Influential Woman · Aesthetics and Massage Therapy

Laine West Neary

Licensed Massage Therapist, Tranquil Waters Massage & Spa, llc

Allenton, WI

2Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Business Leadership Development Degree Business Logistics Degree Aesthetics School Degree Massage Therapy School Cert Licensed Esthetician Cert Licensed Massage Therapist

Her Story

About Laine

My career path has been anything but traditional. I spent nearly 30 years in food service, worked in retail and management, and served as an administrative assistant for vice presidents and company executives. I went to college for business leadership development and business logistics, then transitioned into recruiting and HR work for 15 years. But everything changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During my time off for surgeries, I had a moment of deep introspection and realized I was very unhappy with what I was doing. I remembered that when I was in high school, I wanted to be a cosmetologist, but I didn't want to do nails or hair - the only thing left was skin. So when I returned to work, I lasted about a week before putting in my two-week notice and starting aesthetics school that same Friday. It was a fast decision, but it was the right one. Now I work at a spa doing facials and massage therapy, though I end up doing more massage because the demand is so high. I also teach aesthetics once a week, which I absolutely love. Teaching combines all of my leadership development background with my passion for skincare, and seeing my students graduate and hearing how much they appreciated my guidance is incredibly satisfying. My cancer journey, as much as it sucked, was really eye-opening. It made me learn who I was, what I wanted, and what I didn't want. It also removed people from my life who didn't give me the energy or support I needed, and it cleared the pathway for me to take off to where I wanted to be.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Laine

01What do you attribute your success to?

I'm just proud of myself for taking the leap to go into this field and sticking to my truth. At my age, most people are not looking to transition into a new career, but I did it anyway. My breast cancer journey, as much as it sucked, was really eye-opening and good for me. It made me learn who I was, what I wanted, and what I didn't want. It also removed people from my life that didn't really belong there - people who didn't give me the energy I was looking for or the support that I needed. That cleared the pathway and really led me to take off to where I wanted to be. All of my prior experiences, including my leadership development background and my years in other fields, have led me to where I'm at now. Everything I've done has prepared me for this moment, and I'm grateful for that journey.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Go for it. Don't be afraid. It doesn't matter how old you are - you can learn at any age. When I taught one of my first classes, there was a lady that was older than me, and I was actually a little intimidated because I thought, how is she ever going to take direction from me when I'm younger? But you can't think like that. I was the oldest person in my massage school class, and I was the oldest person in my college business classes too. It didn't matter. You've just got to do it. Let that fear be a driving factor towards your goal, because you're not going to get anywhere without it, and that means you're on the right path. Don't let age or fear hold you back from pursuing what you love.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Being hands-on and connecting with my clients is really important to me. I love getting to know my clients and having those types of relationships. I feel like I would have to do both teaching and hands-on work in order to be satisfied - I need that balance. It's also important to me to have good people in my life who can help you out of any situation, whether that's of your own choosing or not. My cancer journey taught me to remove people from my life who didn't give me the energy I was looking for or the support that I needed. I want to cherish the people who truly matter and who provide genuine support. I also value being my own person - I don't strive to be like anybody else. I want to be authentic to who I am and stick to my truth.

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