Royal Glow Beauty and Esthetics is more than a spa—it’s a symbol of personal transformation, empowerment, and local community impact.
On her first day of esthetics school, Kim Foerster sat in a classroom surrounded by students nearly half her age. “I remember thinking, what am I doing here?” she says. At 39, she had just left a 20-year banking career and was facing the uncertainty of starting over. The doubt was real, but so was her determination — and that uneasy beginning would spark the launch of Royal Glow Beauty & Esthetics in Boardman, Ohio.
From Banking to Beauty: Kim’s Second Act
By mid 2021, Kim’s career in banking had run its course. After years managing branches and working in mortgages, the industry’s shifting demands — and eventually, a layoff — forced her to rethink her future.
What many people didn’t know was that Kim had always had another passion. As a child in pageants, she saw how makeup and skincare could transform confidence. That experience gave her an eye for detail and a belief in the power of presentation. Over the years, she became the go-to for spray tans and pageant makeup, eventually earning Norvell certification in 2020.
Still, turning that side passion into a full career felt risky. “I worried constantly if I’d wasted 20 years and if anyone would even book with me,” Kim admits. But instead of returning to a career that no longer fit, she chose to build something new. She enrolled in esthetics school at 39, earned her license by 40, and within a year, opened Royal Glow. Today, at 42, she runs a five-room boutique spa that blends her love for beauty with her talent for connection.
A Boutique Spa with a Personal Touch
Kim built Royal Glow to feel different from the chain spas she’d experienced — less rushed, more personal. Every client starts with a conversation about their skin, lifestyle, and goals. From there, treatments are tailored in the moment.
Her signature offerings include anti-aging facials that incorporate LED light therapy to boost collagen, dermaplaning for instant smoothness, and customized acne treatments for teens and adults. Spray tanning — one of Kim’s earliest specialties — remains popular with pageant contestants, brides, and women looking for a healthy glow year-round.
Clients notice the difference. “Kim made me feel completely comfortable, and my skin has never looked better,” one regular shared.
Community at the Core
But Royal Glow isn’t just about services — it’s about community. Kim envisioned a space where women entrepreneurs could support one another instead of competing.
She rents treatment rooms to other independent professionals — a nail technician, lash artist, and massage therapist — and makes collaboration part of the culture. They cross-promote each other on social media, share referrals, and brainstorm new ideas together over coffee between clients. “When one of us has a challenge, we problem-solve together,” Kim says. “That’s the power of women backing women.”
This collaborative model has earned attention locally, from a ribbon-cutting with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber to mentions in area media. But Kim says her proudest validation comes from clients who return again and again — not just for the treatments, but for the atmosphere of encouragement and care.
What Other Women Can Take Away
Kim’s story isn’t just about beauty — it’s about the possibility of starting over. For women considering their own pivot, she shares three lessons:
- Your old skills still matter. “Banking taught me organization, customer service, and how to build trust. I use those skills every single day.”
- Find your circle. Having a supportive network of fellow women in business gave her confidence when she doubted herself.
- Age isn’t a deadline. “At 39, I felt late to the game. But clients don’t care how old you are — they care that you care about them.”
Confidence, Not Just Skincare
For Kim, Royal Glow is more than a spa. It’s a place where women can recharge, reconnect, and remember their own strength. “Yes, I want you to leave with glowing skin,” she says. “But more than that, I want you to walk out with your head held high.”
Royal Glow is her reminder — and her gift to others — that reinvention is possible at any stage in life. Today, the business stands not only as a beauty destination but as a community hub where confidence is restored, friendships are built, and possibilities open up.
Learn more at royalglow.net or see our reviews on Google .
