Influential Woman · Skincare
Michelle Kolcan
Founder and Owner, Natural Health and Skin
Asheville, NC 28806
Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Kolcan is the Founder and Owner of Natural Health And Skin, a natural skincare company and wellness center based in Asheville, North Carolina. She specializes in holistic health, clean skincare formulation, and natural wellness solutions, offering consultations and handcrafted products through her website, naturalhealthskin.com. Her work focuses on creating high-quality skincare products made with organic ingredients, herbs, and essential oils, while educating others about the importance of making informed choices about the products they use on their bodies. Michelle’s journey into holistic wellness began with studies in chiropractic and paramedic fields, where she developed a deeper interest in the connection between health, lifestyle, and preventative care. She later expanded her expertise through studies in alternative and complementary medicine with a specialization in herbalism, as well as integrative nutrition. After personally experiencing eczema most of her life, she transformed her own diet and skincare routine, which inspired her to help others achieve similar improvements through natural approaches. Recognizing the simplicity and effectiveness of creating beneficial skincare formulations, she dedicated herself to developing products designed to support healthier skin and reduce exposure to potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. Michelle credits much of her success to the support of those who believed in her vision, including her ex-husband, who encouraged her educational and entrepreneurial pursuits, and Dr. Gary Walicki, a chiropractor and functional neurologist with more than 30 years of experience who provided mentorship, business guidance, and an opportunity to introduce her products to clients through his practice. As she continues growing Natural Health And Skin, Michelle identifies marketing within a competitive industry as one of her greatest challenges while seeing opportunities in education, public speaking, and platforms such as TED Talks to raise awareness about skincare ingredients and healthier alternatives. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and wellness professionals is to remain persistent, maintain a positive mindset, and surround themselves with a supportive network that encourages growth and success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support and encouragement I have received from the people who believed in my vision and helped me pursue my goals. My ex-husband played an important role by supporting my decision to continue my education and work toward building a career centered around my passion for holistic health and wellness. I am also incredibly grateful for Dr. Gary Walicki, the chiropractor and functional neurologist I have worked with as an office manager and certified chiropractic assistant, who has supported me throughout my professional journey. He encouraged my entrepreneurial efforts, provided valuable guidance, and gave me the opportunity to introduce my skincare line in his office before I opened my own wellness center. Their belief in my abilities, combined with my dedication, persistence, and commitment to helping others, has been instrumental in my growth and success. I attribute my success also due to the fact that, I haven't stopped caring about another person's well-being and have continued relentless at bringing to others' attention the dangers of many ingredients in skincare and in our foods, etc.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You will not go forward if you keep looking back so, take steps forward and remove immediately any negative thought that comes to mind. Stay true to your goals. Even if you cannot reach a million people, sometimes it only takes one person to change the journey you may take and bring others along the way. Listen truly to others and show empathy. Live a life that will bring happiness and health to me first and others will then benefit.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay relentless, remain committed to your goals, and never lose sight of who you are and why you do what you do. Stay true to your values, trust your unique vision, and surround yourself with positive, supportive people who encourage your growth and inspire you to reach your full potential. You are valuable and so is the knowledge you have to share. There are many that do not know what you know. Make time for yourself and be goofy at times, remembering to have fun. Happiness is part of being healthy.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is building awareness and effectively marketing a new business in an industry with significant competition. Standing out requires creativity, consistency, and the ability to clearly communicate the value and purpose behind my products and services. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities in educating consumers about natural health, clean skincare, and the importance of making informed choices. By sharing my knowledge, building meaningful connections, and continuing to provide quality products, I believe there is an opportunity to make a positive impact and reach more people seeking healthier alternatives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, self-respect, honesty, perseverance and happiness. I believe in staying true to who I am, valuing my own strengths, and communicating with integrity, even when difficult conversations are necessary. Rather than dwelling on the past, I believe in learning from experiences, embracing growth, and focusing on creating a meaningful and purposeful future.
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