Meet Helen McNeil

We recently connected with Helen McNeil and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Helen, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Throughout my life, I’ve often been described as a ‘one of one’—a truly unique individual. My eclectic personality has brought me into spaces where I’ve either been the radiant center of attention or completely misunderstood and singled out. In those earlier experiences, I didn’t always have the confidence, clarity, or voice I’ve cultivated over the years. There were times I left rooms with lingering questions and the heavy feeling that I hadn’t fully shown up for myself. And in truth, I hadn’t.

That changed when I enrolled in esthetics school. I quickly realized that as a Black woman in this field, I would often be the only one in the room who looked like me. That awareness came with responsibility—not only to represent myself with confidence and clarity, but also to show up for the other Black women who might one day see themselves in me. I knew I could no longer afford to leave questions unasked or moments unused.

Now, I embrace being the ‘only one’ as a signal—not of isolation, but of beautiful opportunity. I walk into seminars, trainings, and professional spaces knowing that my presence makes space for more opportunities for more networking, growth, and blessings. My continued success opens doors and affirms to other Black women that as a strong 5% of the field, they, too, belong in this industry. I’ve learned that being the only one is not a setback—it’s a platform. One I stand on proudly on, after all the #5 symbolizes God’s grace, goodness, and favor!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc.
Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
Response: Many estheticians and clients often refer to me as a “unicorn esthetician”—not just because of my energy, but because of the unconventional path that led me into this work. I didn’t pursue esthetics to post flashy tip videos on TikTok or chase trends. I became an esthetician after choosing to follow God’s guidance toward a purpose-driven career—one rooted in service, care, and meaningful impact.
A few months before graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Health Administration, I had a moment of clarity: I didn’t want to stay on the traditional healthcare path. I wanted to reach people on a more personal level, while still supporting their overall wellness. I began reflecting on what truly brought me joy, and one memory stood out—mixing my mother’s lotions and perfumes as a child to create personalized body care products. I can still see her smile, painted with red lipstick, glowing with appreciation. That memory sparked something deep in me: the desire to create moments of joy, healing, and connection through skincare.
Today, I specialize in corrective facial treatments and wellness-centered, luxury body care—especially for skin of color. Every product and service I offer is rooted in nourishment, healing, and strength. I’m passionate about creating experiences that feel both luxurious and deeply intentional, especially for clients who have historically been racially underserved or misunderstood in skincare spaces.
And I’m thrilled to share that we’ve recently renovated our treatment room to reflect that mission even more. The space now features calming earth tones, modernized equipment, and a serene, elevated atmosphere—designed specifically to be a luxury safe space for people of color who are serious about their skin health and tired of navigating skincare with caution or compromise.
My goal is to continue growing a brand that not only delivers results but also builds trust and community—because skincare should feel like love, not a gamble.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful on my journey: optimism, faith, and adaptability.

1.) Optimism – Staying optimistic and smiling has been essential in my business and my personal development. It’s about smiling during the good and bad times, and choosing to pray through the rough patches with hope and excitement for what’s still to come. Challenges are inevitable, and they evolve as you grow—or even when you feel like you’re declining. But maintaining a mindset rooted in faith and forward-thinking helps you keep going when it would be easier to give up. Plus, if you’re always smiling, it’s harder to remember to doubt yourself.

2.) Faith and Spiritual Trust – One of the most powerful skills I’ve developed is fully leaning on God. I mean putting all of my weight into that trust. When you let Him guide you, you find the strength and clarity to keep showing up—especially in moments when your own self-doubt starts feeling like a boulder on your back. That trust leads to His hand allowing you to move with confidence, even when you don’t have all the answers.

3.) Adaptability – A wise man (my husband) once said, “If you stay ready, you’ll never have to get ready.” Life and business will test your plans and beliefs, and sometimes that means letting go of an idea, a goal, or even a habit that no longer serves you. The ability to pivot—to evolve your mindset, your strategy, or your product—can be the difference between stagnation and success. Remain open to advice and inspiration, even when it comes from unexpected or unconventional places that blooms the next steps to elevate your business.
My advice to anyone early in their journey is this: nurture your optimism like a daily habit, lean fully into God, and keep adaptability as your superpower. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being grounded and malleable enough to grow.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who is truly ready to heal their skin—and committed to maintaining those results—within a safe, supportive space. I especially love helping clients work through skin insecurities, because our skin is not only the body’s largest organ, it’s also a deeply personal canvas. It reflects our health, lifestyle, and sometimes, our self-esteem.

I create a treatment space where clients can feel both cared for and educated. One of the compliments I receive most often is, “Helen, your treatment room feels so comfortable—I can really relax here.” That’s exactly the experience I aim to provide every time.

In a world full of stressors, my treatment room is a sacred pause. It’s a space where clients can lay down their worries, receive personalized guidance, and truly begin to understand and care for their skin. Whether you’re managing active concerns or just ready to elevate your skin health, my goal is to support you with genuine care, education, and results that feel just as good as they look. It’s time to release the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards—both from yourself and others. Sit back, relax, and let’s heal your skin!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bodybyhelenmcneil.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybyhelen_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-mcneil777/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_bodybyhelen