THE BEAUTY GURU

Michel Marlatt

CEO, Founder, and Medical Esthetician, Spa Roma

SUPERPOWER: Bringing out the beauty in others

The entrepreneurial spirit runs in Michel Marlatt’s family, starting with her grandfather who, at the age of 11, immigrated from Italy to West Virginia, where he would eventually start businesses that would serve as the foundation of the family he would raise here. “My mom and dad had all of my siblings and myself working in our businesses as early as 8 years old. We were encouraged to have a sense of pride, work hard, and take care of our customers. My father used to say, ‘Find something you love to do, then find out how to make a living doing it.’”

The determination she developed while working in her family’s businesses gave her the confidence to start a business of her own. From a young age, she was interested in helping people look and feel better, and when she started in the beauty industry as a hairdresser, she recognized a void that she could fill. That led her to pursue a career as a medical esthetician.

Marlatt became the first licensed medical esthetician in the state and eventually opened Spa Roma, West Virginia’s largest medical spa. “I ran toward this opportunity, frankly, not knowing what the outcome would be, but I knew if I focused on taking care of people, staying on the cutting edge, and always putting my client first, Spa Roma would have a chance to succeed.”

At the end of the day, empowering others is what makes Marlatt happiest. “What makes me feel good is when I can change how someone feels about themselves: boosting their self-confidence, giving them courage. And it is not always by changing something they don’t like but by helping them find that little spark to keep going, to let go and love themselves a little deeper. This is what keeps me passionate about what I do.” —TWQ

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Since 2014 WV Living magazine has been honoring West Virginia Wonder Women, amazing women who are raising the bar in their communities, serving as beacons of light in their industries, and forcing change for the greater good. WV Living is proud to celebrate these Appalachian mothers, millennials, and mavens proving that in a time full of uncertainty, divisiveness, and hate, love for one another is all we really need. No need for bulletproof bracelets or a golden lasso of truth—these women are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.