We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Kelleher and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mike, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first began (R)Evolution, there was no such thing as work life balance. There was (R)Evolution. I went into this endeavor with a 3 year plan in mind. The first 3 years were going to be dedicated to this business, and that is exactly how it has developed. (R)Evolution was not going to fail. This was not an option. I own and operate this business from top to bottom, overseeing every aspect of the business, without me there is no (R)Evolution.
The three year pledge culminated in December of 2023. It was a tough, but extremely fulfilling time. I pushed myself, and loved ones to the limit, thankfully, it was all well worth it. The universe works in mysterious ways, and demonstrated to me that I had to adhere to this pledge and reclaim some balance in my life. I suffered some very close personal losses last year, and it became more than apparent to me that one can run a successful business, and also have a fulfilling personal life. Have I achieved this balance completely? No, not as of yet, but I am trying.
Now, I am to the point where I am not anxious and thinking about the business when I step away for some time off, I am finally able to flip the switch off and enjoy life away for a period of time. Coming back to the office, rejuvenated and reinvigorated. It feels good. I highly recommend it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started in medicine as a Combat Medic in the US Army way back when, 1993, and the rest is history as they say. I was fortunate enough to be accepted and attend the Emory University Physician Assistant Program, graduating in 2005 and practicing in Georgia since that time. I ended up in the subspecialty of Aesthetic medicine by accident. The stars aligned and events occurred that would never happen in this way again. I fell into Aesthetic Medicine and truly found my passion.
Aesthetic Medicine is still quite a young subspecialty, so it was not easy in the beginning, we are now talking a decade or so ago. This aspect of medicine was still under the radar, not a lot of evidence based medicine or literature, so it took a lot of leg work and seeking out the true leader, quality innovators, and good old fashion research. The availability was not there like it is today, but if you want something bad enough you do it.
What I would want anyone to know about myself and my business, (R)Evolution, is that we are the product of years of dedication and hard work. (R)Evolution was developed with the fundamental belief that, we can be better, and do better. Never maintain the status quo, always reach for greatness, treat people right, innovate, and be the best we can, every day.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first off, I am kind of a home body, so…Being a member of the Decatur Business Community, I of course would be Decatur centric. Coffee at Opo, B-Side of course. Need some groceries? Hit up Kelly’s Market. Dinner, drinks. Kimball House of course, also, Deer and Dove. Enjoy the square, have some ice cream. The city has a ton to offer, the people are accepting and great.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many individuals in my life that contributed to this story, that it is hard to single out just one, or even a couple. (R)Evolution is the culmination of decades of work and experience. I give credit to the people that supported me, believed in me, loved me along the way, but I also but give credit to those who didn’t. The ones that were quite the opposite, they are the ones that lit the fire and kept it stoked.
Website: www.revolutionbymka.com
Instagram: @revolutiondecatur