How local support helps a Boulder entrepreneur empower others

 

Michelle Hale left a successful dental career in Pittsburgh in search of something more meaningful — and found it in Boulder.  

“I realized I wanted to be a business owner and do my own thing,” she said. 

Today, Michelle owns the Beauty Spot, a Boulder med spa. Her services include permanent makeup — tattooing used for re‑pigmentation to create permanent eyebrows, lips, and more. Many clients seek it to help their hair appear fuller or after breast reconstruction surgery, often due to cancer. 

It can result in a true transformation, and her clients have often been moved to tears when they see the results. 

“They tell me how I’ve changed their lives,” Michelle said. “They feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. And that makes me feel really good.” 

Drawn by Boulder’s mountains and strong sense of community, Michelle quickly found her place. And through a fellow climber, she was introduced to Elevations. 

As a small and local business, she tries to prioritize local, small businesses herself.  

“When I found out that Elevations was Boulder-local and Colorado- local, I liked that. I like sticking with small businesses over big businesses,” she said. “It's a better way to build our community.”  

After working with the credit union during her home purchases, she continued as a business banking member. Michelle found she can easily talk through her business decisions with her business banking relationship manager at Elevations, Shelby Hammond. 

Her relationship with Elevations helped Michelle purchase the equipment she needs to keep on top of beauty industry trends.  

With support from an Elevations Equipment Loan, she purchased an FDA‑approved device used for lifting, tightening, and boosting hyaluronic acid in the skin — helping her stay ahead of beauty industry trends. 

“I've never been steered wrong,” she said. “And, always, the options that I have from Elevations are better than what big business offers.” 

And as her clients rediscover their confidence, Michelle continues to find her own purpose one transformation at a time.