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In early 2012, I was working as a GM for a local restaurant for approximately five years. From the time I started, my boys, Taylor and Tanner, then 7 and 9, had learned to become very self-sufficient. Unfortunately, as a single parent, we often do whatever it takes to provide for our children. I would go to work at 4:30 AM, and the boys quickly learned to get themselves up, fed, and dressed for school. Over the years, I had convinced myself that I was teaching them what work ethic looked like. I was hoping one day, when they were grown, they would say to their friends, “My mom worked her tail off.” Little did I know I was creating a much different scenario for their future.

When Taylor was 12 years of age, I noticed that he was starting to struggle with depression and anxiety. He often complained to me that “All I ever did was work.” I realized quickly that I needed to be home more for my boys. So, I began to pray every night. I had absolutely no idea what I was praying for, but I kept asking God to show me what I was supposed to be doing. Taylor wanted me to own my own business again so I could be around more, or as he would say, “work when I wanted to.” I continued to pray night after night, asking God to show me the way, give me a sign, and I would do it. No matter what it was. Meanwhile, I kept promising Taylor I would sort it out, and in the meantime, I taught Taylor to say, “I trust you, God, I trust you, God, I trust you, God” each night before bedtime. I knew that I trusted God and had enough faith in Him for all of us.

One morning, I awoke with a crystal clear message from God, and all I remember were the words - laser spa. I didn’t know what exactly I was supposed to do with this new information, but I was so excited to tell the boys about it. Taylor was ecstatic! So, I started my research. By this time, it was late October. I remember there was snow on the ground, and it was cold outside. One night, I saw a small animal in the distance. Upon approaching it, I discovered it was a very small kitten. I scooped her up and brought her into the house. She couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old. She was starving and cold, and I’m sure she would not have made it through the night. I convinced myself that I was only going to nurse her back to health, and then I would find her a good home. Little did I know that the home I would find for her was mine. She was the sweetest kitten I had ever known, and since I already had a Simba and a Pumba at home, it was only fitting to name her “Nala.”

After researching laser med spas and schools, I attended one of the nation's best schools. Lo-and-behold, the school was called the National Association of Laser & Aesthetics (NALA) in Scottsdale, Arizona. I scheduled my trip, and on April 22, 2013, I was off to learn everything I could about the laser industry.

Meanwhile, Taylor’s condition was worsening, and his depression had already taken a strong hold on him. I tried to give him something to hold onto. Remember, He prompted all this, so it was “our thing.” I believe Tanner was also excited, but it wasn’t the same as for Taylor. He needed something to look forward to, to hold onto, and to live for.

Prior to opening the spa, I had met and became very close friends with a girl who would change my life forever - Kat Felix. Not only was she my friend but also my graphic designer, and an incredible one at that. She was the one responsible for the spa name, the logo, and the tagline. And again, her name is Kat. Can you now see all of the connections?

On May 14, 2013, Taylor took his own life. I felt like my life had ended, and all my hopes and dreams were now gone. I wanted nothing to do with the spa. I wanted nothing to do with anything. It was all I could do to take care of Tanner. Then Taylor spoke to me - “Mom, you have to go on for Tanner and me. We created this dream, and now you must complete it. You can do this, Mom; Tanner needs you to do it.” So once again, I put all my faith and trust into God, who has kept all his promises thus far. I pushed forward, creating a spa in honor of Taylor.

I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe God had His hand in everyone and everything that fell into place that last year before Taylor passed away. So, you could say God was preparing me - from saving the life of a frail little kitten to the greatest loss a mother could ever experience to placing my new friend Kat into my life. "Experience the Evolution" is not only about Tanner and I evolving and learning to live a new life without Taylor, but also for every client. Changing how women and men feel about their bodies changes their lives as well, and in the end, they, too, evolve!

I thank you, God, for Tanner, for the fourteen years I was able to have with Taylor, and for all the blessings and protection you have surrounded Tanner and me with over this past year, including many, many friends and family. I couldn’t have done it without all of your support. Thank you, everyone, for supporting me while I fought to carry out Taylor’s wishes, all the while preserving his memory and presence through Spa Nala.

Together with Tanner and Taylor, we will overcome, especially since 'Nala' in African culture means 'successful and beloved'.

- Kristine Brugh, Owner