We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Terrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance has looked very different for me over the years, especially as my life and career have evolved. I’ve been an Emergency Room nurse for the past 11 years—a role that’s both rewarding and incredibly demanding. When my first son was born seven years ago, I transitioned into a weekend option supervisor role. At the time, it felt like a temporary solution to help with childcare, but what started as a short-term fix quickly turned into seven years—and two kids—later.

Over time, I started to feel the weight of what I was missing. Weekend birthday parties, baseball games, and family gatherings became things I often had to skip, and it really started to tug at me. About a year ago, our family moved to Madison, GA, and instantly fell in love with the town’s charm and sense of community. I would drive through the town square and catch myself daydreaming about being a business owner here, about being closer to my kids—close enough to eat lunch with them at school, attend their games, or just be there when they got out of class.

That dream began to take shape when two of my close friends—both ER physicians—and I joked one day about opening a med spa and wellness clinic. That light-hearted idea quickly snowballed into reality. Before we knew it, we had an LLC, a lease, and a business license. Madison Main was born in September 2024, and we officially opened our doors in March 2025.

In the six months leading up to the opening, I wore every hat imaginable—creating protocols, managing OSHA compliance, handling malpractice insurance, working on the build-out, and figuring out all the business side of things that nursing school never taught me. It was intense, but it was also one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.

You always hear that starting a small business is a risk, and it absolutely is. But for me, this risk meant reclaiming balance in my life in a way that aligns with my values. I now get to do work I’m passionate about—blending healthcare with wellness and aesthetics—while also being fully present for my family. My background in ER management definitely helped with the transition, but more than anything, it’s the why that keeps me going.

To me, work-life balance isn’t about working less—it’s about working in a way that supports the life I want to live. I hope that by watching me take this leap, my kids will see what it looks like to take a chance on a dream and build something meaningful—even if it starts with a joke over coffee.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business, Madison Main, is truly a reflection of our roots and our passion. All three of us—myself and my two business partners—come from backgrounds as ER providers. In emergency medicine, we’re trained to act fast, solve problems, and often treat patients on the worst days of their lives. What’s unique—and sometimes hard—is that we rarely see those patients again unless they’re sick or injured. While we’ve always loved the intensity and purpose of emergency medicine, we craved a deeper, ongoing connection with our patients.

That desire to build meaningful relationships is what led us to open Madison Main, a wellness and aesthetics clinic where we now get to walk alongside our patients in a completely different way—one focused on prevention, confidence, and long-term wellness. It’s been such an honor to help people feel better from the inside out. Many of our patients have become friends, and I genuinely look forward to seeing them. It’s a beautiful change from the high-stress world of the ER.

We offer a wide range of services including IV hydration, vitamin therapy, peptide therapy, medical weight loss, hormone therapy, injectables like Botox and filler, laser skin rejuvenation, and a full suite of esthetician services. What sets us apart is that we’ve taken our clinical expertise—especially with things like IV therapy and patient assessment—and molded it into a proactive, patient-centered model designed to help people feel their best before they reach a crisis point.

Starting this business wasn’t easy. We had no formal business training—just a vision, a lot of grit, and a shared goal to bring wellness to our community in a more personal way. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Progress takes time, and there’s something to learn every single day. I’ve worked hard to immerse myself fully in this field, studying the latest in wellness and aesthetics, and I’ve truly found a passion I didn’t even know was waiting for me.

What I want the world to know about Madison Main is that we aren’t just another med spa—we’re providers who care deeply about the people we serve. We’ve swapped trauma bays for treatment rooms, but the heart of our work is the same: helping people live healthier, happier lives. And for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

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?
If my best friend was visiting Madison, GA for a week, I’d be beyond excited to show them everything that makes our town so special. Madison is one of the most historic and charming towns in Georgia—full of Southern hospitality, preserved beauty, and small-town charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

We’d kick off the week with a walking tour of the historic district. Madison is known for having some of the most beautiful and well-preserved historic homes in the South. Fun fact: during Sherman’s March to the Sea, Madison was one of the few towns spared from destruction because General Sherman had a friend who lived here. The result? An incredible array of 1800s architecture and a downtown area that feels like a living museum. There are signs throughout the area that tell the stories behind the homes and landmarks—perfect for history lovers.

We’d definitely grab lunch or brunch at Town 220—a local favorite known for its upscale Southern cuisine and cozy vibe. Another must-stop is Madison ChopHouse Grille for a laid-back dinner with a hearty menu. For drinks, we’d head to Amici, which has great pizza, a fun bar scene, and often live music. I’d also take them to Hart & Crown Tavern—a newer addition with incredible food and cocktails in a really cool, cozy setting.

No visit is complete without shopping downtown. We’d stroll through The Madison Markets, an antique and boutique lover’s dream, and check out Archambault Interiors, which always have the cutest home goods and gifts. For something sweet, we’d pop into Scoops for ice cream or candy.

One afternoon, we’d drive out to Farmview Market for farm-to-table eats and local goods—it’s part restaurant, part market, and part experience. If the weather’s nice, we’d plan a day outdoors with a walk at Heritage Park, or even venture out to nearby Hard Labor Creek State Park for hiking or a picnic.

Of course, I’d have to bring them by Madison Main for a little self-care—whether that’s a relaxing IV drip, a dermaplane facial, or just some downtime in a beautiful space to recharge.

What I love most about Madison is that it’s not just beautiful—it’s full of stories, community, and people who genuinely care about preserving its charm while embracing growth. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or just a slower pace of life, it’s a place that captures your heart. I know it did mine!

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?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family—especially my husband and kids. Their love, patience, and unwavering support gave me the courage to take the leap from ER nursing to business ownership. My husband stood by me through late nights, long meetings, and moments of doubt, reminding me why I started in the first place. And my kids—well, they were my biggest “why.” Every step of this journey was fueled by my desire to be more present in their lives.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to my two ER physician friends Dr. Pratik Mehta and Dr. Jeremy Schube and now business partners. What started as a casual conversation between friends turned into a full-blown dream come true. Their shared vision, trust, and collaboration made Madison Main more than just a business—it’s a shared passion and mission. I couldn’t have asked for better partners.

A special thank you goes to my former colleagues and mentors in the ER, who not only shaped my skills as a clinician and leader but also encouraged me to think beyond traditional nursing roles. The ER taught me resilience, quick decision-making, and how to lead under pressure—skills that have been invaluable in running a business.

And finally, a shoutout to Madison, GA—this little town gave me the inspiration and the community support to chase a dream I didn’t know I was ready for. The people here embraced us, and the small-town charm made me believe that big dreams can have small beginnings.

It truly takes a village, and I’m endlessly grateful for mine.

Website: https://www.madisonmainwellness.com

Instagram: @madisonmainwellness

Image Credits
Taylor Smith Photography

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