We had the good fortune of connecting with Kashara “Kash” Morring and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kashara “Kash”, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Initially, starting my business, Palm N Sole Massage and Footcare, I felt it was important to be overly available. I think I was afraid that I would miss out if I didn’t take clients whenever they needed me. It ended up being a trap, as I was exhausted, drained and definitely was not taking care of myself as I should had been. I was taking it out on my household as well, and my daughter was acting out as a result. In February, I came down with a sickness that stopped me in my tracks. I was unable to take clients for almost two weeks, and was confined to my room during that time. Then once I was better and started rescheduling clients, I was hit with the response to the Coronavirus. Clients began suspending services, and I was forced with the hard decision to terminate my lease for my salon suite. During quarantine, it took a good month and a half for me to process everything, but once I understood that I would be OK, things began to open up and I started to relax and take advantage of my time off. I began taking time for myself to recharge and nurture myself, I spent more intentional focused time with my daughter, and began looking at how I wanted to move forward with Palm N Sole. I decided to hold off on trying to get a suite because I learned very quickly that overhead can be a lot, especially starting off. I take clients Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will revisit possibly adding more days in the future as I rebuild. Balance to me means putting myself first and filling my cup before tending to others and being intentional in how I move with regards to my business. What I am finding that works for me now, is waking up early and doing yoga and meditating with my daughter.
I am just appreciating and being grateful for EVERYTHING. Nothing is too small to be grateful for because the truth is, at least for me, is that you can’t successfully elevate in anything until you learn to slow down and look at how far you have come; you won’t miss anything, and all that is meant to be will be so long as you are in alignment with that desire. As I get busier, I will adjust accordingly, keeping my foundation strong as I continue to build.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Palm N Sole Massage and Footcare in 2019. Prior to that I worked at a medical foot spa, where we specialized in working with diabetic clients as well as clients with fungal infections and other foot sensitivities. Initially, I was advised to go to school to assist the owner of the medical foot spa, who was making plans to expand. I was unsure about doing pedicures, but I decided I had nothing to lose. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I had served in the Air Force for 8 years, and had a hard time transitioning to being a civilian again. I was interested in energy body work, but was unsure of how to present that fact to potential clients. I had been in college for Psychology, and had never considered going back to school to learn a vocation. I wasn’t as confident starting out, but eventually I would grow to sincerely love my clients. The better I got, the more my confidence grew. I began getting lots of positive feedback on how I take my time, do a great job and make them feel like more than just a number. Some people are extremely sensitive about their feet, and I was happy to help them feel more comfortable. I had gravitated to herbal remedies and massage and went to school for massage the fall of 2017 a little over a year after graduating from nail school. It is my dream to have my own Spiritual Wellness Center and it is my mission to help women to take their self care seriously! The truth is, the lack of self care, whether it be in relation to the mind, body or spirit, can have serious health impacts. I am proud to help my clients to realize just how important taking time for themselves is, by providing excellent service every time. I feel that I have gotten to where I am currently by not giving up on myself, even when I had to leave my suite. Now I am completely mobile, and my clients love the convenience of not having to leave their homes, especially with the pandemic. Coming to this decision was not easy; I was not completely with the idea of traveling to people and being in their homes. However, when I was faced with having to decide how to go about my business after quarantine, I began to reconcile myself to the idea that mobile appointments would prove to be a strong marketing point. I also sterilize my equipment. There are not many techs that sterilize their implements, and I specialize in pedicures. I do not do any manicures beyond a basic buff and file treatment. There are not many nail techs that only give pedicures and truly place emphasis on the condition and health of the feet. Feet are the foundation of the entire body and need to be treated as such. Palm N Sole has the vision to help clients to relax, release and renew their mind, body and spirit, through my services. I am proud of where Palm N Sole is headed, and look forward to the continued growth of my business.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me, I love nature, so I would take my friend to either Kennesaw Mountain, or Vickery Creek Trail in Roswell for a morning hike. Then we could go to one of my favorite restaurants; Tassili”s Raw Reality for a kale wrap, Juice Me Too for a walnut meat wrap, Circle Noodle for Nabeyaki Udon, Contreju for Jamaican food, or to JINYA for spicy chicken ramen. There are so many more, but those are my top favorites. I have kind of turned into a home body, so I only really go hiking and eat in all honesty. If there is a place my friend would like to visit, I would have to suck it up and leave the house lol.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, so many people to name, I am sure I can’t fit them all, however I will do my best. Dr. Tia Rusan of Divine Spine & Wellness and Professor Jamela Franklin; these women helped me to start to really see myself and show me what it can look like to heal. When these women came into my life, it was the start of major transitions, and they have assisted me on my journey. Thank you both. Erika Allison of Nufeet Medical Pedicure Spa; thank you for your mentorship and for introducing me to a vocation that I have grown to be immensely passionate about. I am very grateful for my time at Nufeet because I have grown tremendously from that experience. I also want to give a shoutout to Destiny Pen of Egyptian Eyes Boutique, Trina who is the owner of Cirkle Salon, Kina Dia my former massage instructor and sister from another mister, my Aunt Charlene Morring an attorney in VA, my Aunt Debra Morring and my mother Lisa Morring. My mother has loved me unconditionally regardless of my flaws and has been someone I strive to be in her unwavering love and support. I can never repay her for her many sacrifices. I am grateful to have and have had amazing strong women in my life.
Website: palmnsole.com
Instagram: @palmnsole_maf
Facebook: @hippiegirlkash
Yelp: Palm N Sole Massage and Footcare
Other: Google: Palm N Sole Massage and Footcare
Image Credits
Nature shots and outdoor action shot taken by @lennoxave