Meet Raquel McDougall-McCown | Dual Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raquel McDougall-McCown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raquel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started back in 2020 shortly after graduating massage school i was just doing travel massage then, going to people’s houses, jobs, events wherever I was needed. I wanted to create a space where I get to help people, a place that they could go to to escape day to day stress. Somewhere they could go to learn more about why they are feeling how they feel. I love connecting with my clients and making sure each service is tailored to them and what they need. I try to teach them how and why things are showing up how they do in both the skin and the body. As both a licensed esthetician and massage therapist I get to help people on both their inner and outer beauty and that’s one of the most rewarding things i could think about to do.

I specialize in medical massage which basically means I am able to perform massages on people going through any ailment. This quickly became a passion of mine in esthetics school, I had the opportunity to work on client who have had or were currently undergoing cancer treatments. Being able to work on those who need is most, to be able to give them something to look forward to, really held a place in my heart and I kept that when going through massage school years later. Since I was young girl all i have ever really wanted to do was something where i can help people and there were a million ways i thought it would happen but to me helping people feel good in their own skin is the best way I know how.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
BodyByRaquel is a place where you can sessions tailored to your needs. As an esthetician i can help boost your confidence in your physical appearance, make sure your skin is healthy and if it’s not my job is to get it there. As a massage therapist i get to read the body, help it unwind and let go. I and experienced so many massage or skincare businesses where they just bring clients in and out, where there’s no connection. i don’t was my business to ever be like that i want to connect with all my clients, at the end of every session i always set aside 15-20 minutes where I go over with my client what i have found, holding patterns, reflexology readings, postural imbalances. I try to help find way for my clients to combat these issues and find ways to get them to their ideal appearance.

I have grown up in the spa and salon industry. I watched my mother go through everything she did and then I entered that world on my own. I have learned a lot throughout the years, both good and bad thing but the biggest thing I’ve learned from all those places is to always remember this is special for every client. I might see multiple people a day, but they once see me that once. It’s my job to make sure that that client gets the treatment they deserve. Building a connection with each client and to make sure they feel safe and cared for and special is what I want to be known for, Personalized self-care.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off were going to get sushi at one of my absolute favorite places, Gangnam Sushi off university drive and rural. I know they have to be thinking “sushi in Arizona? Pass” But it is hands down some of the best sushi I’ve had, and I grew up in Hawaii. Since we would be in Tempe i would probably take them to Tempe town lake, ride bird scooters maybe some paddle boating. Thats always fun. I would probably take them to champagne lanes to have some drinks, bowl a little, the whole place is so cute. Depending on the season i would love to take them to a baseball game, Cubs, Diamondbacks, A’s, any of them spring training is always so much fun. whenever people are in town i always try to take them to fun events that are happening, maybe waste management, first friday (love doing that) art walks there’s always something fun to do here in Arizona i mean we have an ostrich festival! where are you going to find that anywhere else! I also really like taking people to The Perch in chandler. They have a restaurant full of exotic birds its great food, good drinks and its fun to go and see all the birds.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I would like to give a shout out to my mom, Shannon McCown. She has been a nail tech for almost 40 years, running her own business in Oregon. Without her support, and encouragement. I don’t know if I would’ve had the guts to do it on my own as well. She taught me you should always do what you love.

Second, Renae Valdez-Seago, she helps me in so many ways, she’s an amazing client, a great friend and I really appreciate her.

Most of all to all my clients, without you I wouldn’t be in business. I am just so grateful for you all. Truly.

Instagram: @Bodybyraquel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bodybyraquel

Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/bodybyraquel-tempe