Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Smith.
Hi Molly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Charleston Head Spa was founded by Molly after she realized there was something missing in Charleston something people didn’t even know they needed but would absolutely love. We started in a single suite, unsure if it would take off. During our first three days, we had a handful of bookings and were thrilled. Then, one of our videos on social media went viral. Within a month, we had a waitlist of over 700 people.
We expanded into a second suite and began pulling from the waitlist, but it just kept growing as our online presence exploded. A few months in, we knew we had to go bigger. We started building out a full spa in August 2024 and officially opened our new location complete with six rooms on March 1st, 2025, exactly one year after we first opened our doors.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was managing explosive growth so quickly. Going from a handful of bookings to a 700+ person waitlist almost overnight was amazing but it also meant we had to scramble to scale up without sacrificing quality. Hiring and training staff fast enough to meet demand was tough, especially since we’re so focused on giving a consistent, elevated experience.
Another challenge was the physical expansion. Building out a full location while still operating daily services was exhausting. We also dealt with unexpected issues like ordering spa beds that weren’t ergonomically right and having to refund them, not enough hot water for 8 beds, all while juggling waitlists and renovations. But every challenge pushed us to get sharper, stronger, and more committed to the long-term vision.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an Air Force veteran and spent four years proudly serving before deciding to return to school. I earned my Bachelor’s in Health and Wellness and then went on to complete my Master’s in Business Administration. At the same time, I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 18 years, and I’ve always had a deep passion for the beauty industry. I knew I would return to it one day it was just a matter of finding the right path. When I discovered Japanese head spas, everything clicked. It blended my love for wellness, beauty, and business perfectly.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the success of Charleston Head Spa it’s the jobs we’ve created and the incredible team we’ve built. Every team member is hardworking, dedicated, and driven, and I feel honored to work alongside them. What truly sets me apart is my diverse background: military service, a foundation in health, nearly two decades of hands-on beauty experience, and advanced business education. All of it comes together in how I lead, grow, and care for this business and the people in it
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for finding a mentor is to connect with someone who’s achieved something you genuinely admire someone whose path or values resonate with you. For me, some of the best mentors have been former managers and friends who’ve found success in their own businesses. These relationships weren’t formal mentorships at first they grew naturally from mutual respect and shared conversations. I’ve found that being open, asking thoughtful questions, and staying curious has helped me build a network of people I can turn to for advice, support, and honest feedback. Don’t be afraid to reach out you’d be surprised how many people are willing to share what they’ve learned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charlestonheadspa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlestonheadspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560462333830
