Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn MacGregor.
Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For sure! My journey began with a deep curiosity and love for the beauty industry. From a young age, I was always experimenting—whether it was with hair, makeup, or nails—and that quickly evolved into styling friends for school dances and special occasions. It felt natural to pursue a professional path, so I enrolled at the Douglas J Aveda Institute in 2012, where I completed my certification in cosmetology with cross-training in esthiology.
After graduating, I continued to invest in my education through advanced classes, workshops, and certifications, always striving to grow my skills. I started my career gaining experience at local salons and spas, focusing on brow shaping and building my professional makeup kit. A move to Ann Arbor brought new opportunities, where I gained experience in airbrush makeup and began offering makeup services for wedding parties—including a memorable event at Jeff Daniels’ home for his son’s backyard wedding.
Eventually, I returned to Bay City, continued building my clientele at a local salon until I felt ready to take the next step—opening my own space. In 2020, a serendipitous conversation during a yoga class led me to rent a beautiful downtown studio, and just like that, my wellness spa was born. I invited a few trusted friends and colleagues to join me, and together we created a welcoming, creative space that blended beauty and wellness.
After four successful years in that space, we expanded into a larger downtown location just a block away. We’ve more than doubled our team, broadened our service offerings, and added classes in yoga, dance, and meditation. Most recently, I earned my yoga teacher certification in Bali, which has added another meaningful layer to both my personal and professional journey.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful to be doing work I love—owning Ocean Jasper Wellness has allowed me to merge my creative passions with entrepreneurship, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to build a space rooted in artistry, self-care, and community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t always been easy. There have definitely been moments that tested my resilience and reminded me why I’m so passionate about what I do.
I opened Ocean Jasper Wellness in January of 2020—full of excitement, vision, and momentum—only to have the world come to a sudden halt two months later when the pandemic hit. Like so many other small businesses, we were forced to close for three months, and it was heartbreaking to press pause right after opening the doors. But in that uncertainty, something beautiful happened: our community showed up for one another. The kindness, support, and encouragement I received during that time reminded me that I wasn’t doing this alone, and it deepened my connection to the people I serve.
Another major challenge came when it was time to grow and find a new location. I knew exactly what we needed—a space that reflected the spirit of Ocean Jasper and could support our expanded offerings—but finding that space was a long and often frustrating process. I spent about a year searching, thinking I had found “the one” more than once, only to be let down by hidden deal-breakers or unexpected roadblocks. At one point, I had signed a contract and was ready to move in… and the landlord just ghosted me. No explanation, no follow-up. That was a tough moment.
But honestly, those setbacks helped me refine my vision. And when the right space did come along, it was everything I had hoped for. I was able to fund the renovations, tools, and furnishings on my own—without going into debt—and that felt like such an empowering milestone. It reminded me how far I’ve come, not just as a service provider, but as a business owner.
Looking back, the bumps in the road taught me patience, persistence, and trust in the timing of things. And they made the successes that much sweeter!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Thank you—I’d love to share. I’m the founder and owner of Ocean Jasper Wellness, a Michigan-based wellness spa that’s really more like a sanctuary for holistic well-being. Our mission is to support people on their journey toward feeling good—inside and out. As a collective, we offer everything from massages, facials, and energy work to nail services, waxing, brow and lash treatments, henna tattoos, permanent jewelry, yoga, dance, meditation, and more. It’s a diverse offering, but it all comes back to one purpose: helping people feel more connected to themselves.
Personally, I wear quite a few hats—artist, service provider, business owner, and space-holder. I create with my hands and my heart. Whether I’m doing hand-painted nail art, brow shaping, lash lifts, henna, or makeup, I put intention and care into every detail. I’m also a certified yoga teacher and henna tattoo artist, which I love because they add totally different textures to how I connect with people and express creativity.
What I’m most proud of is that Ocean Jasper Wellness wasn’t built from a desire to chase numbers or business metrics—it was built from a place of passion, intuition, and love for both artistry and community. I only offer services that truly bring me joy, and I’ve surrounded myself with a team of providers I know, trust, and admire—not just professionally, but personally. Each person on our team is someone whose energy and work is in alignment with my dream for what Ocean Jasper stands for.
I also designed and decorated the space to reflect a sense of calm and beauty that I want to feel when I walk in—and I hope others feel that too. Everything about Ocean Jasper is intentionally created: the atmosphere, the people, the service menu. It’s my dream business, built around joy, connection, and care—and I think that’s what sets us apart.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes—just a gentle reminder that your wellness journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Whether it’s taking care of your skin, finding time to move your body, getting your nails done, or simply allowing yourself to rest—whatever makes you feel more like you is valid and worth honoring.
At Ocean Jasper Wellness, we’re not here to transform you into someone new—we’re here to help you reconnect with who you already are. My hope is that when people walk into our space, they feel safe, seen, and supported. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence, artistry, and care.
And on a more personal note, if you have a dream, no matter how big or creative or “unrealistic” it may seem—follow it. I never imagined that my love for beauty, yoga, and community would all weave together into something like this, but by trusting my intuition and staying true to what lights me up, here we are.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know a little more about me and Ocean Jasper. I’m so grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oceanjasperwellness.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/oceanjasperwellness
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/oceanjasperbaycity
