From the Oregon Coast to Vegas: Building a Wellness Brand with Tisha John | Episode 18
In this episode of the Business Origin Story podcast, Drew Mitchell sits down with Tisha John, owner of Namaste Skincare and Wellness in Henderson, Nevada. Tisha shares her journey from working on the Oregon coast to spending 18 years as a casino massage therapist on the Las Vegas Strip, ultimately building a holistic med spa and mobile wellness brand.
Blending European Spa Therapies with Advanced Aesthetics
Tisha began her 26-year career as a massage therapist on the Oregon coast, where she owned a spa offering European-style detoxification and body treatments. After relocating to Southern Nevada in 2005, she spent 18 years catering to high-end poker players and casino guests on the Las Vegas Strip. Seeking to return to her passion for natural healing, Tisha returned to school to earn her aesthetician and advanced aesthetic licenses, combining advanced skincare, body contouring, and energy healing into custom spa packages.
Supporting Medical Recovery and Mastectomy Patients
A core focus for Namaste Skincare and Wellness is post-surgical care and medical lymphatic drainage. Tisha collaborates with cosmetic surgeons to offer post-op lymphatic drainage, fat reduction, and skin tightening for liposuction, tummy tuck, and BBL recovery. Additionally, her team supports breast cancer survivors with post-mastectomy lymphatic drainage, scar revision, and 3D areola restoration tattooing, helping clients regain physical comfort and confidence.
Expanding Services, Mobile Care, and Insurance Coverage
To better serve the local community, Namaste provides mobile massage services across the Las Vegas valley for homes, offices, pool cabanas, and conventions. Tisha is expanding the med spa by partnering with major insurance providers to accept insurance payments for medical lymphatic drainage. As a nationally certified continuing education provider, she also teaches advanced aesthetics and lymphatic drainage protocols to technicians and massage therapists across Nevada and online.
Advice for Aspiring Aesthetic Professionals
Tisha stresses the importance of understanding strict state licensing, proper zoning, and malpractice insurance when offering advanced aesthetics. For new graduates entering the industry, she recommends seeking structured apprenticeships, continuing education, and finding a specific niche—such as body contouring, lash extensions, or medical massage—to build a lasting, fulfilling career.
Final Thoughts
Tisha John’s evolution highlights how merging hospitality, medical aesthetics, and continuous education can turn a passion for wellness into a multi-faceted business serving thousands across Southern Nevada.
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