Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Linney.
Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
What now, feels like a lifetime ago, I signed up for a massage that was on “special” at my gym. I had never had one before and was under a lot of pressure at work and in life. I knew massage was intended to help relax and figured I should give it a try. What happened next could never have been expected or imagined. During the course of that hour, I felt like an angel had visited me.
I felt a nurturing touch that soothed my sad and neglected spirit in a way I had yet to realize was needed. I was transformed in that hour. I immediately knew I wanted to do that for others. Within 30 days of that message, I enrolled in massage school and began a lifetime career in wellness. After completing massage school, I went to Esthetics school and then I added several other licensures and worked in many different capacities of wellness and beauty, from provider to executive and all roles in between. Traveling around the world and working on both coasts taught me about different cultures and beauty rituals.
Fast forward 25 years into my career… I created a concept and launched my own brand. The Layer Lounge- a skincare boutique.
The Layer Lounge was created to inspire community and consistency in self-care. After decades in the beauty and wellness industry, I had heard the same thing over and again from guests and clients. The same song was sung by all different types of people. The obstacles to taking better care of themselves fell into a few key categories.
Firstly, most large luxury spas typically cost $300+ for a facial after gratuity. That usually means that guests want to stay to use the amenities that are offered for the high ticket services. All of that boils down to 3 hours and $300+. A lot of working professionals do not have extra time and those on a tighter budget do not have the disposable income to do this very often. The ultimate outcome is “spa days” end up being saved for special occasions, not regular maintenance. When it comes to effective, impactful skincare consistency is the key.
Another significant block was “getting naked in a dark room with a stranger.” For novice spa-goers or newcomers to self-care, this was an obstacle usually tackled over the phone or in person when the person who was being “surprised” by friends and family showed up to check into the spa.
After reflecting on these, I came up with a way to democratize self-care. I set out to provide approachable, results-driven, abbreviated skincare services focusing on technology to expedite the process without losing the high-touch quality associated with luxury. Then, I delivered it in an open floor plan to create a more transparent and social experience for both seasoned guests and those new to skincare services. We launched The Layer Lounge in a creative and vibrant localized neighborhood of Las Vegas in the Summer of 2020.
The idea was much needed but my timing was definitely off. We signed our commercial lease for The Layer Lounge in the Arts District of downtown Las Vegas on February 20, 2020. Three weeks later the world shut down due to the global COVID-19 Pandemic. I was delayed in opening and even when I did open, we were a brand new business in a time where the mantra was “Stay 6 feet away, wear a mask, and don’t touch your face.” That period of history was unique for everyone, certainly the skincare business especially.
It took a long time to grow and build trust and that used up all my rainy-day funds. Being a new business not established prior to February 1st, 2020, I did not qualify for any SBA assistance. Not the easiest endeavor but through self-discovery micro events and sponsoring dozens of local causes and associations, we connected with incredible fellow seekers. We have been well-received and become a bit of a local favorite in our community. A lot of heart and resilience has gone into creating and keeping The Layer Lounge afloat, requiring great grit.
#youbelonghere.
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?
We signed our commercial lease for The Layer Lounge on February 20, 2020. Three weeks later the world shut down due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. I was delayed in opening and even when I did open, we were a brand-new business in a time where the mantra was “Stay 6 feet away, wear a mask, and don’t touch your face.” That period of history was unique for everyone, certainly the skincare business especially. It took a long time to grow and build trust and that used up all my rainy-day funds.
Due to my timing and being a new business not established prior to February 1st, 2020, we did not qualify for any SBA assistance. We have done it all with great grit and resource. So not without obstacles but these days we are very proud of having created space for community care and a refuge for those on their journey of self-discovery.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We focus on skincare and facials that deliver results in an abbreviated time frame at approachable pricing. High tech meets high touch.
We really focus on what our guests need for their skin as well as their spirits. From events focusing on the seeker side of self-care to the modern luxurious services, we try to domesticize the experience, creating a place and space to feel you belong here.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a ring leader, a cheerleader, and a natural helper. I was the person who was always in the middle of a discussion, quelling a fight or helping soothe hurt feelings.
These days, it might be called a drama magnet but growing up I just wanted everyone to support each other. Also, I loved playing outside as much as possible. My younger brother and I would go on adventures every chance we got.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelayerlounge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelayerlounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelayerlounge
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-layer-lounge-las-vegas-2?uid=MDp7lJszRrN1ouAMbZ2iFA&utm_source=ishare
