HEALTH MATTERS
ESTHETICS & MASSAGE

Dual Licensure

My name is Stephanie Wenger and I am a 1994 graduate of The Virginia School of Massage and loved the school so much that I worked there for four years. In 1998, I decided to spread my wings and began working at Body by Nature in Waynesboro until I created Health Matters Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in June of 2006. I continued to grow my business while pursuing a college degree. After obtaining my degree, I closed the door of Health Matters and opened another. After three and a half years, I knew in my heart that Massage Therapy, and the wellness field, is my true passion. So, January of 2016, I reopened Health Matters. Shortly after, I enrolled at Blue Ridge School of Esthetics to become dual licensed as a Massage Therapist and an Esthetician.  Upon graduating, the name HEALTH MATTERS Esthetics & Massage came to be to reflect both licenses.

I am always in a continuous quest of becoming the best version of myself, personally and professionally. And I have found that these two actually go hand and hand. One of the things I learned in Esthetics school is that our skin is our largest organ, and what we put on it actually matters. Toxins that are so prevalent in our hygiene products, from shampoo to deodorant to skin care, are being absorbed through our skin into our bloodstream. I also learned that these over-the-counter products can be filled with toxic ingredients without the approval of FDA.  For example, fillers to extend the amount of product and preservatives for a longer shelf life, because they are made for the masses and for the company to make a profit. Personally, I am very conscience of what I put IN my body, through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle, but I never thought about what I was putting ON my body. Esthetics school had us working with a skin care line that is okay, but I knew I wanted to find an even cleaner line. I tried several until I found Osmosis, in 2018. It is a medical-grade skincare line with the whole concept of feeding your skin healthy, clean ingredients for your skin to be healthy and begin the process of healing. Ultimately, your skin will become radiant and youthful because it is healthy.

In 2019, I ordered my first wellness products from Mountain Rose Herbs, Avena Botanicals, Forrest Green Farms, and CBD Livity. This is when I started getting into herbs and using products that were ethically and sustainably grown. In 2021, for a New Years Resolution, I enrolled in an online class, Botanical Skin Care Course, through Herbal Academy.  This course took my passion for herbs and my constant pursuit of cleaner products to the next level. I began making my own skin care products, starting with a lip balm. By then, I was also reading books by Rosemary Gladstar, Rosalee de la Foret, and other herbalists. Somewhere along this time, I learned about oil cleansing. This concept was interesting to me. Cleaning my face with an oil. I tried it and I have not looked back since! It was a game changer for my skin and I knew I needed to let my clients in on this!

So basically, I bought some Jojoba Oil because it is the carrier oil closest to our own human sebum and it is good for all skin types and, therefore, will not cause clogging and/or breakouts. Then I infused dried Lavender and Calendula, because these two herbs have wonderful skin rejuvenating and healing properties. I also made a Holistic Facial Serum with ingredients healthy for the skin. I started using these in conjunction with the Osmosis line. This year, 2023, I took a class on how to make my herbal oils even more potent. From these oils, I now make salves, body butters, and body wash, etc. I essentially have created a non-toxic skin care line called Botanical Skin Care. I use all the knowledge I have learned thus far and I know this is just the beginning! I cannot wait to see how this continues to organically evolve!

Massage wise, in 2019, I took a class on Cupping, and in 2022, I took a course on IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization). These are two more modalities in my arsenal that I am trained to use to help reduce muscle tension. I use an eclectic approach to each massage session, making it personalized to each individual.

For me, Massage Therapy and Esthetics are rewarding professions that complement one another. I cater my work to my client's individual needs and my ultimate goal is to create an oasis and a moment in time where stress is left at the door.