lead to growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are a Boutique Spa and we currently specialize in skin care and bodywork (massage). Our HydraFacial and Athletic Massage are two of the treatments I am most proud of. We work tirelessly to ensure we are offering services that distinguish us from the rest. You can find both of these services just about anywhere in town, but trust me, your experience at Radiance will exceed your expectations.

Overall, we believe that lifestyle plays a major role in how our body and skin age, and I am currently designing a space that will incorporate more of this belief into our service menu in the future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
For me, it’s not about luck, it’s faith and prayer. I will never forget the exact place I was when God placed this vision upon my heart. Without His guidance, this business would have never come to fruition.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.radiancebeautifulskin.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/radiance_beautifulskin
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/radiancebeautifulskin

Image Credits
Kelley Chance www.kelley-photo.com