Meet Alexis Lively

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Lively a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexis, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I believe my purpose found me. Or maybe I was led to it by something greater—some force, some whisper, some pull in my soul that I couldn’t ignore.

When I was 15, living in Ohio, I visited my aunt in Portland. She was an acupuncturist, and I spent time in her clinic, just observing. Up until that moment, I had only heard of the traditional career paths—doctor, lawyer, teacher, veterinarian. But the moment I stepped into that space, something clicked. I had never seen anything like it before. The energy of the clinic, the blend of science and something more—something ancient, something deeply intuitive—it lit me up in a way I had never experienced.

I was completely entranced by the herbal medicinary. Watching these intricate formulas being weighed and mixed felt like something out of one of my favorite fantasy movies. It was like alchemy—this beautiful, precise balance of nature and healing, science and magic. The entire experience awakened something in me, a feeling I couldn’t ignore. I knew, with absolute certainty, that this was what I wanted to do.

But there was no acupuncture school in Ohio. So, I took the next best step—I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy, specializing in modalities like myofascial release and precision neuromuscular therapy. I immersed myself in anatomy, physiology, and the healing arts, always keeping my vision in mind. My experience as a massage therapist became invaluable when I transitioned into acupuncture. It gave me a deeper sensitivity, allowing me to fine-tune my treatments, understand muscular and fascial structures on a profound level, and blend my knowledge of movement, structure, and energy in a way that set me apart as a practitioner.

When I finally saved enough money, I moved to Oregon to attend the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, the top acupuncture school in the country at the time. It wasn’t a straight path—there were many detours, challenges, and moments where I wasn’t sure I’d get there. But I did. And as the first person in my family to go to college, this achievement meant everything to me.

For so many people, purpose feels elusive—like some grand existential mystery we spend our lives trying to solve. But through my own spiritual practice, I’ve come to understand that purpose isn’t something outside of us, waiting to be found. It’s already within us. It’s the thing that lights us up. And I’ve done a really good job of listening to that light, to that pull, even when it didn’t always make sense.

When I became an acupuncturist, I felt another pull—toward skincare, toward cosmetic acupuncture. And for a while, I resisted it. I felt like a sellout. This medicine has the power to treat chronic pain, anxiety, fertility struggles, and serious illnesses. How could I justify focusing on beauty? I tried leaning into gynecological health because I’m deeply passionate about it, but no matter what, I kept feeling drawn back to the beauty and skincare side of this medicine.

Then, during a deep meditation, I asked for clarity. I asked if I should be focusing on cosmetic treatments, if this was the right path for me. And the message I received was so clear, so freeing:

“Helping people care for themselves is a beautiful gift.”

That moment shifted everything for me. I realized that my purpose isn’t just one thing. It’s not a title or a singular role—it’s the common thread that runs through everything I do. And for me, that thread is helping people care for themselves.

Whether I’m treating pain, supporting hormonal health, or helping someone feel radiant in their skin, it all comes back to the same thing—guiding people to nurture and honor themselves. That’s my purpose. That’s what lights me up. And I trust that wherever this path leads next, I’ll recognize that pull and follow it, just like I always have.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At my core, I help people feel radiant—inside and out. I’m a Licensed Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner based in Portland, Oregon, blending ancient medicine with modern beauty through cosmetic acupuncture, microneedling, gua sha facials, and traditional acupuncture. My work is about so much more than aesthetics; it’s about deep healing, self-care, and honoring the natural aging process.

We live in a world obsessed with anti-aging, where women are told they need to “age backwards” to be beautiful. I want to change that narrative. I don’t want to look 20 when I’m 40—I want to look like the best version of myself at 40. I want my same face, just with the wisdom, confidence, and refinement that comes with experience. Aging is not something to fight; it’s something to embrace. What makes someone look old isn’t fine lines—it’s stress, inflammation, and disconnection from self. True beauty isn’t about erasing wrinkles; it’s about vibrancy, presence, and the way we care for ourselves.

This realization has shaped the direction of my career. For years, I struggled with what success should look like. Should I open a large clinic? Should I hire employees? I thought that was the natural next step, and I had the opportunity to take that path many times. But through trial, error, and deep self-reflection, I realized that my path looks different. I don’t want to run a high-volume clinic or chase the insurance industry. I want to scale my impact in a way that feels aligned—with high-end, intentional treatments and education that help people reconnect with themselves.

Right now, I’m expanding my reach online, sharing knowledge, techniques, and philosophy on Instagram and TikTok (@Acu_aesthetic). Recently, my old Instagram account was randomly deleted, and at first, I was frustrated. Losing years of content and connection with my audience felt like a huge setback. But now, I’m realizing it was actually a blessing. Starting fresh has given me a chance to redefine my message, rebuild with clarity, and create something even stronger. It’s a reminder that sometimes, being forced to start over isn’t a loss—it’s an opportunity.

At the same time, I’m refining my in-person treatments, creating high-end, ritualistic experiences that go beyond skincare. These sessions are designed to restore both the face and the spirit—blending ancient techniques with modern luxury to help women feel confident, refreshed, and radiant in their own skin.

This is more than just a business shift—it’s a movement. I want to be part of a revolutionary wave that makes it okay to age, to embrace each phase of life with confidence, and to choose holistic, natural methods of self-care over quick fixes that ultimately leave people looking altered. Aging is not a loss; it’s an evolution. I’m here to help people celebrate that journey, to refine their beauty naturally, and to step into their power—without shame, fear, or the pressure to erase themselves in the process.

I’m so grateful for this journey and for the incredible community that supports it. If you’re ready to embrace beauty in a new way, I’d love to connect with you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and the ability to build genuine connections.

Resilience has been essential because this path has not been easy. When I first started my practice, I struggled—financially, emotionally, and even with self-doubt. There were times I questioned if I was cut out for this. I wasn’t making money, I was overwhelmed by the flawed insurance system, and I felt like I was failing. But I kept going. I showed up, even when I wasn’t sure if it would work. I pivoted when things didn’t go as planned. The truth is, setbacks are inevitable when you’re building something from the ground up, but success comes from continuing to move forward, even when it’s hard. My advice for those early in their journey? Get comfortable with discomfort. Expect that there will be moments when you feel lost or discouraged, but know that those moments are temporary. Every challenge you overcome builds the foundation for your success.

Adaptability has been just as crucial. Not only did my vision for how I wanted to structure my business change, but even my interests within acupuncture itself evolved. When I first became an acupuncturist, I thought I would focus on gynecological health because I felt so passionate about it. I still care deeply about that work, but over time, I felt a strong pull toward holistic skincare and cosmetic acupuncture. At first, I resisted it—I worried that I was somehow taking the “less serious” path. But I eventually realized that beauty is about so much more than aesthetics—it’s about confidence, self-care, and the way we carry ourselves. And once I let go of that resistance, I felt truly aligned in my work. The best thing you can do for yourself in any career, but especially as an entrepreneur, is to stay open to evolution. The vision you have today may shift as you grow, and that’s okay. Let yourself be guided by what excites you, not by what you think success is supposed to look like.

Finally, building genuine connections has shaped everything about my career. From the mentors who helped me navigate the hardest years to the clients who trust me with their care, relationships have been everything. I wouldn’t be where I am without the incredible community of practitioners, friends, and clients who have supported me. If you’re just starting out, prioritize relationships over transactions. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, reach out for guidance, and give back when you can. Your network isn’t just about career opportunities—it’s about support, learning, and growing together.

No matter where you are in your journey, trust that every step, even the difficult ones, is leading you exactly where you need to be.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

My ideal client is someone who is ready to embrace self-care as a deeply nourishing, transformative experience—not just a routine, but a way of honoring themselves. They value beauty, not as a pursuit of perfection, but as a reflection of how they care for themselves, inside and out.

I love working with people who are curious, open-minded, and excited to explore holistic approaches to beauty and well-being. Chinese medicine is a beautiful, ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to support radiant skin, graceful aging, and overall vitality. My ideal client is someone who appreciates this wisdom and understands that true beauty isn’t just about what we see in the mirror—it’s about how we feel in our bodies, how we hold ourselves, and the energy we bring into the world.

I especially love working with women in their 30s and 40s—women like me, who are at this incredible yet often overlooked stage of life. I turn 40 this year, and I deeply understand what it feels like to be in this phase where society tells us that beauty fades at 35, that we are past our prime, that we should fight aging at all costs. But I reject that narrative. I believe that this is not the end of beauty—it’s the beginning of the best years. This is the time when we step into our confidence, when we refine our presence, when we embrace all of the wisdom and self-assurance that comes with experience. My ideal client is someone who is ready to own their beauty, not erase it.

My work isn’t about reversing time; it’s about helping my clients feel refreshed, confident, and vibrant at every stage of life. There is so much power in embracing the beauty of who we are right now. My ideal client understands that we don’t have to fight aging—we can celebrate it, refine it, and move through it with grace and confidence.

Above all, I want to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered in their skincare and wellness journey. Whether through cosmetic acupuncture, gua sha, microneedling, or traditional acupuncture, I want my clients to leave feeling not just treated, but truly cared for. This medicine is so much more than skin-deep, and I love working with people who are ready to experience its beauty in a whole new way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heartsevenpdx.com
• Instagram: @acu_aesthetic
• Facebook: @Alexislively
• Other: TikTok @acu_aesthetic

Image Credits

All Photos were taken by me