Meet Kurnita Wallace | Esthetics Educator/Laser Tech and Self care Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kurnita Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kurnita, how does your business help the community?
We offer holistic approaches to health and wellness. During this pandemic people started seeking out other modalities to heal their bodies. They didn’t trust “Big Pharma” anymore and they wanted to return to their “roots” so to speak. We are a one stop shop if you will. We treat the mind, body, and soul of a person.

Maa Wellness Center offers Naturopathic doctor
and RN nursing services,Acupuncture, IV Therapy, Massage, Facials, Yoga,Meditation, Tai Chi, Yoni Steams, and Sound Therapy. These services can be done in a private or group setting.

By educating and offering these services to our community can potentially be life changing. For example teaching a client who is diabetic that they can more than likely reverse this disease by switching their diet to a plant based one. Showing someone who is struggling with addiction that they can overcome it with acupuncture. There is a whole world of healing that most people, especially African American and people of color don’t know about or didn’t have access to. It is our mission to expose them to these opportunities. So many people are suffering needlessly because of lack of education and knowledge. Mainstream media has done a good job at instilling fear in people regarding many diseases. When a person is diagnosed with a disease or has an ailment their first thought is to see an Allopathic doctor (regular medical doctor). Many are unaware that they can choose to see a Naturopathic doctor who will treat them with herbs, plants etc. They don’t know that if their regular MD prescribes them a medicine that they can ask for a herbal alternative. For example if your doctor prescribes you a mainstream blood thinner that you can use turmeric as an alternative. Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor nor is this information to be taken as medical advice; it is purely anecdotal.
Bottom line is you can ask your medical provider questions, you can challenge their recommendations and have an active roll in your care.

We at Maa Wellness Center strive to be at the forefront of this holistic movement. Providing anyone who truly wants to change the information and tools to do so.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an Esthetics Educator for almost 18 years and a Laser Hair Reduction Tech for 7. I specialize in treating people of color. Society has done everything in its power to make us think that the only acceptable standard of beauty is the Caucasian/European way. It is my goal to change that narrative. I want people of color especially African Americans to be included in the beauty standard. I want the world to know that we are just as beautiful in any shade or size.
Being in the beauty industry allows me to see the beauty of humanity inside and out. Being an Esthetician isn’t always just about the outward appearance i.e makeup, hair, etc. it is also about the mind and the spirit and how it affects us and the people around us. I help my clients become more well rounded. When you have a session with me I become your “Selfcare Coach”. I encourage my clients to have a healthy work life balance. Self care is healthcare. I recommend that they set boundaries, make time for themselves, adopt a healthy eating lifestyle, go for a walk, take more vacations, and do what makes them happy. I believe that since the start of the pandemic people are realizing that life is short and they are taking steps to enjoy it more. We as a society are recognizing that we have options and that we can be proactive in creating the lifestyle that we want.

My background was in sociology and social services. I was a case manager for a mental health/ drug and alcohol rehab facility for 10 years. I also did some work with early childhood education. But as you could imagine in those fields you can get burned out. I decided to go to Esthetics school and open my own salon and spa which I did for another 8 years. I soon discovered that esthetics and wellness overlap. I tell people that having healthy skin is not just about what you put on your skin topically but also what you put in your body internally. It is true that you are what you eat.

So when I picked up my family and moved 3,000 miles across the country from Ohio to Arizona and partnered with Maa Wellness Center I was able to marry my love of esthetics and healthy living.

It has been a long journey to get to where I am. The journey is still ongoing but I have a strong support system of family, friends, and clients.

I have learned to be comfortable in the skin I’m in, to speak my truth, to protect my peace, spread love and enjoy life. And I encourage everyone else to do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Arizona. The options for food and entertainment are endless. I’ve only been here 7 years and have not scratched the surface of all that there is to do here. I enjoy frozen custard from Andy’s Frozen Custard. They have a few locations around the valley. I fancy myself a self proclaimed ice cream connoisseur LOL. I’m a vegetarian and I love to go to various food trucks and vegetarian restaurants. I like to support local food establishments. I also enjoy cooking at home and trying new recipes with my daughter.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The South Phoenix and surrounding areas as a whole have been very supportive. We have had the pleasure of collaborating with many wonderful organizations such as Tiger Mountain Foundation,Black Mothers Forum, Fathers Matter, Seeds To Inspire, Roosevelt School District and many other organizations.